Matt Hayes TSN.comCriticism of Weis' deal is bunk
Posted: November 6, 2005
Charlie Weis' new 10-year contract has come with plenty of criticism — all of it unwarranted. The extension isn't about racism. It's about capitalism. Weis was 5-2 in his first seven games at Notre Dame before getting the extension; former coach Tyrone Willingham started 8-0 and didn't get a similar deal. Willingham, though, wasn't in demand by the NFL as Weis was and will continue to be.
Other factors to consider: Notre Dame's leverage with NBC in its television contract and with Adidas in its apparel deal was diminishing because of the play of the Irish under Willingham. Once Weis leads the Irish to a BCS game this season — it's a lock to happen with wins against Navy, Syracuse and Stanford — that's $14 million in the coffers. Then watch how fast NBC tries to restructure its deal with the school. ...