Notre Dame’s Weis wins Robinson award

TEMPE, Ariz. – Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis received the Eddie Robinson Award as the nation’s top college football coach on Sunday.

The award, given by the Football Writers Association of America, was presented at the final Fiesta Bowl news conference. Weis’ Fighting Irish meet Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl on Monday.

Weis guided Notre Dame to a 9-2 record in his first season at the school after being lured from the New England Patriots, where as offensive coordinator he helped the team win three Super Bowls in four seasons.

“I’ll accept the award, but on behalf of the University of Notre Dame, not on behalf of Charlie Weis,” he said.

He praised the school for providing him with the means to be successful.

“It all started after they hired me,” Weis said, “giving me the resources to go hire what I feel was the best group of assistant coaches. Those guys, together with me, I thought, provided some pretty good guidance for a great group of kids who really stepped up and had an admirable year.”

Rice hires Tulsa assistant

Rice introduced Tulsa defensive coordinator Todd Graham as its new head coach, one day after he helped the Golden Hurricane win the Liberty Bowl.

Graham, 41, replaces Ken Hatfield, who resigned on Nov. 30 after 12 seasons.

“This situation is one I’ve researched quite a bit,” Graham said. “There’s no doubt in my mind we’re going to build a winner here.”

Tulsa, in its third season with Graham running the defense, was 37th overall – allowing 342 yards per game. The Golden Hurricane was 42nd in scoring defense, yielding 23 points a game, and fourth in the nation in turnover margin at plus-17.

They defeated Fresno State 31-24 on Saturday in the Liberty Bowl to finish 9-4, including a 41-21 win over Rice in October.

“He has a challenge, but he’s met challenges before,” said Rice athletic director Bobby May. “I’m just excited to watch this develop.”

Rice went 1-10 in 2005, the team’s worst mark under Hatfield.