ND Coaching Search Megathread

[Irishize]

With Elston gone, who will be the new Recruiting Coordinator? Any guesses?

 

[Dale]

Anyone know if the BC DC calls plays or Hafley does?

 

[Dale]

With Elston gone, who will be the new Recruiting Coordinator? Any guesses?

Brian Mason would make sense.

 

[IrishLax]

So are you thinking it will be someone like Belk or Lukabu?

Most people seem to think Belk is the clubhouse leader. But I think Freeman is going to interview a handful of people and go through a true search, so it wouldn't shock me to see Belk head elsewhere or some new names pop up as the coaching carousel keeps churning along. For example, if Phil Parker is actually interested, you 100% have to interview him and see what if it'd be a good fit.

 

[chicago51]

With Elston gone, who will be the new Recruiting Coordinator? Any guesses?

I expect Chad Bowden to essentially go from defensive recruiting analyst to running the entire recruiting operation at some point. Other than Freeman himself Chad Bowden is the biggest reason for uptick in recruiting on the defensive side. Chad Bowden is a superstar at his position. There is a reason Freeman had to have him when he came over.

But as far as on field coaches go as Dale said probably Brian Mason.

 

[NDRock]

So are you thinking it will be someone like Belk or Lukabu?

Hoping it’s Belk, Lukabu has been pretty poor with Chelsea this year.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Hoping it’s Belk, Lukabu has been pretty poor with Chelsea this year.

Yeah but how often do their opponents score in the double digits?

 

[irishog77]

0 rushing yards allowed per game. Tough to beat that.

 

[Rasputin]

At this point in time Washington is not an upgrade. He could be, but he’s not right now. This whole staff is going to be one big futures bet. Again, I’m here for it and want to see what it’s got but there are risks, they are real, and I guarantee they’re felt at different times.

This. Exactly.

The Kelly way is going to net ND seasons like 10-3, 11-2, 12-1, 10-3 for the next four years. Similar to the last 4. Very good, top 4-10 range, in the hunt but not cracking into the top 3 or seriously contending for a NC.

Under BMF, with the focus on young, aggressive, recruiting-focused staff (with a Hiestand or two exemption noted) the next four seasons could look like 8-5, 10-3, 13-1 and 14-0.

If the goal is to win a NC the Kelly way isn't going to get ND there. The Kelly way was never going to get ND to 13-1 or 14-0. The evidence is in, examined and conclusions drawn. The BMF way gives ND a chance.

Every once in a while you have to break up a pair of 10s to go for the straight flush if you want to win big. Notre Dame is gambling for sure, but it's a calculated gamble, and Rasputin is all in with her.

 

[Free Manera]

This. Exactly.

The Kelly way is going to net ND seasons like 10-3, 11-2, 12-1, 10-3 for the next four years. Similar to the last 4. Very good, top 4-10 range, in the hunt but not cracking into the top 3 or seriously contending for a NC.

Under BMF, with the focus on young, aggressive, recruiting-focused staff (with a Hiestand or two exemption noted) the next four seasons could look like 8-5, 10-3, 13-1 and 14-0.

If the goal is to win a NC the Kelly way isn't going to get ND there. The Kelly way was never going to get ND to 13-1 or 14-0. The evidence is in, examined and conclusions drawn. The BMF way gives ND a chance.

Every once in a while you have to break up a pair of 10s to go for the straight flush if you want to win big. Notre Dame is gambling for sure, but it's a calculated gamble, and Rasputin is all in with her.

Yep. History tells us there are three choices:

1. Recruit a #1 class every 4 years, probably win a championship.

2. Recruit a top 10 class every year, maybe win a championship. (Despite what you'd think, ND does not do this. #10 in 2018, but #15 in 19 and #18 in '20.)

3. Don't recruit top 10 classes every year, definitely don't win a championship. (Also known as Purgatory aka the Kelly era).

