Charlie Weis: Big Man On Campus

Steve Kroft Profiles Notre Dame's Head Coach

(CBS)  If one school defines college football in America, it's Notre Dame. It has the largest fan base in the country, and a pedigree that includes Rockne, the Four Horsemen, and some of the greatest coaches and players in history. But as correspondent Steve Kroft reports, 18 years have passed since its last national championship, and in 2004, after two miserable seasons, it turned to Charle Weis, an alumnus who never played football, to restore the glory. Any new coach at Notre Dame, automatically becomes a national figure. The only thing separating immortality from ignominy is winning. And the former offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots is off to a great start.

At 6'1" and 300 pounds, Weis has become the biggest man on campus, with a girth exceeded only by his oversized personality, which seems out of place at a school run by the Holy Cross Fathers.

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Listen to Weis on the field and you'll hear expletives left and right. "Hey Brian, get the (expletive) off the field. You get off the field. You stay off the field," he yells.

"I consider myself brutally honest," Weis tells Kroft. "Whatever you have to do to get your point across, I make sure that I get my point across."

"I mean when I am not happy I make sure everyone around me feels the pressure," he explains.

Whoever it was that came up with the seven holy virtues obviously never coached football and certainly never spent a Saturday afternoon in Notre Dame Stadium.

So if Charlie Weis comes up a little bit short on self control, patience and humility, he's forgiven by the faithful – the fans.

In less than two years he has won 16 games and lost four, restoring credibility to the Notre Dame fight song and returning the team to the top ten. But it required a few adjustments.

"I mean you get some, you know, some obnoxious sarcastic guy from New Jersey coming in. And so it was quite a culture shock for the players," Weis says.

Asked how he changed the climate, Weis says, "I had to spend a good portion of time, you know, breaking 'em down before you could build 'em back up."

"How did you break 'em down? What do you mean break 'em down?" Kroft asks.

"I was unbearable," Weis replies. "And I was not a very, very nice guy."

What Weis saw was complacency: about winning, about going to class, and about living up to their potential. And no one was spared, not even all American quarterback Brady Quinn, who has blossomed under Weis and is one of this year's favorites to win the Heisman trophy.

Weis has called himself a jerk. When Kroft asks Quinn whether the coach is a jerk, Quinn says, "He could be a jerk – you know, I wouldn't say it to his face, but he could definitely be a jerk."

"What was his language like?" Kroft asks.

"I guess from what I understand it's New Jersey language, so I don’t think that's necessarily something you could put on the air," he says.

And Weis has a special look that he gives to his players. "Yeah, I don’t necessarily get as I think scared as other guys do, but he definitely can give a pretty devastating look," Quinn acknowledges.

[devintacy]

viva la notre dame and charlie weis

[ndfantp]

NDalum2002 you apparently havent' been to campus lately. There are more spanish speaking students than ever before. The majority of students are still white, but the minority population is increasing. Notre Dame meets 100% of financial need for its students, that means that even if you come from the poorest of poor neighborhoods, and you are from a single parent family that can barely provide for itself, than Notre Dame will help you financially if you are intelligent enough to gain admission.

[ndfanhbgpa]

What a great piece done by 60 Minutes on Charlie Weis and the tremendous work he has done with ND's football program. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Being on ND's campus on game day is like no other . . . everyone working there is so nice to ALL the fans attending. The campus is overflowing with great traditions, i.e., the team walk to the stadium, the pep rally, the grotto, the IRISH band, etc.
It is refreshing to see how Charlie and his family have learned to deal with the obstacles in their lif. Kudos to he and his family for starting the Hannah and Friends Foundation. God bless them.
Why are OSU fans so upset with this? They have more than their share of the spotlight every week with being rated #1 in every poll (playing Bowling Green, Minneso??; and they knock ND for playing the service academies who happen to have some of the best rushing offenses in the country). "Troy" is all lined up to win his Heisman and is advised each week by the ESPN analysts to "pick out his suit" for the ceremony. What more do OSU fans want, or are they that jealous of all that ND stands for?
GOOD LUCK Charlie, BRADY and all of the IRISH on the rest of your season! Luv ND!

[ndalum2002]

ndfantp, No S*#t! Of course it's clear what you were trying to convey. Domers1999 was just pointing out your ignorant stereotyped analogy. And, I don't know what planet you are on, but Notre Dame does NOT have a lot of minorities. When I was there, some of the football players told me that some of their buddies that went to play elsewhere were turned off by the lack of diversity in the student population. And, if the players were to name one complaint with Notre Dame, it would be the lack of diversity. Today, I think Charlie is reason enough to come play for Notre Dame.

[joeyrsween]

Kroft, your interview questions reveal that you don't know ozone from the endzone. Are you from Arkansas or Bull Head Lake? Have you even played a touch football game, even in grammar school? Next time 60 Min asks you to do a football interview, why not politely decline?

