Oct. 29, 2005
NOTRE DAME, Ind. - University of Notre Dame head football
coach Charlie Weis has signed a new, 10-year contract to continue as
coach of the Fighting Irish program through the 2015 campaign.
Weis, who is in his first season at the Irish helm in 2005,
signed an original six-year contract (that took him through the 2010
season) when he was hired on Dec. 12, 2004, as Notre Dame's 28th
head football coach. This new agreement - that takes effect with the
2006 season -- adds an additional five years to that commitment.
In his first season with the Irish in 2005, Weis has led the Irish
to a current 5-2 record that has earned his team rankings this week
of ninth in the Associated Press media poll, 10th by USA Today (the
coaches' poll) and Harris Interactive, and 15th in the Bowl
Championship Series standings. The Irish already have defeated three
ranked opponents (AP poll) on the road - posting wins over
23rd-ranked Pittsburgh, third-rated Michigan and 22nd-ranked Purdue.
To this point in the season, this '05 Notre Dame team represents the
highest-scoring Irish team in modern history at 37.9 points per
game. Quarterback Brady Quinn (in only seven games) already has
broken the Irish single-season record for touchdown passes with 20,
including a single-game record six against BYU. Quinn has played a
key role in the Irish currently averaging 340 passing yards per
game, far above the all-time Notre Dame season average of 252.7 from
1970.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Jeff Samardzija ranks second in the country
with his 11 TD receptions, including at least one in a Notre
Dame-record seven straight games to start 2005. Wide receiver
Maurice Stovall set a Notre Dame single-game record of his own
versus BYU with four TD receptions.
"In a very short period of time, Charlie has clearly and
impressively demonstrated the ability to take the Notre Dame program
where we all want it to go," said Notre Dame athletics director
Kevin White.
"Whether you talk about on-field results, off-the-field
understanding of the Notre Dame athletics and academic culture,
recruiting, public relations, or any other area, Charlie already has
indicated that he possesses the abilities to position our program to
compete at the elite level of college football.
"We're excited that Charlie wanted to extend his commitment to Notre
Dame, combined with the University's interest in furthering its
relationship with him. All of us are enthusiastic about what the
future holds for Notre Dame football with Charlie Weis as our head
coach. We're confident that we've got the best coach in America
ensconced at his alma mater for the remainder of his career."
Said Weis, "Since the first day I arrived at Notre Dame as head
football coach, one of my primary goals was to be able to see this
job through to the time my son, Charlie, would graduate from the
University of Notre Dame and to stay in this position until I
retire. By restructuring this contract, adding an additional five
years, this allows me to accomplish that goal. Maura, Charlie,
Hannah and I are very happy to become a permanent fixture in the
Notre Dame community."
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