Chucky to ND?

Its ridiculous, but the rumors of Jon Gruden becoming the next Notre Dame coach have gotten to an "absurd" level. If you remember, Jon Gruden attended Clay High School in South Bend, where his father was an assistant under Dan Devine at Notre Dame. Gruden did not attend Notre Dame, feeling he could get more playing time as a quarterback elsewhere. He was right, as he was a backup at Dayton most of his career. During the coaching search of 2002 (that eventually produced Ty Willingham), Gruden openly discussed his affinity for the Irish numerous times publicly, fueling speculation that he would be interested in the ND job.


Now that he has been fired by Tampa Bay this past Friday, the speculation begins again. From the New York Daily News Blog of Jets beat writer Rich Cimini:

"By the way, one of my Bucs peeps tells me that the word around the Bucs is that Gruden could be going to Notre Dame to replace Charlie Weis. Sounds a
little farfetched, but as the theory goes: The school will buy out Weis as soon
as he signs his recruiting class, in two or three weeks, and hire Gruden. Heard
from someone close to the Notre Dame program that there's a weird vibe around
the football offices. Hmmm"

Amazing. I can understand hearing about speculation that Weis will be fired after another potentially mediocre Irish season in 2009, with Gruden then being a potential candidate. But firing him right after the recruits sign? That's the most lowdown thing I have ever heard of, and certainly something that is not the Notre Dame way of doing things. While many hate Notre Dame, few can accuse the school of dirty recruiting tactics (deceiving or lying to recruits, money, cars, etc.). I think this comment was erring on the side of ridiculous.

Weis hired a few more assistant coaches, including Tony Alford, running backs coach formerly from Iowa St and Louisville. More to come on these guys later. But make no doubt about it - the most important assistant coach, Frank Verducci - offensive line coach - was already hired. Defensive Line coach is soon to come. The talk is also that the offensive coordinator spot may not really exist with Weis essentially filling it.