Coach Clements. I'm Serious.

I feel as ripped off as the next guy about the Shafting of Ty. I thought he deserved another year to get his kids clicking. No more, perhaps, but certainly no less. At the end of the day, though, we've got to turn our eyes from the headstone of Mr. Lionel Tyrone Willingham, and look instead toward the horizon. Who's next?

Here's my vote: Tom Clements. Out of high school this guy turned down a full ride to play basketball at North Carolina under Dean Smith, opting instead for a full ride as quarterback for the Fighting Irish, where he was All-American and led ND to a National Championship. I'm sorry, I said he led ND to a National Championship. He did it once, folks. . .

Yes, I admit that part of my zeal for Clements is fueled by the fact that he then went to Notre Dame Law School. Yes, his years as an associate at my law firm means he's extra money in my book. But that's not everything. Look, this guy worked under Lou Holtz (quick caveat: if Lou changes his mind about retirement, I'm changing my mind about my first choice), was a QB coach in the NFL for New Orleans, Kansas City and the Steelers, and is now the Bills' offensive coordinator. He's qualified.

You think I'm all hopped up on Backer Juice? Well, I'm not the only one. Apparently, Joe Montana, Ara Parseghian and Kirk Ferentz have all told Kevin White that Clements is the man for the job. What more do you want - the freaking Gipper to call his name from the clouds?

Perhaps most importantly, at a time when every sought-after coach is turning up his nose at South Bend, Clements is reportedly pissing his pants to get back there. This guy bleeds blue and gold, baby, and that's exactly what we need right now.