[bluegoldrn]

to MOM1231 I agree with you Ty has nothing to do with this .. People use his 3 years as an excuse to bash ND .... Nobody cares ... I wonder if the OSU fans have any idea that their current athletic director is a GRADUATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME... I can't understand their need to even comment on this story.let it go .

[mon1231]

TO D12ENGERS. Do u know what ur talking about first of all Weis is in his second season so hes not a knew head coach second of all Notre Dame Did play Michigan and we do play USC last time i checked there both in the top 10.

[mon1231]

First of all what dose Tyrone Willingham have to do with this story. If you really want to get to in to it lets see Florida hired Ron Zook the same year Notre Dame hired Tyrone Willingham and they both lasted 3 years. SO let me ask u the same question again what does Tyrone Willingham have to do with this story. Second of all Willingham was going to leave Notre Dame for Wasington anyway he was hired a week later. SO AGAIN WHAT DOES TYRONE WILLINGHAM HAVE TO DO WITH THIS STORY NOTHING HE WENT 9-3 5-7 AND 6-6 WHAT A GREAT RECORD BOB DAVIE ALEAST WENT TO A BCS BOWL GAME. Last but not least who cares about the way he talks on the sidelines and some of the words he use. A lot of coaches around the country do the same so what.

[saposto1]

Thanks for the great piece on ND!

Colorful language or not, this ND alum is ecstatic to have Charlie Weis as a coach. Notre Dame is about faith, intellectual fulfillment, and football - none of which has to come at the expense of the others. I think I am not alone in the feeling that Charlie Weis understands this and is about to add a new, exciting chapter to the long history of Notre Dame football.

GO IRISH!!

[pilney35]

Of all the college football program fan bases to write in only OSU fans found objection with the Weis piece enough to get on line. If they are such a superior program then why all the vitriol? Why would they care?

Excellence is more than a game or two against ND during down cycles.

Examples of no class OSU fan comments I've personally heard have been, "Break his F..king arm" when playing against ND in 1996.

I've never wished harm on an opposing team's players and that was my first introduction to OSU fandom. Then I heard of the riots in Columbus like the one after this year's Texas game. Assault charges too.



It's more of an inferiority complex. Being a "flash in the pan" program under Tressel is not going to put them in elite status. They'd have to have about 3 more Tressel careers to rival ND in titles.

I think it's having to deal with losing the original "Game of the Century" in 1935 and stewing about it for 60 years.

That breeds a lot of resentment.

[sowegagirl]

Yes, Charlie Weiss has come a long way. Yes, he has overcome personal and professional barriers to get where he is today. Yes, he is a man of faith. Yes, he is winning games. However, why shouldn't he be held accountable for what comes out of his mouth? If any student spoke like that in the classroom, they would be disciplined. If an adult spoke like that they would be reprimanded or lose their job. What makes him so special? Notre Dame has lost credibility for not calling him to task for his language. Someone who is so brilliant, so special can surely find a different way to say what needs to be said. Perhaps deep down inside, he is not the secure, self-confident man he says he is. I hope that he carefully watches the program, then makes a vow to be an example of someone that his players can emulate off the playing field.

[ndfantp]

In response to Domers1999. My statement was meant to convey that Notre Dame does not play a lax schedule. Apparently you shouldn't have graduated from our institution if you can't realize that. Second off, Notre Dame has alot of Minority students. The number keeps on rising every year. The fact that many minority students in this country don't have a chance to go to Notre Dame is not because of Notre Dame's admissions. I was perfectly comfortable with Ty Willingham as a coach. He was a straight forward coach who demanded respect. However having two horrible seasons is a row is just not acceptable. I only wish the University had learned their lesson when Bob Davie was around.

[skinny222]

I see one comment by a troll and the whole board things OSU fans are the demise of college football? I realize most hard-core fans can't think rationally about anything, regardless of who they're "supporting". But the fact is, most fans are top-notch no matter where you go to watch football. I've been to numerous games at the shoe as well as bowl games, and I've not seen much that wasn't good sportsmanship. Throw out (no really, throw them out) the total drunks who are attending school just because daddy made them...and you eliminate the issues that catch many of the headlines.

ND is without a doubt a great school and full of tradition. Both schools have storied and historic football teams, but they're working out of completely different corners. One is small, private, selective and the other is just plain huge. There will always be riff-raff, but even a small percent is a big number at Ohio State.

With that out of the way, I really liked the Charlie Weis story. I'm a fan and will love to see what he does with the team. I've always rooted for ND as long as they're not playing the Bucks.

I'm not sure how much more reporting can be done on NK and Iran that will make one difference in our lives. If you just can't get enough of it, try one of the 24 hour news channels. Or if it's effecting your life that much, you might try something more constructive than watching TV.

