Browns QB Quinn backs Notre Dame's embattled Weis

BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn says Notre Dame would be making a mistake if it fires coach Charlie Weis.

Quinn, who played two seasons for Weis with the Fighting Irish, would like to see the embattled coach back for a sixth season.

"I hope not," Quinn said when asked if he expected a coaching change at his alma mater. "Personally I think it would be a horrible decision if they did make that change. I think there are a lot of circumstances that play into seasons like this. Hopefully he'll have an opportunity to have another year with the guys."

Notre Dame is 6-5 heading into its regular-season finale at Stanford. Weis is 35-26 in five seasons at the school. He was 19-6 and made trips to the Fiesta and Sugar Bowls with Quinn as his quarterback.

Quinn said it's tough to pinpoint why the Fighting Irish have slipped nationally.

"I know as a player there, one of the things we prided ourselves on was winning games and not worrying about stats or individual accolades, but pulling through tight games and winning games and going in there and fighting every week," Quinn said.

"I think if you've got enough talent on that team, there's guys that need to pull together and find ways to win."

If Weis is indeed fired, Quinn said he would love to be reunited with his former coach.

"It'd be nice," Quinn said. "I'd like to play under him again if I had the opportunity. It'd be cool."

Weis was New England's offensive coordinator before being hired by Notre Dame.