December 1, 2004

Notre Dame announced yesterday that it had dismissed Coach Tyrone Willingham, creating an opening for what is regarded as the most prestigious job in college football and one that may be quickly offered to Urban Meyer, the coach of unbeaten Utah. Willingham, who was the first African-American head coach at Notre Dame in any sport, compiled a record of 21-15 in three seasons. This season, the Irish are an erratic 6-5, including a 41-10 loss to top-ranked Southern California on Saturday. It was the fifth time the Irish lost by 31 or more points under Willingham and only added to the frustrations at a program that for so long fielded a dominant team but has now gone 16 years without a national title and more than a decade without a final top-10 ranking.

Reliance Energy, in latest move in power struggle between brothers Mukesh and Anil Ambani, asks six directors to reconsider their resignations (S)

Gains by Vioxx Competitors Appear to Be Short-Lived The Pfizer painkillers Celebrex and Bextra experienced a jump in sales immediately after Merck pulled Vioxx from the market, but the gains appear to have been short-lived, according to data from market research firms. Indeed, doctors appear to be avoiding putting patients on Bextra, which some studies suggest might have some of the same heart risks as Vioxx, according to ImpactRx, which tracks physician practices. [Page C2.] Pfizer Plans Filings on New Drugs Pfizer is on schedule to complete the filing of 20 new drug applications by the end of 2006 as it confronts patent expirations affecting 31 percent of its sales, said its chief executive, Henry A. McKinnell Jr., left. A new combination cholesterol medicine, a pill to help smokers quit and a portfolio of cancer drugs will do the most to replace $14 billion in annual revenue from drugs that will face generic competition. [C2.] Growth of Global Economy Slowing Prospects for the global economy next year are growing dimmer as high oil prices hurt consumption and the unchecked rise in the United States trade deficit depresses the dollar, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said. [C3.] A Delay for Audit Certification Many companies will have 45 more days to certify their financial controls. [C10.] Cingular to Upgrade Its Network Cingular Wireless announced plans to increase the speed of its data network. [C9.] A.I.G. in Deal With Regulators American International Group and regulators have finalized a settlement that calls for the company to pay $126 million in penalties and restitution and to allow an independent monitor to review the company's books. The Justice Department said that it had agreed not to pursue criminal charges against a unit of A.I.G. for 13 months. [C2.] 29 Firms Are Fined by NASD NASD has censured 29 securities firms and fined them $9.2 million for failing to properly disclose disciplinary and other information about their brokers. [C2.] Gazprom to Bid for Yukos Assets Russia's natural gas monopoly Gazprom said that it would bid for some assets of Yukos at an auction Dec. 19. [World Business, Section W.] Universal May Start Music Channel Universal Music Group is discussing the creation of its own satellite TV music channel on the Dish Network. [C8.]

Dance Theater of Harlem, a financially troubled company, said it would reopen its landmark school on Saturday, thanks to $1.6 million in newly raised donations -- nearly a third of that attributed to Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. The company, dogged by debt and accusations of inept management in the past, also said it would appoint an executive director to run its operations, including the dance company.

Waiters and waitresses perform in Aching Dogs Theater Co production of Bar Scenes, annual show produced by New York Hotel Trades Council, whose 26,000 members include 2,000 show-business hopefuls, many are veteran performers, but some are new to business and hope to be spotted by agents attending performances; Aching Dogs has mounted 16 shows in nearly eight years of its existence, including theatrical performances and showcases; diverse working hours make it hard to schedule rehearsals and performances; photos (M)