Charlie Weis is still with the Patriots. ND sought and was granted permission by the Pats to speak with Weis. The tampering rule applies only to members of the NFL and it's employees or representitives.
The only drawback I've heard spouted around here is he's never been a college coach and, therefore, likely cannot recruit well. He's young, very energetic, etc...but most importantly he's both a former sucessful NFL player. What gives you more "rep points" to a top-shelf recruit dreaming of the NFL? Talking to a guy who's never sniffed the NFL as a player or coach or a guy who's been there, done that, who's played at a Pro Bowl level, and coached as a coordinator and head coach for years. In fact, there's no other current big time college coach that can touch Del Rio in that regard except Steve Spurrier, and he wasn't all that great of a pro, player or coach.
Having a coach that is capable of developing talent, and one that knows what it takes to compete at the next level ....... That's a powerful perception in the living room of a prospective recruit.
if he is really interested, he may be the best candidate. i just don't see how he could leave that place with Leftwich & co. I saw the stands last week and it was horrendous. Officially not considered an NFL town based on that lack of showing. Hopefully what you posted will be the clincher but i hold serious doubts. that's a nice job/team he has.
Del Rio is most probably the best candinate so far that I've heard. As for drawbacks, I think it's safe to say that every canidate has drawbacks. Petrino coaching in a weak Conference USA? Miles having a down year at OSU, may want the Michigan job when it opens? A defensive minded head coach like Saban would be a smart hire. Defense wins championships. It seems like every team he coached for marginally improved from the previous year before he arrived.
