What Makes You Dislike Charlie Weis?

[I Dont Miss Charlie]

Do you dislike him for his mediocre coaching success at Notre Dame, or do you dislike him for his attitude and the way he comes across as being arrogant.


From the alumni I have talked to who are among those that want Charlie out the main reason is that they dont feel he represents Notre Dame as well as some of our past coaches have.

The one thing I can at least say I appreciated about Bob Davie is that he represented the university well but he didnt win enough to keep his job.

All I can say from after attending a bruncheon of fellow ND alumns hosted by my grandfather is that Charlie has to get us to a BCS Bowl or he will lose his job.

 

[Subway Alum - MA]

While I have heard these claims, no one ever elaborates on this point. How does he fail to represent the University? Is it his words, actions or attitude? When Coach Weis was first hired, he made some statements that most Notre Dame alum and fans cheered after he replaced the emotionless Ty Willingham. As things turned out, these were the same people who threw that back in his face after the 3-9 season. Also, many reacted in horror at his use of language on the "20-20" feature. What a surprise, a football coach swearing on the sidelines. Finally, Bob Kuechenberg criticized him, going as far to say that he treated alumni and former players poorly. What did he base that on (from what was reported afterward). He didn't get credit for his involvement in the successful recruitment of Aquinas stars Sam Young and Dan Wenger - comments by the coach which would have been NCAA violations.
As I see it, the ONLY thing that Coach Weis is guilty of is that despite, have no prior college coaching experience, he (and we) thought he could make a smooth transition from the pros to college. The past four years have proven to be on-the-job training. However, Coach Weis is not stupid. He listens and learns and EVERY season has profited from his mistakes and made corrections - in recruiting practices and procedures, interaction with his players (17-18 year-old amateurs ARE different from 25-26 year-old pros), bringing back former players, re-establishing positive connections with former "pipeline" schools, speaking to alumni groups, replacing coaches (even if loyalty resulted in perhaps waiting too long to do so). In other words, he HAS made progress; even if the results on the field haven't been as rapid as we might like.
I don't live in South Bend, nor am I a graduate. So, I'm at a disadvantage when it comes to first-hand information. I read the South Bend Tribune online and check out the Notre Dame fansites on a daily basis. What I can say, based upon what I read in these sources, is that Coach Weis, as a graduate, loves, understands the history and tradition and the academic standards that impact the recruitment of student-athletes at Notre Dame; is a tireless recruiter and wants more than anything else to make the 'Fighting Irish' a perennial BCS team.
Am I missing something? If so, please enlighten me. Who would you prefer? Realistically, who would you like to replace him and why do you think they would/could do a better job? Like most discussions, the results are that more questions arise than are answered or people what positive results, but don't offer anything concrete that will produce them!

Subway Alum - MA
ND Fan Since 1950

 

[mooneytostle]

Charlie Weis represents the University properly. He has yet to achieve the level of on field success that we expect and that he promised when he arrived. Each year that the same problems on field (i.e. no running game) exist, I am inclined to think that he is not capable of becoming a successful college head coach.

 

[Stalking_Eagle]

When Charlie and the Irish start to win those same people will be kissing his feet and thanking the lord for sending charlie back to South Bend.

 

[allnd1962]

I like Charlie and think he has done a great job of getting us closer to where we want to be and should be (the top).

The things I don't like is that he never wants to beat teams to bad....I believe we have lost some games because of this. His offense basically is vanilla; that's probably because I like trickeration. One other thing when he does his press conferences I think he says too much about what our strengths are and what are opponents weaknesses are for that week.

I am looking forward to this year Charlie should have them workin' on all cylinders.
I can't wait for the spring game.

 

[NDOM]

Dont even get me started on this guy. I hate the guy. He's arrogant and disgusting looking most of the time on the sideline. Especially when it rains. He thinks he has a "Schematic" advantage over everyone and that has yet to arrive. He makes promises he cant keep yada yada yada.....Want me to keep going???? I can..... Anyway as far as I'm concerned Charlie Weis is not the right guy for the job. When it comes to representing the University of Notre Dame? He does ok as far as I know. Just dont like him thats all. He's no better than Willingham or Davie (Recordwise).

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

While I have heard these claims, no one ever elaborates on this point...

Subway Alum - MA
ND Fan Since 1950

Nice.

 

[Stalking_Eagle]

Dont even get me started on this guy. I hate the guy. He's arrogant and disgusting looking most of the time on the sideline. Especially when it rains. He thinks he has a "Schematic" advantage over everyone and that has yet to arrive. He makes promises he cant keep yada yada yada.....Want me to keep going???? I can..... Anyway as far as I'm concerned Charlie Weis is not the right guy for the job. When it comes to representing the University of Notre Dame? He does ok as far as I know. Just dont like him thats all. He's no better than Willingham or Davie (Recordwise).

