By now we’ve all head the unsurprising news that Charlie Weis has been fired as head football coach at Notre Dame.
Weis finished his five year tenure with the Irish compiling a 35-27 record. Over the past three seasons he was 16-21 and he lost his last three games.
There is no denying Weis was deservedly fired and he even admitted it himself.
No need to feel bad though. He still will get paid millions by Notre Dame even if he gets another job.
Now the question becomes where does Weis go from here.
He almost certainly will not stay in the college ranks unless same school is stupid enough to make the same mistake that Notre Dame did when they handed him that ridiculous 10 year extension, which may go down as the worst coaching contract of all time.
That being said, in all likelihood Weis will return to the NFL. Despite the numerous head coaching jobs that will be available, there are simply too many good quality coaches and young up and comers on the market for Weis to land a job over.
Though he won’t land a head coaching job Weis does make for an attractive offensive coordinator. He did a great job running the offense for Bill Belichick’s Patriots and Bill Parcell’s Jets.
While at Notre Dame the problem was never the offense, but rather the defense. Weis helped develop Jimmy Clausen from young, raw, high schooler into a potential high pick in this year’s draft.
Lets take a look at where Weis may land next year:
1. New England Patriots
The most obvious destination for Weis is a return to New England. Since Josh McDaniels left in the off season the Patriots have yet to name a offensive coordinator. Bill O’Brien is currently calling plays, but doesn’t have the offensive coordinator title. Weis and Belichick still have a great relationship and a reunion could happen if the Pats have a disappointing end to the season.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Like the Patriots the Chiefs currently don’t have an offensive coordinator either after Todd Haley fired Chan Gailey just before the regular season started. Weis does have ties with GM, Scott Pioli, whom he worked together with the Patriots and Jets. Though, Haley may be unwilling to relinquish the play calling duties to Weis.
3. New York Jets
The Jets are a very intriguing team for Weis. He was the offensive coordinator for them back when Bill Parcells was coach before bolting to New England with Belichick. The Jets current offensive coordinator is Brian Schottenheimer, who has been interviewed for head coaching jobs the past couple of seasons and may finally get an offer in the off season. He is also been heavily criticized for his play calling by Jets fans and if the Jets take a turn for the worse he may be fired. Weis has done a great job molding young quarterbacks in the past and he may be just what Mark Sanchez needs.
4. Chicago Bears
Someone is going to hall to take the fall in Chicago this season and it most likely will be offensive coordinator Ron Turner. He has been on the hot seat for the past few years, but this the last straw. Similar to the Jets, the Beats have a young quarterback who is prone to throwing interceptions and could use Weis tutelage.
5. Carolina Panthers
If John Fox survives in Carolina, Weis could be a nice fit there. The play of Jake Delhomme has been abysmal this season and they have not found way to get their best offensive weapon, Steve Smith, involved in the game.
Other Possible Teams
- New York Giants- The Giants may fire both coordinators after this season’s collapse.
- Oakland Raiders- You never know with Al Davis.
- Dallas Cowboys- Failure to win a playoff game may cost Jason Garrett his job.
- Cleveland Browns- Mangini and Weis worked together in New England, but word is they’re not the best of friends.
