Silly Season 2014/2015 (Coaching Changes)

[Nick Setta]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>OL coach under Charlie Weis in 2009. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/ThayerEvansSI">@ThayerEvansSI</a>: UCONN has hired Frank Verducci as OC per source.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/564812796714819586">February 9, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Doesn't Verducci have Iowa ties?

 

[PANDFAN]

Doesn't Verducci have Iowa ties?

Former Iowa coach Verducci heads to UNI | Hawk Central

yes but what does that matter...not a real fertile area

 

[NDRock]

Any and all of those could improve by hiring ND guys.

In some ways I look at it as an organization hiring a development director. Say the organization is a Catholic high school. Candidate A has extensive knowledge and 20 years experience in the development field and has had success building relationships and raising money. And then there is Candidate B. He too has the same experience and knowledge as A. But Candidate A was a product of public schools and is agnostic. Candidate B is a product of Catholic schools, is a practicing Catholic, and an alumnus of the high school. While Candidate A could be a great choice, Candidate B would presumably be the no-brainer hire. He'd bring an enthusiasm Candidate A probably couldn't provide and a genuine message Candidate A couldn't provide. So you have a guy out there selling the school who truly buys into the school. That veracity and enthusiasm has a way of seeping out to other departments, to faculty, and to students. The pride and mission factor of "our school" raises even more.

Does it work out 100% of the time? No. But there's a reason Bear Bryant left for Alabama, Jim Harbaugh left for Michigan, Urban Meyer went back to his home state, and people everyday, in all walks of life, go back "home."

I think Brian Kelly has the "coaching" part down, I think he needs more of the "ND" though.

I think there definitely needs to be some "institutional fit" for coaches (not necessarily alums). Harry Hiestand coached at Tennessee for a couple of years and OL recruiting during that time was poor. In fact, most UT fans that I know hated him. I was a little skeptical when ND hired him but he has obviously been able to recruit quite well. Part of the problem at UT was Derek Dooley being an idiot but I've always wondered how much was the result of Harry having coached "up north" his entire career.

As a transplant to East Tennessee I can assure you there is some culture shock. Heistand may not have been very relatable to many of the prospects from this area. In fact, my boss' son has been a manager for the UT team the last four years. I remember my boss saying that his son couldn't understand him half the time, I'm guessing too much Yankee in his voice.

 

[BoredIrish]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>OL coach under Charlie Weis in 2009. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/ThayerEvansSI">@ThayerEvansSI</a>: UCONN has hired Frank Verducci as OC per source.</p>— Andrew Owens (@BGI_AndrewOwens) <a href="https://twitter.com/BGI_AndrewOwens/status/564812796714819586">February 9, 2015</a></blockquote>
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I was hoping Quinn would be the new OC @ UCONN.

 

[Nick Setta]

Former Iowa coach Verducci heads to UNI | Hawk Central

yes but what does that matter...not a real fertile area

Diaco went to Iowa.

 

[Ndaccountant]

You couldn't be more right here. ND can only be successful if it has the right mix of coaches and personnel. Those people have to understand what makes ND unique - no better way than to have lived it.

Kelly will never be able to say that, and I don't think he really wants to be anything other than a CEO.

My opinion FWIW......it's the approach you have to take if you are not viewing the job as a "home". By that, I mean that BK has been trying to get his ultimate job, which I have always believed is in the NFL. This approach certainly has it's pros and cons, but there is a distinct difference between a Digger and Lou versus a guy like BK. I don't think BK ever wanted to be like Lou in terms of emotional investment, he just wants to replicate the success.

Truth be told, BK and ND needed each other and probably still do for the next season or two. But I would be somewhat surprised if BK is here come 2017. If it goes the way I think it will, both BK and ND will be better off....BK in the NFL and ND much more competitive and that is when I think ND finds not only an excellent coach, but someone who views the place like you and I do. For whatever reason, I never have thought BK does deep inside, I just think he sells it that he does.

 

[stlnd01]

My opinion FWIW......it's the approach you have to take if you are not viewing the job as a "home". By that, I mean that BK has been trying to get his ultimate job, which I have always believed is in the NFL. This approach certainly has it's pros and cons, but there is a distinct difference between a Digger and Lou versus a guy like BK. I don't think BK ever wanted to be like Lou in terms of emotional investment, he just wants to replicate the success.

