Jack Swarbrick has spent his professional career behind the scenes. Now is the time to see if he can hold the stage himself.

Swarbrick, who was appointed to lead the University of Notre Dame Athletic Department 17 months ago, is in the national media glare as he – and he alone – holds the key to the future of the Irish football program.

With the Irish Nation awaiting his decision on the five-year career of current coach Charlie Weis, Swarbrick, who has built a career out of being a supporting player, is being counted on by Notre Dame fans to win the game.

Swarbrick certainly has impressive professional credentials as a person who is capable of helping organizations accomplish outstanding things.

The difference now is that he is being asked to show the leadership skills necessary to make a decision that will have monumental ramifications – regardless of whether he is right or wrong.

He has assisted groups – but not led them – that brought events such as the U.S. Olympic Festival (1982), the Pan American Games (1987) and the Super Bowl (2012) to Indianapolis.

He has been a finalist for – but not been selected as – the position of athletic director at both Indiana University and Stanford University.

He was considered for – but not selected as – the position of NCAA president.

None of this is meant to diminish his accomplishments. After all, Swarbrick was the point-man who persuaded the NCAA to relocate its headquarters from Kansas City to Indianapolis.

It is simply meant to point out that Swarbrick has rarely been in a role of this magnitude.

He isn't accustomed to it..

For many followers of the football program, the decision of whether to relieve Weis of his duties is beyond question at this juncture.

The only remaining inquiry is who will replace him. Swarbrick has gone on record stating that Weis has excelled at guiding the program in a number of ways. Swarbrick has also stated that the financial obligations to Weis will not be a factor in his being fired.

Many Irish fans feel a high level of disappointment in how Weis' five years have unfolded, so it seems that only a pair of astonishing blowout Irish victories vs. both Connecticut and Stanford in Notre Dame's final two games could possibly give Swarbrick a reason to bring the coach back for a sixth year.

It certainly is not healthy for the program to have its coach on an annual “hot seat.”

So if indeed Swarbrick chooses to have Weis continue at the school – which would take a fair amount of fortitude on Swarbrick's part – he needs to announce that the school will honor the remaining six years of Weis' deal for the good of the program.

Otherwise, thanks for your efforts, Charlie.

This decision is so significant that Swarbrick has to make the correct choice.

If he is wrong, as his predecessor Kevin White can attest, Swarbrick might very well need to update his own resume.

If he is wrong, and the Irish football program continues to be mired in a morass of mediocrity, without question there will be damage to the athletic department.

Now is not the time for Swarbrick to be a supporting player.

You don't fire Weis in order to bring in another coach that you hope can succeed.

Now is the time for Swarbrick to swing for the fences. He has to bring in a renowned, proven coach to lead this program in order to appease angry Irish fans.

You don't fire Weis to bring in Iowa's Kirk Ferentz.

You don't fire Weis to bring in a Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald.

You don't fire Weis to hire some guy at Boise State.

Boise State? Please.

Swarbrick is Notre Dame. Go get the guy you want. Go get Jon Gruden. Go get Bob Stoops. Go get Urban Meyer. Go get Jim Harbaugh.

For Swarbrick the curtain is rising and it's time to take center stage and perform the lead role.