Speaking of college football ...

Dissertation title: "Tyrone Willingham vs. Charlie Weis: A Study in the Social Dynamics of Coaching the Notre Dame Fighting Irish"

By PCS, Ph.D. candidate

Down and Distance Kollege of Football Knowledge

TENURE
Willingham: 2002-2004
Weis: 2005-present

YEAR 1
Willingham: 10-3 with players recruited by someone else.
Weis: 9-3 with players recruited by someone else.

REWARD AFTER YEAR 1
Willingham: Pat on the back.
Weis: Contract extension.

YEAR 2
Willingham: 5-7, no bowl berth.
Weis: 10-3, bowl berth.

YEAR 3
Willingham: 6-5, bowl berth.
Weis: 1-7, no bowl berth.

PERSON BLAMED FOR YEAR 3 DEBACLE
Willingham: Willingham.
Weis: Willingham.

RECORD AFTER 33 REGULAR SEASON GAMES
Willingham: 20-13.
Weis: 20-13.

ACTION TAKEN AFTER YEAR 3
Willingham: Fired, despite three years left on contract. First Notre Dame coach ever fired with time remaining on his contract.
Weis: We can't fire him! He's got seven years left on his contract!

FOOTNOTES