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

...disgusting looking most of the time...

You talkin bout me?

Wut?

Want summa dis?

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

Just to make a few points that I know we have all heard, but are worth repeating:

Let's see, he doesn't represent the University well? Selflessly giving to charity, making sure players keep their scholarships even when injury ends their career, and conducting himself (from what I can see) with honesty and integrity on the recruiting trail - are those not things that represent the University well? They are just a few instances that show how he represents ND. I am sure there are countless examples that will never be public knowledge.

If you don't like him for his W/L record, I can't dispute that. If you don't like him because he appears arrogant, I am tired of that argument. But don't say he doesn't represent the University well. If you think Coach Weis is not a good representative, then I would like to see who you think would be.

 

[phork]

If you don't like him for his W/L record, I can't dispute that. If you don't like him because he appears arrogant, I am tired of that argument. But don't say he doesn't represent the University well. If you think Coach Weis is not a good representative, then I would like to see who you think would be.

In the end, thats what its about. W vs L. I like Charlie as a person, as a man representing the school. I cannot sit back and constantly listen to him defending his inept play calling, or his "schematic advantage". I thought it was a great hire for ND when they brought him in but his initial success he has yet to be matched. The fact that this recruiting class is teetering on the brink of disaster after a so called improvement year should be telling, and if he isn't BCS bound this year, he should step aside.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

In the end, thats what its about. W vs L. I like Charlie as a person, as a man representing the school. I cannot sit back and constantly listen to him defending his inept play calling, or his "schematic advantage". I thought it was a great hire for ND when they brought him in but his initial success he has yet to be matched. The fact that this recruiting class is teetering on the brink of disaster after a so called improvement year should be telling, and if he isn't BCS bound this year, he should step aside.

Although I still get a little uneasy when I agree with you, Phork, I seem to be doing it more and more these days (I know, welcome to the dark side).

You are right. It is all about wins and losses and I can't dispute that. While I don't think this recruiting class is "teetering on the brink of disaster" I do hope we finish strong. I think we need to definitely get one of the big guns - two would be awesome, but one of those guys (Teo, Jenkins, Starling, Moore) would be great.

I think Coach Weis's future hinges more on the quality of wins. If we look awful, but manage to eek out 9, 10, or 11 wins, I don't know if that keeps him around whether we go to a BCS game or not. I think we need to blow some people up. Maybe not every win, but definitely against the teams we "should" beat, we need to kill them. Just my opinion.

 

[allnd1962]

Dont even get me started on this guy. I hate the guy. He's arrogant and disgusting looking most of the time on the sideline. Especially when it rains. He thinks he has a "Schematic" advantage over everyone and that has yet to arrive. He makes promises he cant keep yada yada yada.....Want me to keep going???? I can..... Anyway as far as I'm concerned Charlie Weis is not the right guy for the job. When it comes to representing the University of Notre Dame? He does ok as far as I know. Just dont like him thats all. He's no better than Willingham or Davie (Recordwise).

NDOM obviously you don't like Charlie but since you brought up Ty and Bob which of the three do you think was better for the school during their time?

 

[phork]

Although I still get a little uneasy when I agree with you, Phork, I seem to be doing it more and more these days (I know, welcome to the dark side).

You are right. It is all about wins and losses and I can't dispute that. While I don't think this recruiting class is "teetering on the brink of disaster" I do hope we finish strong. I think we need to definitely get one of the big guns - two would be awesome, but one of those guys (Teo, Jenkins, Starling, Moore) would be great.

I think Coach Weis's future hinges more on the quality of wins. If we look awful, but manage to eek out 9, 10, or 11 wins, I don't know if that keeps him around whether we go to a BCS game or not. I think we need to blow some people up. Maybe not every win, but definitely against the teams we "should" beat, we need to kill them. Just my opinion.

If we go 6-6 again with quality wins, Charlie gets sacked. We need to have a top record and BCS game IMO. Besides its not the dark side, its the REALIST non-dreamer side. Its the cold hard facts side that no one wants to believe.

Jenkins is PSU or FLA imo, I think we snag Teo, Starling and Moore. I also think if Pollard is still in the mix we might land him again.

 

[IrishGrizz]

I like Charlie. However, I am also unhappy with his coaching abilities from the last 2 years. I do not hate him for all the other reasons that NDOM stated. In fact, more like GoIrish, I like alot of things about him. But like most people said, it all comes down to Wins and Losses. If he can't win next year and get to a bowl game(BCS or just outside) w 9 or 10 wins, then I believe we will see him let go.

I like that he has improved our position for success in the future on the field, but without the wins to back them up (or prove our belief in him) I understandhim going.

