Al Golden

[Jiggafini19Deux]

If he can recruit the kids, Freeman should be able to recruit the assistants too. I know it's different but at the end of the day it's still the same principle.

Make contacts, test your reach. He connected with Ludwig, who started coaching when Freeman was a year old.

 

[IA4irish]

Going out on a limb with a prediction: when we reassess the Freeman era in ten years, hiring Golden will be seen as a big mistake. I don’t mean X’s and O’s Wise. He is not a dynamic recruiter and it is going to have a big impact on the defense going forward. I selfishly hope he goes back to the nfl after this year. I was very supportive of the hire for freeman. It’s frustrating that Freeman doesn’t have more of an impact on the defense at this point - he needs to fix that

 

[NDdomer2]

the recent complaints about Al pulling his weight in recruiting are funny to me.

Everyone knew he was unlikely to be a boost in recruiting when he was hired and everyone was saying that it was no problemo because that's what Freeman is for, make up those differences.

 

[IA4irish]

the recent complaints about Al pulling his weight in recruiting are funny to me.

Everyone knew he was unlikely to be a boost in recruiting when he was hired and everyone was saying that it was no problemo because that's what Freeman is for, make up those differences.

Turns out you actually need a defensive coordinator who is going to recruit

 

[Blazers46]

the recent complaints about Al pulling his weight in recruiting are funny to me.

Everyone knew he was unlikely to be a boost in recruiting when he was hired and everyone was saying that it was no problemo because that's what Freeman is for, make up those differences.

For me, his experience I thought would be the draw. Sometimes name and clout can mitigate lack of charisma.

 

[dublinirish]

Turns out you actually need a defensive coordinator who is going to recruit

you need a balanced staff tbh. With MF being a recruiter the onus on Golden to recruit is less. TBH most people would know hes a NFL guy and probably wont be in college ball for the long term. It is what it is.

 

[INLaw]

Its shit is what it is. He was a good hire in my mind as a veteran influence to prevent Marshall and Stanford. Fail. He was defensive mind who would keep enough of Freeman defense to not be the whole third coach in three years. Fail. Lazy shit recruiter. Fail. Finally despite spin looks like he interviewed plenty and ND ended up still being best spot for next year like we are the fat girl fall back. One recruiting cycle is enough to put you in the we have a playoff offense but not defense like all the recent years it was opposite. Sure we can buy our way out of it with NIL grad transfers but the covid extra years are running out. When/if we miss on the remainder of the board my confidence in Golden and O’Leary to hussle, find, and sign your late bloomer Hillman/JOK types is not optimistic.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

Pinning Marshall and Stanford on Al Golden in June of the following season because people aren't happy with how they perceive recruiting is going is one of the more interesting narratives I've come across this offseason.

 

[Katzenboyer]

I agree that Stanford and Marshall cannot be pinned on Golden. The defense wasn't the problem that game.

My issues with him relate entirely to his vanilla schemes, his lack of effort on the recruiting trail, the fact that he seemingly wants to go back to the NFL, and that he just doesn't seem fit for what Freeman wants from his staff.

He's perfectly average. But ND can do better and I hope that ultimately he's somewhere else next year.

 

[PutuporShutup]

Turns out you actually need a defensive coordinator who is going to recruit

Not if you have a great HC and program.... The programs with the top HCs don't miss a beat even with coaching changes at OC or DC.

If golden is the issue, then the issue is with freeman hiring and then keeping him for year 2. Either way the buck stops with Freeman.

When kelly was here it was his offense and he got the praise and the scrutiny rightfully so because he's an offensive guy. Freeman is a defensive guy, his thumb print will always be on the D.

Again, there's no excuse to not have a really good O and D this year. Only coaching or an injury to Hartman hold either back.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

I agree that Stanford and Marshall cannot be pinned on Golden. The defense wasn't the problem that game.