Truth be told, BK and ND needed each other and probably still do for the next season or two. But I would be somewhat surprised if BK is here come 2017. If it goes the way I think it will, both BK and ND will be better off....BK in the NFL and ND much more competitive and that is when I think ND finds not only an excellent coach, but someone who views the place like you and I do. For whatever reason, I never have thought BK does deep inside, I just think he sells it that he does.

This came up in the "Notre Dame's Harbaugh?" thread awhile back, but the universe of elite college coaches who "get" Notre Dame the way you're talking about it just isn't that large. I'd actually be hard-pressed to think of one besides maybe Charlie Strong, maybe Bob Stoops, maybe Urban Meyer. And Brian Kelly. Personally I think he gets Notre Dame - and what it takes to win there in 2015 (as opposed to 1988) - just fine.

 

[PANDFAN]

someone the other day asked about Tyler McDermott if he was still a GA.....just wanted to let them know he ISN'T and took a job w/Robert Half Int.

 

[Ndaccountant]

This came up in the "Notre Dame's Harbaugh?" thread awhile back, but the universe of elite college coaches who "get" Notre Dame the way you're talking about it just isn't that large. I'd actually be hard-pressed to think of one besides maybe Charlie Strong, maybe Bob Stoops, maybe Urban Meyer. And Brian Kelly. Personally I think he gets Notre Dame - and what it takes to win there in 2015 (as opposed to 1988) - just fine.

It's not understanding what it takes to win. It's embracing the culture and uniqueness of the school. Don't get me wrong, I am not talking about a turf versus grass or putting up a tron. It's about what separates ND from OSU or UF or LSU off the field. I think BK understands it and sells it. I am just not sure he actually buys it tho.

 

[stlnd01]

It's not understanding what it takes to win. It's embracing the culture and uniqueness of the school. Don't get me wrong, I am not talking about a turf versus grass or putting up a tron. It's about what separates ND from OSU or UF or LSU off the field. I think BK understands it and sells it. I am just not sure he actually buys it tho.

Ok. But he certainly talks the talk. Walks it pretty well, too. Beyond that I'm not sure how either of us are supposed to know what's in the man's soul.

 

[stlnd01]

UCLA DC quit to take a job w/ Atlanta Falcons.

Also, a good article on ND's coaching situaish at OFD this morning.

The idea of Quinn and/or Elliott in an off-field position, making room for another on-field coach and recruiter, is pretty intriguing.

 

[ThePiombino]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I'm told that Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock turned down the Central Michigan head coaching job to stay with Brian Kelly.</p>— Keith Arnold (@KeithArnold) <a href="https://twitter.com/KeithArnold/status/564823033471184896">February 9, 2015</a></blockquote>
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Anyone who thinks Kelly asks Elston to give up OC duties to make room for someone else...this is NOT the move of a guy who is about to give up OC duties.

 

[Johannes]

The idea of Quinn and/or Elliott in an off-field position, making room for another on-field coach and recruiter, is pretty intriguing.

What are the rules regarding this? How much on the field coaching can he provide from an off the field position? Any? I would think this type of arrangement would be preferable for somome with more recruiting renown, but maybe I'm missing something here?

I'm sure this is something that occurs more frequently than I realize.

 

[ThePiombino]

What are the rules regarding this? How much on the field coaching can he provide from an off the field position? Any? I would think this type of arrangement would be preferable for somome with more recruiting renown, but maybe I'm missing something here?

I'm sure this is something that occurs more frequently than I realize.

Zero coaching. Pretty sure this is what Bama did with Lupoi, no? Gave him some administrative title?

 

[Johannes]

Zero coaching. Pretty sure this is what Bama did with Lupoi, no? Gave him some administrative title?

Lupoi was hired in as an "intern" to provide "defensive analysis," a job title in which I cannot imagine Quinn would be interested. He was recently promoted to a LB coach position, if I recall. Lupoi's strength is recruiting, though, which by all accounts is not Quinn's strongest area. Unless Quinn would be asked to fulfill some kind of off the field coordinator type role? Just doesn't add up to me.

 

[IrishLax]

Oregon just signed Heilfrich to a 5 year extension that is a freaking bargain. Well done by them.

 

[ThePiombino]

Oregon just signed Heilfrich to a 5 year extension that is a freaking bargain. Well done by them.

