Let's Follow The Lead of Notre Dame Alumni

Notre Dame alumni send letter critical of football program


February 16, 2004
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- More than 400 Notre Dame alumni signed a letter to the school saying the football program needs to make significant progress next season or ``a coaching change will become necessary.''

The letter is dated Jan. 26 and was sent to Notre Dame's board of trustees.

``We have 100,000 alumni and we hear from any number of them on any number of topics. We take virtually all of them seriously,'' Notre Dame spokesman Matt Storin said Monday. ``Whether the board of trustees will respond, I can't say, but it is doubtful they would debate these matters in the media.''

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The letter is critical of the football program, saying Notre Dame has made several poor coaching hires and placed more importance on making money than winning games.

It also asked that someone from outside the university be appointed to the vacant position of executive vice president and concentrate on finances, administration and athletics. The Rev. Edward Malloy, university president, has been handling those duties since 2002.

``The key point of this is that we feel that the football program itself is an integral part of what the university is all about,'' Tim Kelley, a 1964 graduate who co-wrote the letter, told The Indianapolis Star. ``It's not just football for football's sake.''

Kelley said the letter is not asking that coach Tyrone Willingham be fired. He said a similar letter was sent to the board three years ago, when Bob Davie was coach.

The Fighting Irish started 8-0 in 2002, Willingham's first season as coach. Since then, they have gone 7-10.

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Would something similar work here? I would sign my name on a like minded letter to DR and JO.

What do you think?

[Cal&Ken]

I'd sign too, but, they would not care.

[glm47]

dan reneau could give a rat's ass. all he is worried about is dan reneau.

[TECH88]

Hell, I think we did everything but set Oakes and Reneau's office ablaze.

[Champ967]

we hear from any number of them on any number of topics. We take virtually all of them seriously

I think that says it all right there.

[markay714]

They clearly don't care what the average fans think. They've illustrated it too many times to continue to be able to kid ourselves in thinking otherwise. Hopefully as time goes on they will start to care, but so far I see some pretty hard heads in high places.