Brian Kelly Press Conference - 2/10/2012

[rtrn2glory]

Sounds like that problem might have been removed.

TBD...hopefully it has.

 

[Domina Nostra]

Sweet.

Great news not only with Alford, but also with Grimes. Good stuff.

What do you all think about Martin as O-coordinator. I wonder if he will have full play calling duties or shared with Kelly?

College football is about leadership and motivation. Martin will bring that to the table, and give Kelly a peer when it comes to game planning and play calling.

I like Martin, Denbrock, and Heistand, a whole lot better than Molnar and Warrnier (who I've heard was not easy to get along with). That is a whole lot of experience. Kelly is going to listen to those guys.

I wish we still had Hinton, but I will trade him for BOoker based on how popular I hear Booker is with the players (which should translate into recruiting).

 

[Emcee77]

College football is about leadership and motivation. Martin will bring that to the table, and give Kelly a peer when it comes to game planning and play calling.

I like Martin, Denbrock, and Heistand, a whole lot better than Molnar and Warrnier (who I've heard was not easy to get along with). That is a whole lot of experience. Kelly is going to listen to those guys.

I wish we still had Hinton, but I will trade him for BOoker based on how popular I hear Booker is with the players (which should translate into recruiting).

According to Sapp, Kelly said this was a big part of his reasoning in deciding to hire Booker

 

[woolybug25]

- We are going to install a version of the offense that plays to our strengths (wish we had taken that extra TE!!!). More option with 2 TE and 2 RB sets. Less 3-4 WR sets. The use of RBs as slot guys is something we have to do, based on our personnel. It also adds a real aspect of power to this offense. Seeing Wood, Riddick, GAIII, Russell, etc., lining up in the backfield and then going in motion, or lining up at slot and then motiionng into the backfield, is going to be nice.

I would like to see this too, but what about the following updates would make you think that we will see a change in packages or playcalling? From the sounds of it, we will be seeing the same offensive scheme as last year.

1m Irish Sports Daily Irish Sports Daily @ISDUpdate

On Martin: "We were going to continue to run the same system on offense that we employed when we got here."

Irish Illustrated @NDatRivals

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on OC move: "I didn't need somebody that was not on the same accord with me, that would challenge me every day."



Irish Sports Daily @ISDUpdate

Kelly will still call plays next season

 

[Domina Nostra]

According to Sapp, Kelly said this was a big part of his reasoning in deciding to hire Booker

His past coaches seem to think of him as a rising star. Hope we can keep him around for a while.

I would like to see this too, but what about the following updates would make you think that we will see a change in packages or playcalling? From the sounds of it, we will be seeing the same offensive scheme as last year.

- Martin already told Mahone more 2 back sets.
- Now we hear that we are lumping RBs and Slot receivers under coach Alford; this suggests that more RBs will be on the field (regardless of where they are lined up), and, consequently, less WRs.
- They made Denbrock the WR coach and passing coordinator. This suggests to me that we are thinking of featuring TEs in our passing game.
- They were comfortable putting the TEs with Booker because he will probably always be coaching with either Denbrock or Hiestand, the passing and run game coordinators.
- More blocking for mobile QB
- Last and least, we don't have a ton of WRs

 

[UmphreakDomer]

Sweet.


What do you all think about Martin as O-coordinator. I wonder if he will have full play calling duties or shared with Kelly?

i shared my thoughts about this in a previous post....but my thoughts are based upon being at GVSU with both of these guys. then my brother was there shortly after me.

they had prolific offenses. thats obvious. but the proof is in the pudding. the hardware. plus, they had a harlon hill winner (the D-2 equivalent of the heisman), who should have won twice, but got injured in the playoffs.

i do not think chuck martin will get playcalling. but, he will be instrumental in the game plan. he's aggressive. and i think this is an awesome move for him and notre dame. the QB play is going to be amazing in the coming years.

 

[woolybug25]

- Martin already told Mahone more 2 back sets.
- Now we hear that we are lumping RBs and Slot receivers under coach Alford; this suggests that more RBs will be on the field (regardless of where they are lined up), and, consequently, less WRs.
- They made Denbrock the WR coach and passing coordinator. This suggests to me that we are thinking of featuring TEs in our passing game.
- They were comfortable putting the TEs with Booker because he will probably always be coaching with either Denbrock or Hiestand, the passing and run game coordinators.

