Mike Elston DL Coach

[BearGB]

Mike Elston History:

Year School Assignment
1999-2000 Michigan Graduate Assistant
2001 Eastern Michigan Defensive Ends
2002-03 Eastern Michigan Defensive Line/Recruiting Coordinator
2004 Central Michigan Defensive Line
2005 Central Michigan Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line
2006 Central Michigan Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator
2007-08 Cincinnati Tight Ends/Special Teams Coord./Recruiting Coord.
2009 Cincinnati Asst. Head Coach/Defensive Line/Special Teams Coord.
2010 Notre Dame Defensive Line

Important Facts:

- Played OLB for UM, lettered 2 years.
- Has almost always coached Front 7 or special teams.
- Was Cincy's lead recruiter in FL.
- Cincy's DL, under him, has been highly ranked in TFLs and sacks.

Elston's Memorable Quotes about Coming:

- "I was extremely excited when Coach Kelly made the phone call to me on Jan. 2 to invite me to join the staff at Notre Dame. The tradition here is something I look forward to relishing. I'm soaking it in right now, and it's been a great experience so far. To follow the best head coach in the country to the most storied program in the country is an exciting prospect for me."

- "There's a spiritual factor here at Notre Dame that you don't have at Michigan, but you have great football tradition and great academics at both places. I think that Notre Dame probably leads the two schools in those two areas. I'm excited to see what avenues open up in the areas of recruiting. I've been at Michigan and helped recruit there and now I have the opportunity to recruit for what I feel is the most storied program in the country."

- "When I played at the University of Michigan, we had great defenses along with great defensive line coaches. My pedigree and the foundation of how I coach defensive line was established there. I was around the program for the 1997 defense that was best in the country and went on to win the national championship. My foundation is the Michigan base of football, and that is a 3-4 or a 4-3."

- ""The first thing I do is let the young men know that I'm going to be there every single day with the same demeanor. I'm going to give them the consistency they need. One day, I'm going to be hard on them and the next day they will come back and I will be hard on them on the second day, too. I'm not going to be up and down. Now, there will be times that we'll play a little bit and have a good time. The guys will enjoy being coached by me because I'm a young coach and I understand the rigors of being a college football player, especially at an institution like Notre Dame."

- "I worked at the University of Michigan which recruits on a national scale. That opened up a lot of doors for me both in the Midwest and across the country. I have recruited Florida, in particular, for six years and a number of kids we recruited down there just helped Central Michigan win their second MAC (Mid-American Conference) Championship in three years. The connections that I have at a number of the more successful and prominent high schools in Florida should help us moving forward at pulling in top talent."

- "Right now the plan is to hit the road and tie up some loose ends on a few of the committed players. I might potentially follow some leads on kids we had evaluated at Cincinnati but were either out of our reach or have recently reopened their recruiting based on other coaching changes or different circumstances. So I imagine I'll be flying around the country here a little bit towards the end of the week and potentially ending up in San Antonio on Saturday."

 

[gmnysdad]

Now that we have more than 2 coaches recruiting, let's see if when can maybe get some commitments for the big boys.

 

[The Polish Irishman]

University of Cincinnati Official Athletic Site

 

[BearGB]

I think Elston's quotes surprised/impressed me the most, probably based on me having lower expectations for him. I didn't think he would be bad, but I didn't feel he was a tremendous hire. Hearing what he says about being the same tough coach everyday, so that the players know that he is consistent, I believe is huge. He is one of those guys who is going to earn his players' respect big time by being a man who stays true to his word, and he will be 100% committed to doing his job.

The two quotes I put in bold, above, is my favorite.

 

[IrishAddiction]

Excellent write up about his expectations from ISD. "I expect our defensive line to be the best in the country." Like the confidence, i hope he backs it up and takes them back to the top. Link below.

Notre Dame Football - Elston Striving To Be The Best

 

[chyrspchuck]

Excellent write up about his expectations from ISD. "I expect our defensive line to be the best in the country." Like the confidence, i hope he backs it up and takes them back to the top. Link below.

Notre Dame Football - Elston Striving To Be The Best

If he took this group of D Lineman and made them #1 in the country (this is not meant to be mean) but he would be a D Coordinator very very quickly.

