Here we go | by Pat

Charlie has officially been fired, per the NY Daily News, Chicago Tribune, and ESPN. There should be a press release coming out shortly and we'll update the post with that text when it comes out.

In the meantime, coaches across the country just lost their "I'm not going to discuss a job that's not even open" rebuttal to queries about coaching at Notre Dame. Whether they are pipe dream candidates, common sense targets, or darkhorse possibilities, any reporter worth their snuff will be probing about the now vacant office in the Gug. And while any replies, dodges, half-truths, and proclamations about not being interested in a job they weren't being considered for should be taken with large grains of salt, there's still going to be a lot of official statements coming out soon. Buckle up. Here we go.

update:

Here's the text of an email sent out to all Notre Dame students, which is also published on the official und.com website.

Nov. 30, 2009
For Immediate Release

Weis will not be retained as Notre Dame football coach

University of Notre Dame head football coach Charlie Weis will not be retained, University director of athletics Jack Swarbrick announced today (Nov. 30).

“We have great expectations for our football program, and we have not been able to meet those expectations,” Swarbrick said. “As an alumnus, Charlie understands those goals and expectations better than most, and he’s as disappointed as anyone that we have not achieved the desired results.”

Swarbrick recommended the dismissal Sunday night to Notre Dame’s president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.

“We have established an evaluation process for all of our athletic programs that, in the end, results in a recommendation from Jack to me,” Father Jenkins said. “I accepted Jack’s decision and look forward to working with him on selecting a new head football coach who is the very best choice possible for the University and especially for our student-athletes.

“I am most appreciative to Coach Weis for his service to Notre Dame and our community. He and his family have my prayers and best wishes.”

Weis spent five seasons as Irish head coach from 2005-09, with his teams achieving consecutive records of 9-3 (Fiesta Bowl appearance) in ’05, 10-3 (Sugar Bowl appearance), 3-9, 7-6 (Hawai’i Bowl victory) and 6-6 in ’09 – for an overall 35-27 mark.

Swarbrick announced that Rob Ianello, the Irish assistant head coach/offense, wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator, will assume responsibility for football operations until a new coach is hired. Ianello has spent the past five seasons on the Notre Dame staff and previously was part of football staffs at Wisconsin (1990-93, 2003-04), Arizona (1994-2002) and Alabama (1987-89).