Welcome to Lawrence, Charlie Weis.

Yes, Charlie Weis is a big name in football — both college and pro — one that’s recognized by even the most casual fan. Weis was named Friday as Kansas University football coach, replacing Turner Gill, a coach who won just five games in two years.

Weis has won four Super Bowls rings, called plays for quarterback Tom Brady as the New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator and was head coach of Notre Dame, where he successfully recruited some of the game’s top high school players. He has a résumé that few college coaches — especially previous KU coaches — can match.

His hiring creates much-needed excitement for the KU football program and should help to sell tickets at Memorial Stadium next fall. College sports is driven by money, and, from a financial standpoint, Weis’ hiring is good for KU and the athletic department.

In the 11 days since Gill’s firing, KU Athletic Director Sheahon Zenger was tireless in his chase to find a successor, crisscrossing the country in his pursuit. Zenger should be congratulated for his choice, his first major hire at KU. We don’t know whom Zenger talked to or who might have turned him down, but he produced a candidate Jayhawk fans can celebrate.

Is Weis the perfect choice? That’s debatable. This is his fourth job in the past four years. But Weis comes to Lawrence with strong credentials, national recognition and everyone should hope he’s a great success at KU.