 

[BGIF]

In addition to the development of the defensive line, Elston replaces former Irish special teams coordinator Brian Polian as the director of the unit. After leading a number of Cincinnati players to excellence as specialists, most notably punter Kevin Hueber and returner Mardy Gilyard, Elston is looking to bring that success to South Bend.
Huber, a consensus All-American in 2007, and Gilyard have helped the Bearcats win back-to-back Big East Special Teams Player of the Year Awards, as Huber earned the honor in 2007 and Gilyard took the award in 2008.
“We’ve had success,” Elston said. “I can’t say that we’ve won every game because of special teams, but we haven’t lost one because of special teams. With my experience and the help of the staff, I think that we can be very strong.”
Because of Elston’s split responsibilities next season, Kelly did mention last month that special teams responsibilities would be divided between members of the staff. When asked what his specific role would be in terms of the direction of the unit, Elston’s said the decision hasn’t been finalized.
... “At the end of the day, I’m going to coordinate special teams. I will do the game planning and the organizational practices and communicate to the team what their responsibilities will be. And just like at Cincinnati, I had three or four coaches from the different position groups that when their group came to work special teams, they’re also putting their hands on special teams. I will coordinate all six units: the punt return, the kickoff, kickoff return, and the field goal, PAT and field goal protection teams.”

Sounds like a much more definiitive plan of actin than the Weis constantly evolving Special Teams who's the coach this season approach.

 

[chyrspchuck]

In addition to the development of the defensive line, Elston replaces former Irish special teams coordinator Brian Polian as the director of the unit. After leading a number of Cincinnati players to excellence as specialists, most notably punter Kevin Hueber and returner Mardy Gilyard, Elston is looking to bring that success to South Bend.
Huber, a consensus All-American in 2007, and Gilyard have helped the Bearcats win back-to-back Big East Special Teams Player of the Year Awards, as Huber earned the honor in 2007 and Gilyard took the award in 2008.
“We’ve had success,” Elston said. “I can’t say that we’ve won every game because of special teams, but we haven’t lost one because of special teams. With my experience and the help of the staff, I think that we can be very strong.”
Because of Elston’s split responsibilities next season, Kelly did mention last month that special teams responsibilities would be divided between members of the staff. When asked what his specific role would be in terms of the direction of the unit, Elston’s said the decision hasn’t been finalized.
... “At the end of the day, I’m going to coordinate special teams. I will do the game planning and the organizational practices and communicate to the team what their responsibilities will be. And just like at Cincinnati, I had three or four coaches from the different position groups that when their group came to work special teams, they’re also putting their hands on special teams. I will coordinate all six units: the punt return, the kickoff, kickoff return, and the field goal, PAT and field goal protection teams.”

Sounds like a much more definiitive plan of actin than the Weis constantly evolving Special Teams who's the coach this season approach.

I continue to say this, the new staff just seems more professional, and organized, I believe that will translate onto the field into being game day ready.

 

[BGIF]

I continue to say this, the new staff just seems more professional, and organized, I believe that will translate onto the field into being game day ready.

I don't know if they're more professional and organized. Time will tell. There appears to be more sense of teamwork. I do think they're all on the same page. I'm not sure that could be said of the OLine for the first couple of years, the entire defense the past two years, and Special Teams throughtout.

 

[GBdomer]

Rumors going around that Oklahoma is interested or might be taking him

If so I will help him pack

 

[IrishLax]

Please let this be true.

 

[yankeeND]

Wow, who replaces him then? Is this where all that Hoke talk was stemming from? If not bring in Bryant Young to go with Lyght and Denson. Throw in Tony Rice and give a GA to Ismail. Bring back the winning attitude!

If this is true, 4 coaches changing over is a lot, but probably could end up being a blessing in disguise if done right.

 

[ND4LIFE]

Please let this be true.

Color me uneducated. What is it about Elston that you dislike? Unfortunately, I don't have any real knowledge on the pros and cons with this guy. Feel free to enlighten me if you have the time.

 

[GBdomer]

Color me uneducated. What is it about Elston that you dislike? Unfortunately, I don't have any real knowledge on the pros and cons with this guy. Feel free to enlighten me if you have the time.

With Elston? D line development? Nope, recruiting? Awful

I will gladly pack his shit up and throw it in the Uhaul and then gladly drive him to Norman.

Bring back Bryant Young

 

[IrishLax]

Color me uneducated. What is it about Elston that you dislike? Unfortunately, I don't have any real knowledge on the pros and cons with this guy. Feel free to enlighten me if you have the time.

