Weis to return in 2009 as Notre Dame coach

SOUTH BEND, Ind., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Notre Dame officials said Wednesday that Fighting Irish Coach Charlie Weis would return for a fifth season to lead the school's football team.

Notre Dame is 28-21 in four seasons under Weis, including 3-9 in 2007 and 6-6 in 2008. This season ended with a home loss to Syracuse and a rout by Southern Cal. The two-year record of 9-15 is the worst in school history.

"Though this past season fell short of the expectations that all of us have for our football program, I am confident that Charlie has a strong foundation in place for future success and that the best course of action is to move forward under his leadership," Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick said in a statement.

Weis, 52, is under contract with Notre Dame through the 2015 season.

He signed a 10-year agreement seven games into the 2005 season -- his first at Notre Dame. The Irish played in high-profile bowl games after each of Weis's first two seasons but haven't been in a bowl game since.