Works cited:
1. https://247sports.com/Article/Colleg...ate-160642199/
2. https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/college-football-national-champions-how-they-recruited-144769693/#144769693_7

 

[Rack Em]

Yep. History tells us there are three choices:

1. Recruit a #1 class every 4 years, probably win a championship.

2. Recruit a top 10 class every year, maybe win a championship. (Despite what you'd think, ND does not do this. #10 in 2018, but #15 in 19 and #18 in '20.)

3. Don't recruit top 10 classes every year, definitely don't win a championship. (Also known as Purgatory aka the Kelly era).

Works cited: https://247sports.com/Article/Colleg...ate-160642199/

4. Bro Down (Also known as the Marcus Freeman plan)

 

[Whiskeyjack]

4. Bro Down (Also known as the Marcus Freeman plan)

Beats the Brian Kelly plan:

 

[chicago51]

Alford and Hartline owe MF a steak dinner to celebrate the new titles.

Ryan Day isn't stupid. He knows he needs his makeup artists .

 

[Rogue219]

Hoping it’s Belk, Lukabu has been pretty poor with Chelsea this year.

I am one of the few who get this. Well played.

 

[Rogue219]

Most people seem to think Belk is the clubhouse leader. But I think Freeman is going to interview a handful of people and go through a true search, so it wouldn't shock me to see Belk head elsewhere or some new names pop up as the coaching carousel keeps churning along. For example, if Phil Parker is actually interested, you 100% have to interview him and see what if it'd be a good fit.

Doing an actual search requires time and patience. Coach Freeman being the head of a program whose fanbase is fresh out of both, I'm sure this week is going to go splendidly on social media and the internet as the basements of mothers all over America become flooded with piss, tears and vomit.

Sounds like Miami is after Belk, too. If that program isn't a futures bet, I'm not sure what is.

 

[Irish#1]

Most people seem to think Belk is the clubhouse leader. But I think Freeman is going to interview a handful of people and go through a true search, so it wouldn't shock me to see Belk head elsewhere or some new names pop up as the coaching carousel keeps churning along. For example, if Phil Parker is actually interested, you 100% have to interview him and see what if it'd be a good fit.

MF[SUP]2[/SUP] is on the recruiting trail, so nothing is likely to happen this week, but I agree. He knows this one is really important because they are going to be spending a lot of time together the next 3-4 years. When MF[SUP]2[/SUP] says F@ck Michigan!, he wants his DC to say Damn right, F@ck Michigan!

 

[Irishbounty28]

If Parker is interested that would be awesome, and quite the coup. Iowa probably has the most loyal coaching staff in the country. Ferentz has probably been offered 100 jobs over his time there.

 

[StPaul_Irish]

So much to chew on here.... I really like the idea of Belk, but Lukabu seems super legit. Just you tube him, some cool videos. I would be SUPER happy with him. He is an IVY League guy so understands the value of education. Played and coaches LB's. His D's have shown improvement, he worked under Hafley. He was off my radar, but now I have him neck/neck with Belk for those of you keeping score.

 

[Classic Irish]

So much to chew on here.... I really like the idea of Belk, but Lukabu seems super legit. Just you tube him, some cool videos. I would be SUPER happy with him. He is an IVY League guy so understands the value of education. Played and coaches LB's. His D's have shown improvement, he worked under Hafley. He was off my radar, but now I have him neck/neck with Belk for those of you keeping score.

Ivy League? I think you may be confusing Colgate with Cornell.


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[MacIrish75]

Ivy League? I think you may be confusing Colgate with Cornell.


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The Patriot League ≈ The Ehvy League

 

[NDPhilly]

The Patriot League ≈ The Ehvy League

As a Fordham alum... this is fair.

 

[Grahambo]

ISD reported yesterday that Freeman is OK letting the dust settle a little bit on the DC hire because he's had a bit of a "change of heart" about how hands on he wants to be with the defense. Basically, he may want to go so far as calling the defense himself, or at least putting his stamp on that side of the ball and running things his way a la Lincoln Riley, Kirby Smart, etc.

