Signs point toward Charlie Weis as Will Muschamp’s offensive coordinator, even though the University of Florida has not denied or confirmed the story which broke Friday.
Two independent sources told Gator Country that the former Notre Dame head coach and current Kansas City offensive coordinator joining the Gator staff was pretty much “a done deal.”
The news was met with surprise, if not shock, by some.
Apparently even his boss didn’t know.
“It’s news to me,” said Chiefs head coach Todd Haley.
Reaction from Florida players has already begun to surface. Freshman linebacker Chris Martin posted “Eyyyyyy coach weis is back…reunited and it feels so good..haha this football thing is crazy” on his facebook page around 5 p.m.
Pat Dooley of the Gainesville Sun originally announced on his radio show that he believed Weis was the choice of Muschamp. ESPN NFL football insider Chris Mortensen later reported it on ESPN.
Dooley suggested that his listeners en route by car “pull over” before he revealed what he said he learned from NFL sources. And then he said: “Are you kidding me?”
Commentators and fellow coaches found it hard to believe that Weis would leave the NFL for a similar job in college — including Lou Holtz of ESPN. There have also been personality clashes involving Weis, especially at Notre Dame, and he is known for his outspoken nature and sometimes-abrasive style. Some have speculated — Mortensen included — that Haley may have welcomed the departure of Weis from Kansas City.
Mortensen reported last week that deposed Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels would be joining Haley’s staff to replace Weis.
Nobody denied, however, that Weis’s offensive coaching acumen wasn’t first rate.
The Chiefs lead the AFC West and are headed for the playoffs with the league’s No. 9 total offense and No. 1 rushing attack. They are 28th in passing.
Weis was fired at Notre Dame in 2009. He posted a 35-27 record in five years.
Additionally, it has been reported that former Gator receiver Aubrey Hill will be hired to coach UF’s wide receivers. Hill held the same position at Miami under Randy Shannon.