I think mixing rb's and slot wr's is more evidence that we will be passing a lot. That sounds more like what we have been doing. I also dont get the Booker reference. From the statements they said today, it seems pretty clear that:

- Kelly wants to do what he has been doing offensively (he stated this verbatim)
- He will still call plays, not Martin
- He wanted Martin as o-coordinator so he "wouldn't be challenged", which sounds a lot like he wanted someone that wouldn't question his playcalling.

I don't know dude, the statements said today seem pretty clear that the assumed (and the preferable option imo) transition into 2-back/2 TE sets is not on the top of Kelly's agenda.

I, like you, hope that i'm wrong about this.

 

[Emcee77]

This is interesting. DN is trying to read something into the moves Kelly has made with the staff whereas Wooly is reading into what Kelly has actually verbally said. Nothing wrong with either approach per se but I tend to agree with Wooly. The overarching theme is that Kelly wants people that HE can work well with who will implement his system faithfully. I was excited about Martin's comment to Mahone but now I think it may have been a throwaway comment that didn't signal much of a change. If we use two backs, at least one will be going out for a pass.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Recruiting territories:
Bob Elliot - Midwest and Southern California
"I worked with him a few years back and he does a great job of connecting with young people."

Scott Booker - Georgia and Northern Florida (Tim Hinton's former area)
"He'll do a great job, no question. He does a great job of building relationships."

Harry Hiestand - Pennsylvania, parts of Ohio (Hinton and Ed Warriner former area) and down through the southern region like Kentucky and others.

Kerry Cooks - Remain in Texas and will move over to Louisiana
"We feel there are a lot of parochial schools in Louisiana and some great football there."


Alford now has the opportunity to sit in any home anywhere in the country and noted that he was approached about the position.

 

[Domina Nostra]

I think mixing rb's and slot wr's is more evidence that we will be passing a lot. That sounds more like what we have been doing. I also dont get the Booker reference. From the statements they said today, it seems pretty clear that:

- Kelly wants to do what he has been doing offensively (he stated this verbatim)
- He will still call plays, not Martin
- He wanted Martin as o-coordinator so he "wouldn't be challenged", which sounds a lot like he wanted someone that wouldn't question his playcalling.

I don't know dude, the statements said today seem pretty clear that the assumed (and the preferable option imo) transition into 2-back/2 TE sets is not on the top of Kelly's agenda.

I, like you, hope that i'm wrong about this.

My interpretation:

(1) mixing rb's and slot wr's is more evidence that we will be passing a lot. I never said they won't be passing a lot, I said they will have 2 back sets. I think it is going to be Golson in the middle with Wood and Riddick on either side (or stacked in the pistol) then going in motion. But rather than having a pure slot guy on on the field, you will have Wood and Riddick with one or neither going in motion into the slot. You have the option of more power running out of this formation, although there will certainly be a lot of passing. That suggest to me that you run more, but I agree that we will still be passing a lot. Same for 2 TE sets. They'll be passing a lot with their TEs, like Stanford.
(2) Kelly wants to do what he has been doing offensively. I take this to mean formation and concept, not play-calling or personnel
(3) I don't think the play-calling has much to do with it. He'll call what plays based on the vision they crate over the spring and summer.
(4) He wanted Martin as o-coordinator so he "wouldn't be challenged." I think what he was getting at was that he was not going to Martin because he needed someone to challenge him, but because he wanted someone to communicate better with him and the team. I doubt Kelly is going to admit that he was too stubborn or Molnar was too weak last year. In either case, Martin will challenge Kelly.

I don't see some radical transformation. Same concepts, focusing on what we have. This was quite a shake-up, IMO. Nothing Kelly said makes me think they are just going to replace Floyd with Daniels, replace Gray with GAIII, and make a go. But we can agree to disagree.

 

[woolybug25]

My interpretation:

(1) mixing rb's and slot wr's is more evidence that we will be passing a lot. I never said they won't be passing a lot, I said they will have 2 back sets. I think it is going to be Golson in the middle with Wood and Riddick on either side (or stacked in the pistol) then going in motion. But rather than having a pure slot guy on on the field, you will have Wood and Riddick with both or neither going in motion into the slot. You have the option of more power running out of this formation, although there will certainly be a lot of passing. That suggest to me that you run more, but I agree that we will still be passing a lot. Same for 2 TE sets. They'll be passing a lot with their TEs, like Stanford.
(2) Kelly wants to do what he has been doing offensively. I take this to mean formation and concept, not play-calling or personnel
(3) I don't think the play-calling has much to do with it. He'll call what plays based on the vision they crate over the spring and summer.
(4) He wanted Martin as o-coordinator so he "wouldn't be challenged." I think what he was getting at was that he was not going to Martin because he needed someone to challenge him, but because he wanted someone to communicate better with him and the team. I doubt Kelly is going to admit that he was too stubborn or Molnar was too weak last year. In either case, Martin will challenge Kelly.