My issues with him relate entirely to his vanilla schemes, his lack of effort on the recruiting trail, the fact that he seemingly wants to go back to the NFL, and that he just doesn't seem fit for what Freeman wants from his staff.

He's perfectly average. But ND can do better and I hope that ultimately he's somewhere else next year.

Checked those game day threads and guess what....

Your theory seems to hold up.

 

[ulukinatme]

I've never been that crazy about Golden. My hope is that Vandy gives Lea the boot and we get him back at some point.

 

[Luckylucci]

Golden was a solid first hire for Freeman. I don't think it was ever intended to be a long term marriage. In fact, I don't think a lot of the staff was ever intended to be.

I would suspect that if we have the season most expect us to, the next challenge for Freeman will be to replace a lot of these coaches.

 

[Lberry]

I like the Golden hire and I think the defense will be very suprising this year. Hoping Mike Mickens is up for the DC job if he's ready for it.

 

[Luckylucci]

I like the Golden hire and I think the defense will be very suprising this year. Hoping Mike Mickens is up for the DC job if he's ready for it.

There is a very good mix of experience and talent on the defense. Even prior to Spring, I never understood why there was so much concern. Good coaches will develop that talent and lean on the experience when needed.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

Golden was a solid first hire for Freeman. I don't think it was ever intended to be a long term marriage. In fact, I don't think a lot of the staff was ever intended to be.

I would suspect that if we have the season most expect us to, the next challenge for Freeman will be to replace a lot of these coaches.

Correct, and this isn't a bad thing.

Al Golden strikes me as someone that is going to go back to the NFL with the first opportunity he gets. I don't blame him. I think more and more guys are going to look at the pros now with the portal and NIL. Freeman addressed this in his interview on The Pivot.

I would absolutely pay to see what Doug Belk could do not being saddled to Dana Holgerson and the air raid offense. The way Freeman wants to be offensively, a lot of DC would probably come running to be able to run their schemes knowing that ND is going to run the ball rather than play Arena League Pinball offensively. Obviously you have Joe Rossi out there as well and he's in the Big Ten where most OCs slow the game down.

For now, I'm in with Golden. I honestly didn't know what to expect with him and 22nd in overall defense in year one works for me as a start.

 

[rikkitikki08]

I’ve got an idea, let’s see how the defense does this season? He’s been the Defensive coordinator for one season. The takes on this board get more annoying by the day

 

[zelezo vlk]

Golden was a solid first hire for Freeman. I don't think it was ever intended to be a long term marriage. In fact, I don't think a lot of the staff was ever intended to be.

I would suspect that if we have the season most expect us to, the next challenge for Freeman will be to replace a lot of these coaches.

It wasn't? I swear a lot of places when talking up the Golden hire last year were talking about how the stability he'd bring is important because he wouldn't be looking to leave immediately. At least, that was the thought when it came to other college jobs. Nobody even thought about the NFL at the time.

 

[MacIrish75]

I've never been that crazy about Golden. My hope is that Vandy gives Lea the boot and we get him back at some point.

Idk he’s got an upward trajectory there. They went 5-7 last year and were 14 points from being 7-5. If he gets them bowl eligible in his third season, that’s a pretty stellar job.

My interest in Lea is if he takes them to consecutive bowl eligible seasons over the next couple years, what type of programs may start calling.

 

[ulukinatme]

Idk he’s got an upward trajectory there. They went 5-7 last year and were 14 points from being 7-5. If he gets them bowl eligible in his third season, that’s a pretty stellar job.

My interest in Lea is if he takes them to consecutive bowl eligible seasons over the next couple years, what type of programs may start calling.

That's true. He's replacing basically his entire defense this year though I think. He could have a setback. A couple of those and maybe Vandy hits reset, but being a grad maybe they give him a longer leash. Even if they don't...a guy can dream, can't he?