There have been rumors swirling about him getting replaced for awhile, and it basically all stems from the following conjecture:
1. He doesn't coach or recruit the DL well. Some of that can be attributed to Diaco and his scheme but the bottom line is he seems incapable of developing pass rushers. The repertoire of pass rushing moves displayed by our DL has always been really substandard.
2. He's not really value added in recruiting. There are a lot of DL coaches out there that are "aces" when it comes to recruiting, but with Elston you hear anecdotes about him being lackluster.

Now, there are some out there that just dismiss the above because it's conjecture from "insiders." But there are a lot of people that think you could upgrade at that position. For instance, Brady Hoke would unequivocally be a huge upgrade there if ND landed him somehow... because Brady could also be a recruiting coordinator, etc. in addition to coaching the position better.

Is he a good guy? Yeah. And I think the players like him a lot. And he's smart and has coordinator potential. But if you're being cutthroat, then it's pretty easy to see how an Orgeron, Hoke, Lupoi, etc. would be an upgrade.

 

[ND4LIFE]

There have been rumors swirling about him getting replaced for awhile, and it basically all stems from the following conjecture:
1. He doesn't coach or recruit the DL well. Some of that can be attributed to Diaco and his scheme but the bottom line is he seems incapable of developing pass rushers. The repertoire of pass rushing moves displayed by our DL has always been really substandard.
2. He's not really value added in recruiting. There are a lot of DL coaches out there that are "aces" when it comes to recruiting, but with Elston you hear anecdotes about him being lackluster.

Now, there are some out there that just dismiss the above because it's conjecture from "insiders." But there are a lot of people that think you could upgrade at that position. For instance, Brady Hoke would unequivocally be a huge upgrade there if ND landed him somehow... because Brady could also be a recruiting coordinator, etc. in addition to coaching the position better.

Is he a good guy? Yeah. And I think the players like him a lot. And he's smart and has coordinator potential. But if you're being cutthroat, then it's pretty easy to see how an Orgeron, Hoke, Lupoi, etc. would be an upgrade.

Reps! I appreciate all of your input.

 

[Crazy Balki]

I'm not as critical as most on here about Elston, but yeah, he's really lackluster when it comes to recruiting and his defensive line development has been "meh".

 

[NDPhilly]

Perfect time to find some new coaches who are actually good recruiters considering OSU's success and Michigan's Harbaugh hire.

 

[stlnd01]

I guess the only worry is losing half the staff could disrupt player relationships and staff chemistry (which has generally seemed to be a strength under Kelly, Molnar and maybe 2013 Diaco excepted).
But if we could up the budget for the position and land Hoke as a DL/Co-DC/Recruiting Coordinator, that's a trade I'd make any day. And even if we got a younger, more dynamic, recruiter, that wouldn't be so bad.

 

[Crazy Balki]

I guess the only worry is losing half the staff could disrupt player relationships and staff chemistry (which has generally seemed to be a strength under Kelly, Molnar and maybe 2013 Diaco excepted).
But if we could up the budget for the position and land Hoke as a DL/Co-DC/Recruiting Coordinator, that's a trade I'd make any day. And even if we got a younger, more dynamic, recruiter, that wouldn't be so bad.

HC: Brian Kelly
OC/WR: Mike Denbrock
DC/LB: Brian VanGorder (he NEEDS to be more involved in recruiting)
QB/co-OC: Jeff Quinn
RB: Autry Denson
TE: Scott Booker
OL: Harry Hiestand
DL/RC/co-DC: Brady Hoke
Safeties: Bob Elliott
CB/S: Todd Lyght


That is a freaking scary coaching staff right there.

Denbrock and Lyght get on the west coast, BVG and Booker recruit the Southeast, with Denson focusing solely on Florida, Hiestand and Quinn tackle the midwest. Hoke can get the northeast and overall nation with big-time recruits. Kelly...GET THE F*CK IN THERE FULL TIME WITH RECRUITS!

 

[yankeeND]

HC: Brian Kelly
OC/WR: Mike Denbrock
DC/LB: Brian VanGorder (he NEEDS to be more involved in recruiting)
QB/co-OC: Jeff Quinn
RB: Autry Denson
TE: Scott Booker
OL: Harry Hiestand
DL/RC/co-DC: Brady Hoke
Safeties: Bob Elliott
CB/S: Todd Lyght


That is a freaking scary coaching staff right there.

