Five Coaches That Can Replace Charlie Weis And Return Notre Dame To Glory

With a 35-25 record, one bowl victory, one BCS appearance, no national titles, and only one 10 win season at Notre Dame, Charlie Weis is on track to become yet another head coach in South Bend that could not get the job done.

Although Weis' recruiting classes have been rated high, he has not turned them into success. Some even argue his first two winning seasons should have an asterisk by them because most of those players were recruited by Ty Willingham.

Since Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick is supposedly waiting until the end of the season to evaluate the program, here is the list of coaches he needs to have on the top of his list if he truly wants to bring football back to South Bend.

5. TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson

Gary Patterson is a dark horse to be handed the keys to Notre Dame's struggling program, but his resume should not fly under the radar. Patterson is 83-27 since taking over the Horned Frogs.

TCU has five 10-win seasons and this year they are 10-0 and ranked number four in the BCS poll, with a possible shot at a national title.

TCU also displays one of the tougher defenses in the country every year, something the Fighting Irish desperately need.

Last year Patterson turned down an offer from Minnesota but if Notre Dame comes knocking on the door, it could be difficult for Patterson to resist.

4. Florida Defensive Coordinator Charlie Strong

Charlie Strong roaming the sidelines in South Bend is a long shot, but he would definitely bring the swagger and toughness that fans haven't seen since the days of Lou Holtz.

Strong is no doubt the premiere defensive coordinator in the country and one of the nation's best recruiters.

Since 2004, the Gators have ranked sixth in the nation and first in the SEC in rushing defense. Strong's '08 squad was fourth in the nation in total defense, giving up only 12.9 points per game.

Strong's tenacious, "in your face" style, and his ability to recruit top talent in the football rich state of Florida, would give the Golden Domers those annual tickets to the BCS.

3. Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt

Mark Richt has an 88-26 record since arriving in Athens and, more importantly, a 70 percent winning percentage in the SEC, the strongest conference in college football.

The Bulldogs have won two SEC Championships, three BCS Bowl games, and finished in the top 10 five times since 2001.

Richt has also been able to bring in some of the more premiere recruiting classes each year. During the "Richt Era", 46 players have been chosen in the NFL Draft.

He also has a history of developing good quarterbacks, such as Matthew Stafford, who was selected first overall by the Detroit Lions in the '09 NFL Draft.

Richt would bring a new energy to South Bend, similar to the way Urban Meyer rejuvenated Gainesville.

2. Cincinnati Head Coach Brian Kelly

Brian Kelly is the favorite to replace Charlie Weis, and he should be. Since 2006, the Bearcats are 31-6, with one Big East title, three bowl appearances, and one BCS appearance.

Not bad for a program without a prestigious football history. So far this year the Bearcats are 10-0, ranked fifth in the BCS Poll, and are on the verge of possibly playing for a national championship if a few certain things go their way.

Kelly is a Roman Catholic, which makes him great for South Bend. He also has recruiting ties throughout the region, which would enable him to go head-to-head against schools like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State.

If he can make Cincinnati a national power, restoring the fight in the Fighting Irish wouldn't be a problem.

1. Oklahoma Head Coach Bob Stoops

When you have a 114-28 record at the University of Oklahoma, win 80% of your games, win a national title, make seven BCS appearances, and win six Big 12 titles, you are more than qualified to lead the Fighting Irish back to prominence.

Under Stoops, the Sooners have produced 29 All-Americans, including the "Best Football Player On The Planet" running back Adrian Peterson and Heisman quarterbacks Josh White and Sam Bradford.

Although this may be far fetched due to Charlie Weis' buyout clause combined with Stoops' large contract, a move like this would change the entire landscape of college football.