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During the next season, Davie presided over the first 0–3 start in Notre Dame history in 2001. The Irish won their next three games to even their record, but losses to Boston College, Tennessee and Stanford sealed Davie's fate as the Irish finished 5–6. Bob Davie in 2009. He was fired on December 2, one day after a 24–18 win over Purdue.
The Irish were unable move the ball and lost 24–3, moving to 0–3 for the first time ever. [12] With Holiday back the next week, he led the Irish to their first victory of the season against the Pittsburgh Panthers, [ 13 ] and continued to roll with wins over West Virginia and USC to put the Irish back to a 3–3 record.
The team began ranked, but three losses to begin the season dropped the Irish from the rankings. Though the team came back and won five games, the 5–6 record was called the wrong direction by the administration, and Davie was fired. After some controversy during the hiring process, Tyrone Willingham was hired, ending Davie's era at Notre Dame.
The 1999 season began on a positive note for Davie, who, after signing 21 recruits, [2] was given a contract extension to coach until 2003. Though there were high hopes that the Irish could finally get another national championship, [3] there were also many questions facing the team, [4] top among those would be whether Jackson could lead a young Irish team. [5]
A week after the firing of Davie, George O'Leary, seven-year head coach of Georgia Tech, was hired by Notre Dame for the head coaching position. [3] Despite being a controversial choice criticized by some in the media, [4] and Notre Dame being criticized for making a premature decision, [5] O'Leary was happy to accept what was called his dream ...
After losing ten players to the NFL, the Irish began the 2000 season signing 17 recruits [2] Having to replace two-year starter, Jarious Jackson, Davie chose Arnaz Battle, [3] who looked to have a rough road ahead with the Irish playing four ranked teams in a row to begin the season, including a game against the favorite to win the national championship, Nebraska.
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With wins in their final five regular season games of 1997, the Irish started Davie's second season with confidence. Despite losing record-setting quarterback Ron Powlus, the Irish returned 14 starters, including tailback Autry Denson and three senior linebackers that were placed on the preliminary list for the Dick Butkus Award. [5]