What does a 3-9 record and losing half your viewership get you? If you’re the University of Notre Dame, how about a new TV contract?

BUSINESS WEEK hikes up news that despite a dismal season both on the field and on the tube, NBC may sign the Irish to a new broadcasting deal when the current one ends in 2010.

Nielsen numbers for Notre Dame games have dropped from a 3.6 average in 2005 to a 1.8 in 2007, thanks to home blowouts at the hands of Georgia Tech, USC, and Air Force. And less viewers meant less ad revenue for NBC, as the Peacock network had to run many commercials for free to make up for the high pre-season ad rates.

But NBC Sports prez Ken Schanzer believes that this sucky season was “predictable” for a team loaded with freshman & sophomores, and says, “We think next year will be appreciably better.” He even added that the network may try for another 5-year deal when the current agreement expires.

And the rotten record could benefit the network in negotiating for a better deal with the school. Currently, NBC pays ND $9 million a year to televise Irish home games.

But with another sorry season or two in South Bend, Schanzer just might be joining Charlie Weis on the unemployment line.