(LAWRENCE, Kan.) —
The University of Kansas introduced Charlie Weis as its 37th head football coach Friday.
Weis says he's already told the players to enjoy their Christmas break because when they come back in January, it's not going to be pleasant. He says it's going to be a challenge to close the gap and become a winning team.
"I'm not the greatest coach in the world, I'm an old ball coach that's what I am," Weiss said. He says his mentors and experience at the pro and college level have prepared him for this job.
Weis says over the years, he's learned to show humility but he's never lost his passion or drive to win. "I want to win, I'm a bad loser. I would expect everyone else to be the same way," he said.
Weis says he's in a better position now than when he first started coaching at Norte Dame. He says that was his first college coaching job and there was a big transition from the NFL. He says now that he's worked at both levels, he has the resources and knowledge to make KU a winning team.
Weis says the best part of this decision is seeing the end of the rainbow. Weis says his family will be at KU until he's done coaching. Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger says Weis' contract will be for five years and is expected to be around $2.5 million a year according to KUSports.com. Final details are still being worked out.
As far as staff, Weis says running backs coach Reggie Mitchell will stay on next season. He's not sure about the others, but will talk with all of them. He says over the next couple of days he should nail down 80-90% of his staff. Weis says chemistry with the coaching staff is a very critical issue.