 

[gairish]

why do you like or dislike Charlie

why do you like or dislike Charlie

This guy represents ND fine for me, I like the fact that he draws a line in the sand and stands by it, you either love or hate ND, fine with me and fine with Charlie. I remember him talking straight and taking care of his players the way he promised, remember him taking Hughes to his brothers funeral and standing by his word to the mother that he would take care of her son. This is a good man and a true man of ND. My problem is plain and simple the on field results, I have gone back to the idea that none of us knew how bare the cupboards were when he got here, and will judge his coaching ability on this years team. He has worked his @%$ off trying to bring the program back and dont you think he's as tired as we are of shaking that guys hand from USC after blowouts. Keep your fingers crossed that he has some success this year (BCS) because he may just be the best recruiter ND has ever had. Once again the guy is a stud I'm just hoping he can coach a college football team. As far as alumni are concerned about his profile to the country he graduated from ND--enough said

 

[TC_57]

This guy represents ND fine for me, I like the fact that he draws a line in the sand and stands by it, you either love or hate ND, fine with me and fine with Charlie. I remember him talking straight and taking care of his players the way he promised, remember him taking Hughes to his brothers funeral and standing by his word to the mother that he would take care of her son. This is a good man and a true man of ND. My problem is plain and simple the on field results, I have gone back to the idea that none of us knew how bare the cupboards were when he got here, and will judge his coaching ability on this years team. He has worked his @%$ off trying to bring the program back and dont you think he's as tired as we are of shaking that guys hand from USC after blowouts. Keep your fingers crossed that he has some success this year (BCS) because he may just be the best recruiter ND has ever had. Once again the guy is a stud I'm just hoping he can coach a college football team. As far as alumni are concerned about his profile to the country he graduated from ND--enough said

When I was in college, my 5 year old sister passed away. My college coach never so much as sent a card. AND I WAS ONE HIS CAPTAINS! CW took time out for Hughes, arranged for the team to attend the funeral, observed a moment of silence before the next game and let Hughes score the first touchdown. All for a 3rd string freshman running back. CW is a fine representative of the school.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

The Hughes situation is a great example. Also making sure guys like Darrel Hand and that O-lineman (can't remember his name) when they have career ending injuries, still keep a scholarship and stay in school. That is huge. Players are usually just numbers to coaches, but Coach Weis makes sure these kids can stay in school and get their degree.

Also, let us not forget "Pass Right". So deep in our territory in the shadow of our goalline and he runs that play because that was what a dying kid called. That was one for the books, in my opinion.

I am sure there are many more things we will never even know about that he does out of kindness and integrity.

 

[gairish]

why you like or dislike Charlie

why you like or dislike Charlie

Wanted to say this for awhile about next years team and since there is no thread I'll add it here, The passing game is in place with a talented QB and two level 1 pass receivers (one of which is electric), the backs are maybe the best in the country as a group- they could come at you in waves-, the entire season rests on an offensive line that must claim the line of scrimmage, if they can do this the scoreboard will look like a pinball machine, if they dont there will be screaming for Charlie's head, thats why he's trying to get all the o line coaching help he can get, the defense is fine and will be even better but once again the motor of any team is o line, its as simple as that and its as hard as that, its all up to the o line

 

[phgreek]

the entire season rests on an offensive line that must claim the line of scrimmage...once again the motor of any team is o line, its as simple as that and its as hard as that, its all up to the o line

Smart Man...Absolutely right

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

I like Charlie. However, I am also unhappy with his coaching abilities from the last 2 years. I do not hate him for all the other reasons that NDOM stated. In fact, more like GoIrish, I like alot of things about him. But like most people said, it all comes down to Wins and Losses. If he can't win next year and get to a bowl game(BCS or just outside) w 9 or 10 wins, then I believe we will see him let go.

I like that he has improved our position for success in the future on the field, but without the wins to back them up (or prove our belief in him) I understandhim going.

Great post and I agree... CW would not catch hell if we was winning...it's really that simple.

 

[NeuteredDoomer]

Youth. Bare cupboard. Sound familiar? I am convinced of that. Not just rebuilding, but complete overhaul.

Time.

I think he gets two more years before doubts are justified.

(My opinion might be different if I hadn't slept through three games). Spilt cracker jacks (gift inside)...

Anyone know what Ty is going to do? Commentator? High School? Harvard?

 

[gairish]

why you like or dislike Charlie

why you like or dislike Charlie

Speaking of Charlie this Teo deal is really getting close from what people are saying, if he could bring this guy in it would not only say a great deal about Manti but a resounding salvo for this program, I believe that if this happens there is going to be a huge swing in the balance of power between USC/ND, Charlie has taking his beatings and made no excuses, the coach at USC may not stay there if things go a little south, just a thought not a prediction but in the past when ND held the hammer some great coaches at USC have moved on to greener pastures, seldom have both schools had excellence at the same time.