 

[IA4irish]

I’ve got an idea, let’s see how the defense does this season? He’s been the Defensive coordinator for one season. The takes on this board get more annoying by the day

Who has committed and said Golden was one of the driving forces? Freeman puts a big emphasis on recruiting. Golden doesn’t. I just don’t see those two being compatible long term

 

[rikkitikki08]

Who has committed and said Golden was one of the driving forces? Freeman puts a big emphasis on recruiting. Golden doesn’t. I just don’t see those two being compatible long term

Who knows, results on the field matter so all I’m saying is let’s give him more than one season before it’s time to move on.

Cycling through defensive coordinators until you find the right one rarely works, stability and knowing the scheme does

 

[Black Irish]

I read it all the time on this board about various coaches across the college football landscape being bad/lazy/ineffective recruiters. Where does that info come from and is it verifiable? I see comments about coaches about how recruiting isn't their thing and they don't really do it. I get not every coach may like it or even be naturally skilled at it. But I'm surprised that a coach could just outright give a cold shoulder to recruiting and not suffer consequences. Does that come up in a coordinator or position coach interview?

Head Coach/AD: "Recruiting is very important in college football. It's something you need to have a major focus on, especially in the off-season."
Candidate: "Meh. It's not really my thing. Sounds like a big pain in the balls. How about I just worry about the Xs & Os and you find some chump GA to go out there to give those recruits the hard sell. I'll be watching film in my office, sipping an espresso. Now where do I sign?"

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

Not a lot being said about the defense on Saturday, so I'll say it: very good performance all around. Just missed the shutout.

Navy averaged 6 yards a carry on their first possession. They averaged 2 YPC the rest of the game.

We've posted about the individual performances in the Navy threads, but ultimately I thought quite a few guys stood out at various points and played well overall. I am intrigued to see what Onye can do the rest of the season in particular.

Yes, there are bigger tests ahead, blah blah blah. Golden ended up coming in with a pretty solid game plan but made adjustments within the game and at halftime, which shows veteran leadership when all is said and done. It will not be as easy going forward, but going up against the service academy offense typically isn't easy either.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I think Golden wants another chance to HC somewhere (or DC NFL).
This could actually be a mutual benefit for ND, because he might be extra motivated (albeit selfishly) to pump out a great product.

 

[dublinirish]

I think Golden wants another chance to HC somewhere (or DC NFL).
This could actually be a mutual benefit for ND, because he might be extra motivated (albeit selfishly) to pump out a great product.

some of the beat writers were saying he'd be interested in a CFB HC coach back east at say Rutgers, BC or the likes

 

[Lberry]

Not a lot being said about the defense on Saturday, so I'll say it: very good performance all around. Just missed the shutout.

Navy averaged 6 yards a carry on their first possession. They averaged 2 YPC the rest of the game.

We've posted about the individual performances in the Navy threads, but ultimately I thought quite a few guys stood out at various points and played well overall. I am intrigued to see what Onye can do the rest of the season in particular.

Yes, there are bigger tests ahead, blah blah blah. Golden ended up coming in with a pretty solid game plan but made adjustments within the game and at halftime, which shows veteran leadership when all is said and done. It will not be as easy going forward, but going up against the service academy offense typically isn't easy either.

Just "Very good", "solid"?? It was an elite game by Golden against Navy, I said his game plan and exectuion was elite in the Post game thread.

Why do you hate Golden and ND, just go away. Hater!

Lol, am I doing this right?

 

[BoredIrish]

While I appreciate the adjustments, for some reason the defense always seems to get pushed around on the first drive of games. Giving up an early TD against the better teams is going to prove costly at some point.

 

[zelezo vlk]

some of the beat writers were saying he'd be interested in a CFB HC coach back east at say Rutgers, BC or the likes

The way they were talking about it (can't remember if it was II or someone else's pod), it almost seemed like they expect him to be gone after this year.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

some of the beat writers were saying he'd be interested in a CFB HC coach back east at say Rutgers, BC or the likes

Another year like 2022 and that BC job will be available.