Report: Details emerge on Charlie Weis' tumultuous tenure at Kansas

After Turner Gill’s time at Kansas ended, the Jayhawks turned to former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis. That didn’t go well, either, and more details are coming out about what it was like.

The Athletic released an extensive story Tuesday about Kansas’s “decade of disaster” which included a decision to pass on Jim Harbaugh. Gill came in instead, and he was out after two seasons. That’s when Weis, a former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator, entered the fray — and things continued to go poorly.

According to The Athletic’s report, Weis allegedly looked at the Kansas fan message boards to help increase the optics around the program. That didn’t go over well with the staff, especially since he’d cite message board comments during meetings.

“Charlie would make a statement and after the meeting, someone would say: ‘That was right on the message board,’” a former assistant coach told The Athletic. “Or, ‘We’re doing this now because this is what No. 1 Jayhawks Fan said.’ That mentality definitely permeated the office.”

On top of that, rumors swirled at the time that Weis fell asleep during team meetings. The Athletic confirmed that, and former KU linebacker Ben Heeney shared how Weis responded to those allegations, which made the rounds on social media.

“Apparently something happened to where the media is saying I fell asleep,” Weis said, according to Heeney. “It would be great if some of you guys could just say your piece and have my back.”

Ultimately, Kansas decided to fire Weis mid-season in 2014. During his time in Lawrence, Weis amassed a 6-22 record, including a 1-18 mark in Big 12 play. It was his second go-round after totaling a 35-27 record at Notre Dame before leaving the program in 2009 when the Fighting Irish brought in Brian Kelly.

Weis hasn’t been back on the sidelines since.