Reading between the lines, I wouldn't be surprised if the Oklahoma State debacle where Elston had no feel for how to call the game or adjust to tempo + negotiating with Heacock where he wanted a tremendous amount of control over that side of the ball changed his perspective on how he's going to be most successful as HC. So he's probably looking for someone who wants to adapt to him and collaborate, not the other way around.

Yep, Driskell has been saying the same thing so this definitely has legs to it. The expectation is we will hear the RB hire first then we will hear about the DC position. But I like the fact that MF is already putting his stamp on the staff and not forcing a hire for the sake of a hire.

 

[T-Boone]

ISD reported yesterday that Freeman is OK letting the dust settle a little bit on the DC hire because he's had a bit of a "change of heart" about how hands on he wants to be with the defense. Basically, he may want to go so far as calling the defense himself, or at least putting his stamp on that side of the ball and running things his way a la Lincoln Riley, Kirby Smart, etc.

Reading between the lines, I wouldn't be surprised if the Oklahoma State debacle where Elston had no feel for how to call the game or adjust to tempo + negotiating with Heacock where he wanted a tremendous amount of control over that side of the ball changed his perspective on how he's going to be most successful as HC. So he's probably looking for someone who wants to adapt to him and collaborate, not the other way around.

Sounds like he is going to be busy. It would be good if there was more experience on the offense. At the very least Rees should start doing a lot of the media.

 

[StPaul_Irish]

Ivy League? I think you may be confusing Colgate with Cornell.


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You're right, I was thinking of the ECAC hockey conference and mis-associated the two. Either way good school.

 

[BeauBenken]

So Alford got the upgraded title at OSU which is awesome for him, but afterwards Mike Frank made an intersting comment around the lines that if ND wanted him, they could have made it happen but he isn't exactly a cheap RB coach and that that money may be better spent elsewhere. Freeman probably thinks he can get what he needs out of a RB coach without paying the generous salary of Alford.

 

[Irish4life]

So Alford got the upgraded title at OSU which is awesome for him, but afterwards Mike Frank made an intersting comment around the lines that if ND wanted him, they could have made it happen but he isn't exactly a cheap RB coach and that that money may be better spent elsewhere. Freeman probably thinks he can get what he needs out of a RB coach without paying the generous salary of Alford.

That's a fine move I think. Would much rather get a stud DC and a good RB coach than the other way around.

 

[T-Boone]

So Alford got the upgraded title at OSU which is awesome for him, but afterwards Mike Frank made an intersting comment around the lines that if ND wanted him, they could have made it happen but he isn't exactly a cheap RB coach and that that money may be better spent elsewhere. Freeman probably thinks he can get what he needs out of a RB coach without paying the generous salary of Alford.

Isn't he some sort of great recruiter? I'd be fine with paying extra for anyone who can help recruit at a higher level on the offense.

 

[Grahambo]

So Alford got the upgraded title at OSU which is awesome for him, but afterwards Mike Frank made an intersting comment around the lines that if ND wanted him, they could have made it happen but he isn't exactly a cheap RB coach and that that money may be better spent elsewhere. Freeman probably thinks he can get what he needs out of a RB coach without paying the generous salary of Alford.

From what I’ve heard and read over the years, RB coaches are the “easiest” to replace. So ideally, you want a great recruiter at the position who can coach but he doesn’t need to be the best “coach”. Freeman probably knows this so made a phone call but didn’t push.

 

[chicago51]

From what I’ve heard and read over the years, RB coaches are the “easiest” to replace. So ideally, you want a great recruiter at the position who can coach but he doesn’t need to be the best “coach”. Freeman probably knows this so made a phone call but didn’t push.

Yeah an experience offensive line coach can actually tell RBs how to follow their blocks, and how to pass protect.

A WR coach can teach RBs how to run good routes and catch the football.

Good GA can go over ball security stuff.

Which leaves recruiting. Since you are typically signing only 1-2 RBs, a good recruiter at RB can recruit 1-2 extra guys a cycle.

 

[chicago51]

The other factor with Freeman being involved defensively and the new DC is he kind of told Foskey, and the twins they wouldn't be learning a whole new defense if they came back .