Shanahan refutes report about Notre Dame job, says he'll honor contract
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
One day after deflecting questions about his future with the Broncos, coach Mike Shanahan was deliberate in his response.
"As I said all along, I have four years remaining on my contract, and I intend to honor it," Shanahan said through a team spokesman Thursday night. It was in response to a Fox Sports Net report that Notre Dame offered Shanahan its head coaching job. Shanahan was not available to further discuss the issue.
Wednesday, Shanahan declined to answer several questions about his future, switching the subject to Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins at Invesco Field at Mile High. Thursday night, Shanahan's statement was concrete.
Shanahan, who has coached the Broncos since 1995, shrugged off rumors this year about his involvement at Notre Dame and at Florida. He was contacted by both schools after the 2001 season. Shanahan's response was the same when asked Oct. 27 about the then-vacant Florida job.
According to a source familiar with the actions of the Notre Dame coaching search committee, Notre Dame officials were in Buffalo on Thursday night having dinner with Bills assistant coach Tom Clements, a Notre Dame graduate who is expected to meet with the school's officials again today.
Notre Dame also is expected to talk to New England offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, who attended Notre Dame, but never played college football. Notre Dame officials have indicated the school is currently looking for someone with school ties.
Shanahan was contacted about the Notre Dame job in 2001.
Shanahan makes more than $5.2 million a season. The highest-paid college coach is Louisiana State's Nick Saban, who reportedly is making $2.3 million this year.
The Denver Post previously reported Notre Dame discussed a 10-year deal worth $30 million with Shanahan in 2001 before hiring Tyrone Willingham, who was fired last week. Shanahan came close to agreeing to coach at the University of Florida in early 2002.
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,141 ... 49,00.html