Charlie's at the end of the road

News broke recently on a number of blogs and websites that the decision on Charlie Weis had already been made, and that he'd be axed by the end of the season. There's already a number of names in the mix to be his replacement, including Brian Kelly (Cincinnati Head Coach) and Jon Gruden (former Tampa Bay Head Coach/ESPN Analyst).

Though Weis himself doesn't believe a decision on his future has been made, if the Fighting Irish continue so slide as they have in recent weeks, it is probable that he will be let go at the end of the season.

It's kind of sad, when you think about. Weis came to Notre Dame bragging about his NFL pedigree and a "decided schematic advantage", but his teams are often considered soft and fold against superior opponents (1-13 against top 25 opponents in his tenure).

Sure, he's drawn plenty of talent to Notre Dame, but in the end most of his victories came with Brady Quinn and Ty Willingham's recruits. The Golden Domers will return to a bowl game again this year, but unless they turn it around and win one of their last two games, it will likely be a trip to the lowly gator bowl or worse.

As for his possible replacement, I think Urban Meyer is likely not a candidate, though reports say Notre Dame will offer him up to 5$ million a season for ten years. He's currently coaching in one of the most talent-rich areas in the country, has won two national titles, and is likely on his way to winning a third. I think he's content where he is.

Brian Kelly is another candidate who is much more likely to come. He's built a steady record everywhere he's went (turned DII Grand Valley into a national powerhouse), then followed that up by taking a very average Cincinnati team and has turned them into a perennial Big East power in just three years. The allure of a bigger fan base, a larger recruiting net, and superior facilities coupled with a great contract may just be the draw Kelly needs.

As for Jon Gruden, he recently signed a multi-year agreement to stay on at ESPN, so it doesn't look like he'll be heading anywhere to coach. At least not this year. Still, it makes for interesting discussion. Some other names that have been thrown out include TCU's Gary Patterson and also Oklahoma's Bob Stoops. Patterson could be a longshot, and I don't see Stoops leaving what he has at OU.