Denbrock and Lyght get on the west coast, BVG and Booker recruit the Southeast, with Denson focusing solely on Florida, Hiestand and Quinn tackle the midwest. Hoke can get the northeast and overall nation with big-time recruits. Kelly...GET THE F*CK IN THERE FULL TIME WITH RECRUITS!

Seeing it on paper is ridiculous. That's a big-time winning group right there bro. Hope it comes true!

 

[IrishLax]

HC: Brian Kelly
OC/WR: Mike Denbrock
DC/LB: Brian VanGorder (he NEEDS to be more involved in recruiting)
QB/AHC (Offense): Jeff Quinn
RB: Autry Denson
TE: Scott Booker
OL: Harry Hiestand
DL/RC/AHC (Defense): Brady Hoke
Safeties: Bob Elliott
CB: Todd Lyght


That is a freaking scary coaching staff right there.

Agreed. I edited it up a little. The only thing it's really missing is a seasoned special teams coach. Could someone like Quinn manage special teams and QBs?

 

[DonnieNarco]

HC: Brian Kelly
OC/WR: Mike Denbrock
DC/LB: Brian VanGorder (he NEEDS to be more involved in recruiting)
QB/co-OC: Jeff Quinn
RB: Autry Denson
TE: Scott Booker
OL: Harry Hiestand
DL/RC/co-DC: Brady Hoke
Safeties: Bob Elliott
CB/S: Todd Lyght


That is a freaking scary coaching staff right there.

Denbrock and Lyght get on the west coast, BVG and Booker recruit the Southeast, with Denson focusing solely on Florida, Hiestand and Quinn tackle the midwest. Hoke can get the northeast and overall nation with big-time recruits. Kelly...GET THE F*CK IN THERE FULL TIME WITH RECRUITS!

As much as I'll miss the guys who left for other jobs, this coaching staff would turn boys into men and men into champions.

 

[koonja]

I'd trade Elston for Hoke and be soooo fucking happy.

 

[ThePiombino]

Seeing it on paper is ridiculous. That's a big-time winning group right there bro. Hope it comes true!

Agreed. I edited it up a little. The only thing it's really missing is a seasoned special teams coach. Could someone like Quinn manage special teams and QBs?

Now THIS is something to get excited about. With a group like this, it's hard to imagine not seeing it translate to results on the field and in recruiting.

*fingers crossed*

 

[PANDFAN]

Quinn as a qb coach is very doubtful, he has NO experience as a qb coach...BK said the person would be very competent qb coach

Hoke would be a home run hire..not only do the players love him at UM..a lot of our guys had UM as a possible destination so im sure there is a relationship already somewhat built...at least they are familiar with and not some new up in coming coach that the players have no idea about

 

[Rizzophil]

Elton is the one that grabbed D Cage on a truncated time frame and was instrumental in flipping Josh B

 

[woolybug25]

Quinn as a qb coach is very doubtful, he has NO experience as a qb coach...BK said the person would be very competent qb coach

Hoke would be a home run hire..not only do the players love him at UM..a lot of our guys had UM as a possible destination so im sure there is a relationship already somewhat built...at least they are familiar with and not some new up in coming coach that the players have no idea about

Is there any more hullabaloo about Hoke or are we just spit ballin' here?

Last time I checked in, it seemed like he was pretty adamant about not coming here.

 

[PANDFAN]

Is there any more hullabaloo about Hoke or are we just spit ballin' here?

Last time I checked in, it seemed like he was pretty adamant about not coming here.

this...but im not convinced in his answer...he seemed waaaay too specific in his answer which was a way to avoid the ?

the tweet of not going to ND was pretty cut and dry but when he responded to the ? he gave a specific answer I'm not going to coach ND def line...now he did go on to say that he was heading south but not to south bend....idk...i just get a feeling there is something there or this wouldn't have been leaked like it did...it got squashed but with the changes happening, revisiting the talks w/ BK could get that fire stoked again

 

[woolybug25]

this...but im not convinced in his answer...he seemed waaaay too specific in his answer which was a way to avoid the ?

the tweet of not going to ND was pretty cut and dry but when he responded to the ? he gave a specific answer

I figured. It would be great if he would consider it. A win-win for both parties.