 

[phork]

The Poodle can ride off into the NFL Sunset knowing that he has dominated ND the past 8 years, and has had one hell of a successful program. Its hard to really shoot higher than what he has accomplished, so really I don't the impending rise of ND dominance as a sign he'll bolt. Pretty arrogant to think that anyways.

 

[NDFan537]

What a Great Thread

What a Great Thread

Look I don't want you folks to think I am bashing anyone but really we are writing about why we dislike our own coach. Who are we, SC, OSU, UF? No we are ND and we should have a little more dignity than talking bad about our leader. (For those of you that will trash the our leader statement, if he is not your leader I have no response for you. Like it or not he is the leader or what you call your team.)

I would like to add that as I read through the post I was pleasantly surprised at the positive nature of the comments. I believe that everyone is entitled to his or her opinion and in many respects we could trash CW all day about the on the field game planning and coaching. I just don't see any way he has represented the University poorly, and if you think he has then I too would like to see who you would like better.

I for one am a supporter of CW. I think that when he got here there was not a lot of talent and he did the best he could with what he had.(Two BCS berths) He has done a great job recruiting and if all goes well by next Wed. could turn out another top 10 class. I know and agree that great talent doesn't mean anything without wins, but I believe they are coming in bunches for us. I went into '07 with a feeling that unless Charlie was a magician we were not going to be very good.(we were worse I might add than I thought.) Going into the '08 year I believed we were much better and could finish with 8 or 9 wins if all went well.(Pitt, NC,Cuse could well have been wins) We only finished with 6 wins, and I was disappointed. Next year we will win no less than 10 games and a BCS bowl game. I truly believe that and if that doesn't happen we will have a new leader in South Bend.

All I ask is that you folks support CW as long as he is our leader, or if you don't want to do that at least don't publicly trash him.

 

[allnd1962]

Well said 537!

 

[notredomer23]

Well said 537!

seriously. very well said. Ndom. what are you going to say when Chuck wins an NC. Ok lets hold up because you think i will be crazy saying that. Hypothetically, we win an NC next year and this season we win a BCS bowl. What will you say? You still hate him?

 

[NDOM]

seriously. very well said. Ndom. what are you going to say when Chuck wins an NC. Ok lets hold up because you think i will be crazy saying that. Hypothetically, we win an NC next year and this season we win a BCS bowl. What will you say? You still hate him?

Ummm he wont win a BCS game this year and he surely wont win the National Championship the next year. But......I guess if I'm wrong I will have a helluva lot of crow to eat thats for sure. And I want more than anything for him to succeed and do well, Its just that I dont see him as a good coach. He hasnt proven anything to me except the fact that he can recruit pretty well. But as long as he doesnt produce results on the field I dont like him.

Now then at the same time this is how EVERYONE on this board feels. Yep its true. Can you honestly tell me that if he fails next year and the year after and Notre Dame keeps him as coach that you will still "Like" him? I didnt think so. We all have that hypocrit in us. When our coach is winning he is "GOD" and when he's losing he's the "Devil" and we hate him and everything else.

Charlie Weis has to prove to me that he can make us relevant in college football again. So far he hasnt done that.

 

[phork]

Ummm he wont win a BCS game this year and he surely wont win the National Championship the next year. But......I guess if I'm wrong I will have a helluva lot of crow to eat thats for sure. And I want more than anything for him to succeed and do well, Its just that I dont see him as a good coach. He hasnt proven anything to me except the fact that he can recruit pretty well. But as long as he doesnt produce results on the field I dont like him.

Now then at the same time this is how EVERYONE on this board feels. Yep its true. Can you honestly tell me that if he fails next year and the year after and Notre Dame keeps him as coach that you will still "Like" him? I didnt think so. We all have that hypocrit in us. When our coach is winning he is "GOD" and when he's losing he's the "Devil" and we hate him and everything else.

Charlie Weis has to prove to me that he can make us relevant in college football again. So far he hasnt done that.

I agree 2000%.

 

[notredomer23]

Ummm he wont win a BCS game this year and he surely wont win the National Championship the next year. But......I guess if I'm wrong I will have a helluva lot of crow to eat thats for sure. And I want more than anything for him to succeed and do well, Its just that I dont see him as a good coach. He hasnt proven anything to me except the fact that he can recruit pretty well. But as long as he doesnt produce results on the field I dont like him.

Now then at the same time this is how EVERYONE on this board feels. Yep its true. Can you honestly tell me that if he fails next year and the year after and Notre Dame keeps him as coach that you will still "Like" him? I didnt think so. We all have that hypocrit in us. When our coach is winning he is "GOD" and when he's losing he's the "Devil" and we hate him and everything else.

Charlie Weis has to prove to me that he can make us relevant in college football again. So far he hasnt done that.

well NDOM, now I know why I am at Goldhelmet. A buncha negative nancies over here