[bluegoldrn]

KUDOS TO NDandOSUfan you have summed it up so appropriately The OSU fans are obnoctious and they have given the program and the school a bad name .. I agree a lot of good things happen at Ohio State as well as in many universities across the country...So 60 minutes decided to to a segment about a guy who has overcome his own problems and has joined the ranks of one of the nations oldest and most well respected football programs. We are happy for OSU as well Jim Tressel is a great guy .So u may win another national championship it won't change a thing you still will be the worst fans out there ........all the best to you...GO IRISH !!!!!

[gossbert]

Ever since Charlie Weis has joined my favorite team for 50 years, Notre Dame, I have been impressed by his ability, his knowledge et by the way he drives the kids. I thought that after Lou Holtz, there would never be a coach with as much carisma. I was wrong, I love Charlie Weis and all the Notre Dame players. I am canadian and I was in South Bend twice to see my team.

[ndandosufan]

(Continued from first post)
Just from reading these responses quite a few people hate OSU mainly because of the ignorance of some of their fans.ND fans are also passionate for their team but they are also mature and rationale about it and respect other teams and players.I'm sure the goal of 60 Minutes was not intended to focus on the top ranked team but to focus on a program with rich history and tradition and a great,respected coach with a colorful personality.So,OSU fans, once again, get a life and remove the rose-colored glasses.Based on the last couple of years,the OSU program has not been the cleanest! Yes,I believe Jim Tressel is a coach with high character but some of his players have shown that they are not.I'm not saying that is his fault.It is what it is. Unfortunately it has influenced OSU's national repution.But so have ignorant OSU fans!OSU fans could have a major influence on turning around the university's reputation by treating other visiting fans with respect,acting like adults after a win/loss, realizing that there are other football teams and world events happening besides OSU and not posting ignorant comments on national websites! Growing up in central Ohio watching the buckeyes all my life,I will probably always be an OSU fan.But the difference is,I'm not ashamed to say I'm an IRISH fan!As an OSU fan that's not always the case!

[bluegoldrn]

60 minutes did a great job reporting from South Bend Hey Woody we never had a coach punch a player from the other team.. so whats a few cuss words? Charlie is a class act and he follows a long line of gentlemen including Ty... we who love ND are not begrudging others for the success of their teams . hey it's college football these guys are kids why do you have to sling mud at them. If the segment were all about OSU it would all be ok ..even though we have many highschool and college coaches who have inspired many a young men. God Bless all of you ..I believe there are a few movies out there recognizing that fact.This segment was refreshing and educational to those not familiar with ND football Gotta Love em!!!!
OH another thing woody we don't burn down the town or riot when we win or lose.. I could go on and on .. It's not the kids or the program it's fans like YOU buddy.Once again good luck this season we appreciate all college athletes they are just kids .

[fightingeire]

I understand why OSU fans are angry about this profile. They're a great program that does not get the same national attention. While they are the center of the universe in Ohio, they don't register any place else. It is probably hard for the to understand why, given their success, that they don't have the same fanbase that ND does. I sympathize with their frustrations. I just wish they'd shut-up.

[ndandosufan]

I am both an ND fan (thanks to my husband) and an avid OSU fan. I have always been an avid OSU fan but it is ignorant "fans" like woodyhayes 7 that makes me sometimes ashamed to call myself an OSU fan.People of Columbus need to really get a life!The last time I checked the world does not revolve around OSU football! Yes, I agree Jim Tressel is a great coach and mentor but so is Charlie Weis.Maybe one reason 60 minutes chose not to do a story on Jim Tressel is because he has the personality of a brick.To actually see multiple people write to the local Columbus paper up in arms because the OSU/Indiana game was shown on ESPNU instead of a local channel was amazing and sad. In addition, not to mention the riots every time they win a big game. If OSU fans think their team is superior than everyone else than why act like embiciles when they win a big game! ND fans and players show 100% more class than OSU fans and players. You never see an ND football player mouthing off or gesturing during a game when they make a play. That's because they know Charlie Weis won't put up with it! In addition, ND fans are respectful of other teams and fans and realize there are people in this world who do root for other teams other than OSU! Get a life OSU fans and woodyhayes7 and grow up! Don't you realize people around the country would have more respect for you as an OSU fan and the OSU football program if OSU fans weren't so ignorant about it?

[leprechan238]

Please remind me what happended to Clarrett and Holmes and then tell how much Tressel cares about his players. Do I need to remind you of NDs history (the four horseman, knute rockne, the list could go on forever) and who has more National Championships, all Americans and Heismans. I think that 60 minmutes has done a story in the past few years about Ohio State, it was about Maurice Clarrett being a thug and how long he will be in jail. I can't wait to see how far OSU falls when Troy Smith Ted Ginn and Gonzalez leave next year. The only reason they will have a winning record is because they are in the big ten and play a D2 school. 7-4 sounds about right for OSU.