The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-02-04
PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL CLUB
 OWNERS AGREE
NOtre Dame Coach Signs Up SIOO,OOO Contract;
 Move Made Suddenly
BY STEVE SNYDER Limited Press Staff COrrespOndent)

D DA Q G 0kNAOG1O
 United Press Stan Correspondent)
 Chicago, Feb. A. (UP) = Elmer Layden, Notre Danes second Knute Rockne, traded the uncertainties of his coaching profession today for five year contract as commissioner of the National Football League at an annual salary of $20,000.
 Like Rock, Layden is family man-with a wife and four children and their security influenced his decision to abandon a highly suc- cessful coaching career at its peak.
 T owe everything to Notre Dame" Layden said. But the future well fare of my family is my uppermost thought. The salary and a long term contract naturally figure in my plans for the future"
 As National League Commissioner Layden will have powers never be- fore placed in the hands of any football official. He will have the last word in all league matters and the eight club owners expect him to rule their sport with the same nail- ed fist Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis flauntS over baseball.
 No Time Lost
 A majority of the Leagues club owners agreed to Layden's selection Saturday. On Monday, Layden con- ferred with Notre Danes president, the Rev. J. Hugh O'Donnell, to sever his connection with his alma mater. During the first week in April, the club owners officially will confirm his appointment as commissioner at their annual spring meeting in Chi cago.
 The move was so sudden Notre Dame officials have had no time to consider candidates for Layden's position.
 Only three weeks ago league own- CTS voted to elect commissioner. The job first was offered to Arch Ward, Chicago sports editor, who turned down a 10 year contract. Ward, great friend of Notre Dame, conferred at length with the owners during the January session and may have suggested Layden as a substi- ute candidate.
 T regret leaving Notre Dame" Layden said. Everyone here has been fine to me as a student, player and coach. Father ODonnell was very sympathetic when I first told him about the pro football offer. l don't have kick in the world.
 q believe in the future of pro football. My contracts with Ma | tional League owners revealed a lot about their business, as a college coach, never before understood. They have the welfare of the col lege boys at heart and I'll do all l can to promote that interest"
 Chicago Office? Layden said he will remain at Notre Dame "for some time" to straighten out his personal business. He said he would make his head quarters in some National League city, probably Chicago. The leagues publicity headquarters, with divi- sions now in both New York and Chicago, will be established in Lay den'S office.
 As a player, Layden was much l uhC 6uO A0o0 and determined. He was Rockne's splinter fullback" in Notre Danes immortal four horsemen backfield which included Harry Stuhldreher, Don Miller and Jim Crowley.
 He broke into coaching at Loras College, Dubuque, Ia, in 1925, hand led Duquesne football for seven years and moved to Notre Dame on December g, 1883, when Irish grid fortunes were at their lowest ebb since before Rockne time.
 In seven seasons under Layden, Notre Dame won Al games, lost l3 and tied three. In 1898 the Irish won eight and lost one, best record since Rockne's death. Last season, the Irish appeared overrated but won seven of nine games.
 Saturday afternoons" Layden. Twill be mighty lonely come next fall. haven't had fall Saturday of since my prep school days-way hack when