Once again Notre Dame seems primed to change head coaches. Incumbent Charlie Weis has been as disappointing as his two fired predecessors, Bob Davie and Ty Willingham. And once again the name of Florida’s Urban Meyer is prominent in the speculation about a successor.
To date, Meyer has done and said everything to indicate that he’ll remain in Gainesville. There are the key givens: He’s very-well compensated at $4 million per annum through 2014; he loves Gainesville living; he knows the post-Tebow talent pool is still deep; and he thrives on recruiting Florida and cherry-picking elsewhere. He even loves his neighbors, most notably the Billy Donovan family.
But then Notre Dame is unlike any other college football program. Its history is hallowed. Arguably, the right charismatic, recruiting-magnet coach could “wake up the thunder” again. Notre Dame, to be sure, has never been synonymous with oxymoronic “student-athletes.” It’s never been a repository of junior-college transfers and police-blotter recruits. There’s still that Golden Dome. “Touchdown Jesus.” That “Gipper” mystique that even transcends a certain former president’s. And (Knute) Rockne still resonates – at least in popular lore.
And then there’s Notre Dame’s unique, national “subway alumni.” And its own network – NBC – for all home games. And whenever they’ve had enough of pedestrian records, underachieving coaches and a disgruntled fan base, the “Fightin’ Irish” go and get themselves a (Frank) Leahy, a (Ara) Parseghian or a (Lou) Holtz. They may be positioned for another blockbuster hire. And, come to think of it, Meyer used to be an assistant coach at Notre Dame. And his UF contract’s buy-out penalty is only $500,000.
But Meyer turned Notre Dame down once before – before he had experienced all that Florida can – and continues to – afford.
And Gator fans, no doubt, are inclined to put a lot of stock into what Meyer is saying this week. He says Notre Dame is “not an option” and that he’s “staying as long as they’ll have” him. And in the run-up to the big rivalry game with Florida State on Saturday, he said: “It’s what makes this job the best job in college football. It’s what makes this stadium the best stadium in college football…”
OK, bottom line. Brian Kelly of undefeated, fifth-ranked Cincinnati should be accorded the favorite’s role. Great track record, great surname – and leaving Cincinnati is a lot easier than leaving Gainesville.