Day 59: Charlie Weis, Bobby Bowden, the Saints and more

HEADLINES

1) Notre Dame fired head football coach Charlie Weis after just five seasons and a lower winning percentage than his two predecessors. What do you think is next for Notre Dame and for Charlie Weis?

Ben: For Charlie Weis is easy. He'll probably get a gig next season as an offensive coordinator, or possibly even a head coach at the pro level. He's developed a great offensive system in South Bend, but nobody has developed the defense or kept Weis paying attention during games. I imagine he'll still be visible in football next season, but in the meantime he'll enjoy his 18 million in buyout money.

For Notre Dame - they will go on to lose their bowl game in a couple weeks and then begin the extensive search for their new coach. I bet on their dream/wish list is Urban Meyer, Bob Stoops, possible Kirk Ferentz -- then the second tier is Brian Kelley, Chris Peterson, and then possibly a guy like Heimendinger from the Tennessee Titans, or Jim Harbaugh from Stanford. I bet they'll end up with one of those guys and continue to disappoint next season.

Boz: For Charlie Weis, I think it's simple where he goes next. He needs to go back to the NFL and be an offensive coordinator, which he has been successful with in the past. I would actually like him to be the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears so that they finally get rid of Ron Turner. There have been sources that six NFL teams have already contacted Weis, so that's where I believe he'll end up.

As for Notre Dame, they'll have a lot of talented coaches that will line up for that coaching position. It's still a good coaching job despite the struggles lately and, despite all of the built up expectations, many coaches will still take that job. I don't think it'll be Urban Meyer and I don't think it'll be Jon Gruden. I think you'll see Cincinnati's Brian Kelly, North Carolina's Butch Davis or Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald in the mix for the job.

2) After 44 years of coaching, 34 with the Florida State Seminoles, Bobby Bowden has announced his retirement. Where does Bowden rank among the all-time coaches?

Ben: I would say he's in the top 10, but he falls because of recent struggles. Bowden was an innovator as far as recruiting, player development, and media relations. Bowden had his flaws, like nepotism, but he ultimately was an amazing head coach that helped Flordia State put itself on the map and become a consistent powerhouse in college football.

Boz: I would say in the mid to late top ten. Florida State was nothing before Bobby Bowden arrived and Bowden turned them into a national powerhouse, winning two national titles in the 1990s. I don't like the way his career is ending with recent struggles and it seeming as if Florida State is forcing him into retirement. I wish he could be like Joe Paterno where the team bounces back to top 25 status and then retire (that is if Joe Pa ever retires). I never really liked Bowden until I watched "We Are Marshall" and realized how nice of a guy he was off the field. He'll be missed.

3) The Drew Brees led offense outshined the Bill Belichick defense last night as the Saints beat the Patriots, 38-17. After watching this impressive performance, what odds are you giving the Saints at going 16-0?

Ben: 0%. There is just no way that the Saints will go undefeated. At some point they will have an offensive letdown -- and I don't think their defense will hold up over 16 full games. I just can't see them playing this well for 16 straight games. I give them a decent shot at the Super Bowl, but can't see them being 16-0.

Boz: I'm giving them a VERY good chance at finishing the regular season 16-0. The Saints are impressive on both sides of the ball and it looks like they have the offensive and defensive MVP of the league in Drew Brees and Darren Sharper. They don't have a tough schedule at all remaining and after dimantling the Patriots and Brees having about 35 weapons on offense, it looks like 16-0 is within reach.

4) Tiger Woods was put at fault in the one-car accident that he was involved in. He was issued a citation, fined $164, and received four points against his driver's licensce. What do you think of the punishment?

Ben: I think the punishment is kind of funny -- but I'm glad there is potential for this to go away. Look, I like Tiger, and I don't want to see a huge fiasco surrounding him that might distort the view of Tiger the golfer. I have no idea who he is in his personal life, and you know what, I don't really care. I like him as a golfer, and am glad people can start focusing on that again.

Boz: It's laughable, but I like that they are treating Tiger Woods like anyone other Joe Shmo that would have been in this accident. Tiger Woods paying $164 dollars is like fining Ben and I a quarter. I don't think that Tiger is worried about the four points against his driver's license because he could hire a full-time driver if he wanted. Now I hope that all of the negative speculation goes away and we can just treat this as a normal car accident and nothing else.

TOSS-UP

1) Which team needs to concussed quarterback more? The Cardinals or the Steelers?

Ben: Cardinals. Dennis Dixon wasn't terrible, while Matt Leinart has shown he can't handle the NFL game. He has been bad in short spurts as the QB in Arizona, and I think that Dixon offers another dimension to the Steelers game. Neither team would be in great shape, but the Steelers would probably be able to get by.

Boz: The Steelers by a long shot and not just because their best back-up is Dennis Dixon. If the season ended today, the Steelers would miss the playoffs. They need Big Ben back to get into the playoffs. The Cardinals are in such a weak division and Leinert didn't look bad in his start against the Titans despite the loss.

2) Which old, former Yankee outfielder is the better free agent? Hideki Matsui or Johnny Damon?

Ben: Matsui. I wouldn't want to take either, but Matsui won the World Series MVP and has a lot of pop left in his bat. I'll take the heavy hitter over the declining outfielder.

Boz: I'm going to say Damon, but I wouldn't want my team to sign either. Damon at least gives you the option of an NL team signing him because he can play the outfield. It seems that Matsui has turned into purely a designated hitter. Damon showed some pop in his bat last season and if he continues to hit that way, he could be a good pick up...key word being COULD.

3) How do you view Alex Ovechkin? As an MVP or dirty player?

Ben: MVP. He is a hockey player, not a friend. His goal isn't to make best buds with his opponents, but punish them and win. He does that better then anyone else. I'll take him as MVP anyday.

Boz: I want to see him as an MVP calibur player but he isn't making it easy. He and Sid the Kid are the best players in hockey, but Ovechkin is starting to get a reputation as a dirty player and recently was suspended for two games for a knee-to-knee hit.

HAPPY HOUR

Ben: Happy 23rd Anniversary Bobby Layne. On this date in 1986 you passed away, after a long and distinguished career with the Detroit Lions. You were the last great QB to play for Detroit, and also with you leaving Motown, signaled the end of sustained success in Detroit -- it's been over 51 years since a title was brought to Detroit.

Boz: Happy 43rd Birthday to Larry Walker. The former Expo, Rockie and Cardinal was a career .313 hitter with 383 home runs. One of the best Canandian born baseball players was the 1997 NL MVP and would have been a better choice for hitting coach for the Cardinals than Mark McGwire.