FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) – Bill Belichick took a few minutes Monday to convey his congratulations to his offensive coordinator on becoming Notre Dame’s head coach. Now it’s time for Charlie Weis to get back to work for the New England Patriots.

Weis will finish the NFL season – at least six more games if the Patriots reach the Super Bowl – and Belichick doesn’t expect his impending move will be a distraction.

“Charlie and I have talked about it,” New England’s head coach said. “We’ve had good communication, good thoughts on it. I’ve been through it before, so we’ll work through it.”

Belichick was Cleveland’s head coach in 1994 when defensive coordinator Nick Saban accepted a job as Michigan State’s head coach. In the playoffs, the Browns beat the Patriots then lost to Pittsburgh before Saban took over the Spartans on a full-time basis.

Weis handled his Patriots job in Sunday’s 35-28 win over Cincinnati in Foxboro, then left for South Bend, Ind., where he was introduced as Notre Dame’s coach Monday morning.

“He’s done a great job for us. He’s been here five years and has had a lot to do with our success,” said Belichick, who spoke with Weis on Monday. “We all at the Patriots wish him well. But, at the same time, we still have a lot of football left. We have a job to do.

“I can’t worry about Notre Dame.”

Weis will spend time on his new job while coaching the Patriots offense, requiring an adjustment in duties among New England’s assistants.

“Everybody has a job to do,” Belichick said. “We may have to do a little bit more, divide things up a little bit differently.”

Belichick wouldn’t give details or discuss who might succeed Weis next season. First, the Patriots (12-1) must finish their season starting with next Monday night’s game at Miami (2-11).

“Right now, Charlie’s the offensive coordinator, and we’re getting ready for Miami,” Belichick said. “That’s where the focus is. There’s nothing beyond that.”

Belichick has experience juggling coaching duties. After quarterbacks coach Dick Rehbein died in August 2001, Belichick and Weis shared Rehbein’s duties, and the Patriots went on to beat St. Louis in the Super Bowl.

They won their second Super Bowl last season and could be on the way back.

They’ve won their last six games and 27 of their last 28. They won Sunday despite allowing 478 yards, although the defense forced two turnovers inside its 20-yard line and Asante Samuel returned an interception for a touchdown.

“We have a lot of work to do defensively,” Belichick said. “We got bailed out with some turnovers. We need to play the run better, we need to contain the quarterback better, we need to defend the pass better. We gave up some big plays.”

With a core of veteran leaders and coaches who focus on the next game, the players don’t seem distracted by Weis’ impending departure.

“I don’t think it’s a distraction,” safety Rodney Harrison said. “I think people outside the organization probably make it more of a big deal than what it is. … One key of this team is our ability to stay focused and keep our eye on the prize.”

And Weis will be around the rest of the season before leaving for college.

“Charlie’s a good football coach. He’s well organized, he has good knowledge of the game, does a good job teaching and motivating players,” Belichick said. “All those carry over into whatever level you’re at.”

AP-ES-12-13-04 1746EST