Weis

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Charlie Weis seemed like the perfect fit for Notre Dame.

An alumnus, a friend to Joe Montana, a mentor to New England quarterback Tom Brady and the owner of three Super Bowl rings from his days with the Patriots, Weis promised five years ago to outscheme other coaches while putting a "nasty" team on the field.

In the end, though, the man who as a student called the university president to complain about the play of the football team couldn't lift the Irish out of mediocrity. Athletic director Jack Swarbrick said Monday that he'd fired Weis and begun the search for someone who can end the longest title drought for Notre Dame's acclaimed football program.

"I believe our ability to take the next step and return to a level of prominence is all about bringing the right individual in here," Swarbrick said.

Swarbrick, who took over as AD before the 2008 season, wouldn't be too specific about criteria in seeking Weis' replacement other than to say he believes leadership is key and it is important the next coach has succeeded in building and sustaining a Division I program.