"I think every coach is always worried about his job security," Willingham said.
His job security hinges almost exclusively on the opinions of the university's athletic director, Kevin White, and president, the Rev. Edward A. Malloy, said a member of the athletic department who did not want his name used.
When asked whether White or Malloy had offered him a vote of confidence at any point this season, Willingham skirted the question. Neither White nor Malloy returned phone calls.
Despite the ominous clouds hovering over Willingham's future, his players still believe that a turning point is just around the corner.
"I'm very surprised, I'm kind of shocked," running back Julius Jones said of the team's record. "No one expected it to be 2-6 at the beginning of the season. But we're going to keep playing; we're not going to give up.
Charles F. Lennon Jr., the executive director of the Alumni Association, tried to look on the bright side. "We lose more football games than we lose freshmen," he said. "Our students graduate, and that's important to alumni."
TV deal
It is not clear that NBC, whose five-year deal to televise Notre Dame home games expires after the 2005 season, will be as patient. According to BusinessWeek magazine, NBC pays the university about US$1.5 million a game. The pressure on Willingham to win will presumably grow as that renegotiation approaches.
Ken Schanzer, the president of NBC Sports, said: "It enhances our brand to be associated with Notre Dame in every way, shape and form. There are going to be years in which the team doesn't perform as well on the field as others, but we continue to be delighted with our relationship with Notre Dame."
NBC's ratings for Irish home games are down 19 percent compared with last season's. Schanzer would not comment on whether the network intended to continue its association with Notre Dame after 2005. A second member of the university's athletic department indicated that other networks had already expressed an interest in replacing NBC.
Television contracts are not Willingham's greatest concern these days. He is too busy trying to salvage a season that he says has been one of the most trying experiences of his life.
"I believe this football team can be successful," he said. "We have four games remaining. But we have to do things right. I think I have great young men to work with, and they're willing to stay together, pay the price and be the best they can be."
Jones, the running back, said: "We don't want to lose any more games. Losing is just not a part of Notre Dame."
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