Eh. All his agent needs to do is put out a rumor that an NFL team is interested and Oregon will be tripping over themselves to throw more Nike money at him.

 

[PANDFAN]

OU best recruiter, def coordinator who just got the position a few weeks just left for packers...wonder if cooks gets this

 

[IrishLax]

OU best recruiter, def coordinator who just got the position a few weeks just left for packers...wonder if cooks gets this

Rumor was Cooks was brought in with the understanding he'd be able to move into that role. but i don't know if they meant this soon?

 

[PANDFAN]

Rumor was Cooks was brought in with the understanding he'd be able to move into that role. but i don't know if they meant this soon?

Heard similar,which i highly doubt they thought it would be now....stoops is on the hot seat so he has tough decision to make...i mean there are only 2 coaches left on staff from last year

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>More shakeup in Westwood. Via <a href="https://twitter.com/BruinReport">@BruinReport</a>, UCLA OLB coach Mike Tuiasosopo has been let go <a href="http://t.co/CoTSpNolGN">http://t.co/CoTSpNolGN</a> <a href="http://t.co/NUOdyYFCFz">pic.twitter.com/NUOdyYFCFz</a></p>— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) <a href="https://twitter.com/PacificTakes/status/565495591770525696">February 11, 2015</a></blockquote>
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hmmmm, def line coach previous..along w/ special teams...ties to the west coast..american samoan

 

[Buster Bluth]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>More shakeup in Westwood. Via <a href="https://twitter.com/BruinReport">@BruinReport</a>, UCLA OLB coach Mike Tuiasosopo has been let go <a href="http://t.co/CoTSpNolGN">http://t.co/CoTSpNolGN</a> <a href="http://t.co/NUOdyYFCFz">pic.twitter.com/NUOdyYFCFz</a></p>— Pacific Takes (@PacificTakes) <a href="https://twitter.com/PacificTakes/status/565495591770525696">February 11, 2015</a></blockquote>
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hmmmm, def line coach previous..along w/ special teams...ties to the west coast..american samoan

I think hell would have to freeze over before Notre Dame hires a Tuiasosopo.

 

[PANDFAN]

I think hell would have to freeze over before Notre Dame hires a Tuiasosopo.

manti is gone

 

[NDdomer2]

He wasnt even listed as a top 98 recruiter in his conference per 247.

2015 Pacific-12 Football Recruiter Rankings

 

[PANDFAN]

He wasnt even listed as a top 98 recruiter in his conference per 247.

2015 Pacific-12 Football Recruiter Rankings

he was at ucla for 1 year

 

[NDdomer2]

he was at ucla for 1 year

I am aware. But UCLA had a hell of a class and nearly the whole staff was in top 25.

The last time he coached before this year was at Colorado in 2012. He was listed 23rd recruiting in conference for landing 1 player a 3 DL.

Just my opinion, we can do better for DL coach.

 

[PANDFAN]

I am aware. But UCLA had a hell of a class and nearly the whole staff was in top 25.

The last time he coached before this year was at Colorado in 2012. He was listed 23rd recruiting in conference for landing 1 player a 3 DL.

Just my opinion, we can do better for DL coach.

i posted the tweet....have no knowledge of him as coach/recruiter...it was more along the lines of I just heard elston was moving, this guy leaves ucla, he is samoan and from the west coast who happens to be a previous def line coach...that's all...wasn't on the bandwagon...just spitballing

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash">#LSU</a> set to hire Tony Ball from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UGA?src=hash">#UGA</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/Sheadixon">@Sheadixon</a> <a href="http://t.co/0U7NUJTOV3">http://t.co/0U7NUJTOV3</a></p>— JC Shurburtt (@jcshurburtt) <a href="https://twitter.com/jcshurburtt/status/566234626805735424">February 13, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Report: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Huskers?src=hash">#Huskers</a> DB coach Charlton Warren leaving for North Carolina <a href="http://t.co/LywpEKxDeP">http://t.co/LywpEKxDeP</a> <a href="http://t.co/2Dw8emo2nq">pic.twitter.com/2Dw8emo2nq</a></p>— CornNation (@CornNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/CornNation/status/566232568090341376">February 13, 2015</a></blockquote>
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[IrishLax]

Does it seem like there is more post-signing day movement to anyone else? Or have I not paid close enough attention to previous Silly Seasons?