South Bend, IN (My Sportsbook) - Charlie Weis was introduced as the new head football coach at Notre Dame on Monday and said he intends to bring the program back to national prominence.

"I'm here because expectations weren't met. My job is to raise those expectations. That's why I'm here," said Weis, who quoted one of his former bosses, Bill Parcells, when he added that "you are what you are. You're a 6-5 football team. It's not good enough for you and it's not good enough for me."

Weis will handle both his new Notre Dame job and his current position as offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots through the end of their season.

"For the time being, I'm involved in two organizations. My feelings are I owe Notre Dame and the entire family to give them my best. And I owe the New England Patriots my best," Weis remarked.

Weis also lauded his predecessor, Tyrone Willingham, for the job he did and said the school's priorities for academics will not change.

"Graduating kids is the first and foremost thing. It is of the utmost importance, but it's [also] all about winning games," Weis added.

Willingham, who is taking over at the University of Washington, was fired two weeks ago amid controversy. He had three years left on his contract and was the first Notre Dame coach to be fired before his deal was up, despite the fact that athletic director Kevin White said everything from Sunday through Friday was done right under Willingham's leadership.

White came under much scrutiny for the decision to change coaches and for the fact that Notre Dame's first choice for a new coach had been Urban Meyer, who instead left Utah for Florida.

After Meyer spurned the Irish, White spoke about the search for a new coach before introducing Weis.

"We conducted five formal interviews and spoke with two specific candidates about compensation," White said. "One candidate was formally offered the position. Coach Charlie Weis accepted our offer."

Weis graduated from Notre Dame in 1978, but did not play football for the Irish. He is the first alum to coach in South Bend since Hugh Devore in 1963.

"We're really pleased to welcome you and your family back to the community," said Rev. Edward A. Malloy, the outgoing Notre Dame president.

Weis received a six-year contract reportedly worth $2 million per season. This will be his first head coaching position above the high school level, but also added that this is not just a job to beef up his resume.

"This is not a stepping stone," Weis stated. "When we come to Notre Dame we come with the intent of retiring. I'm here because I want to be here. I'm proud to be here."

Weis' only college experience came as an assistant at South Carolina from 1985-88. He then took his only previous head coaching position at Franklin Township (NJ) High School in 1989 before moving on to the pro ranks as an assistant with the New York Giants in 1990 under Parcells.

In addition to winning a Super Bowl in his first season as a pro coach with the Giants, Weis has been the offensive coordinator under Bill Belichick for each of New England's Super Bowl winning teams in the past three seasons.

"I've been groomed under the best to be successful when given the opportunity. Here is that opportunity. I hit paydirt," Weis said.

Weis also said the first thing he must do is sell the current players on the direction of the program.

The Irish were 21-15 under Willingham's guidance and this season earned a berth in the Insight Bowl against Oregon State on December 28. Current defensive coordinator Kent Baer is still scheduled to coach Notre Dame in that contest.