I don't see some radical transformation. Same concepts, focusing on what we have. This was quite a shake-up, IMO. Nothing Kelly said makes me think they are just going to replace Floyd with Daniels, replace Gray with GAIII, and make a go. But we can agree to disagree.

Yeah, no worries dude. We will just have to see, but for now, I am just going to stick with the literal interpretation of what Kelly said and assume we are status-quo with new people at the reigns. I think there will be some small changes personnel wise and even in play calling, but I do not see Kelly transitioning into a Stanford-esque type offense. I read nothing to imply that he has any intention of doing so.

 

[zbikowski88]

I know it wasn't part of the press conference but I thought it should be posted

MT @ChiTribHamilton NotreDame is investigating a petition for USC transfer RB Amir Carlisle to play in 2012.

 

[woolybug25]

I know it wasn't part of the press conference but I thought it should be posted

MT @ChiTribHamilton NotreDame is investigating a petition for USC transfer RB Amir Carlisle to play in 2012.

 

[ClausentoTate]

Grimes can finally come back into Rolfs without using someone else's ID haha

 

[UmphreakDomer]

Yeah, no worries dude. We will just have to see, but for now, I am just going to stick with the literal interpretation of what Kelly said and assume we are status-quo with new people at the reigns. I think there will be some small changes personnel wise and even in play calling, but I do not see Kelly transitioning into a Stanford-esque type offense. I read nothing to imply that he has any intention of doing so.

My interpretation:

(1) mixing rb's and slot wr's is more evidence that we will be passing a lot. I never said they won't be passing a lot, I said they will have 2 back sets. I think it is going to be Golson in the middle with Wood and Riddick on either side (or stacked in the pistol) then going in motion. But rather than having a pure slot guy on on the field, you will have Wood and Riddick with one or neither going in motion into the slot. You have the option of more power running out of this formation, although there will certainly be a lot of passing. That suggest to me that you run more, but I agree that we will still be passing a lot. Same for 2 TE sets. They'll be passing a lot with their TEs, like Stanford.
(2) Kelly wants to do what he has been doing offensively. I take this to mean formation and concept, not play-calling or personnel
(3) I don't think the play-calling has much to do with it. He'll call what plays based on the vision they crate over the spring and summer.
(4) He wanted Martin as o-coordinator so he "wouldn't be challenged." I think what he was getting at was that he was not going to Martin because he needed someone to challenge him, but because he wanted someone to communicate better with him and the team. I doubt Kelly is going to admit that he was too stubborn or Molnar was too weak last year. In either case, Martin will challenge Kelly.

I don't see some radical transformation. Same concepts, focusing on what we have. This was quite a shake-up, IMO. Nothing Kelly said makes me think they are just going to replace Floyd with Daniels, replace Gray with GAIII, and make a go. But we can agree to disagree.

1.) they never ran pistol at gvsu. in fact, martins offense was almost identical to BK's. its spread. hurry up. lots of vertical. lots of screens. lots of QB runs. not saying they wont, but, its just something they didnt do.
2.) Kelly will call plays. Martin will be instrumental in the game plan.
3.) correct.
4.) ABSOLUTELY CORRECT.

But Wooly is correct that, at least for the time being, we only have kelly's quotes to go on as truth. reading into it before we see any sort of execution is futile. kelly has always been very political with his answers...i wouldnt call it lying, but i dont think its always 100% truthful. there are things he says that upon retrospect, are a tad off.
again, this change is going to be good for ND. 3 trips to the NC in 3 years, winning 2 and a 2 time Harlon Hill nominee, 1 time winner...is pretty good. then martin took another 2 in 3 trips within 6 years.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I think the most under rated move today was the Martin, Hiestand, Alford move on offense with Booker, in and Denbrock outside. This pours massively more talent into the offensive equation. Martin is clearly superior, let alone less problematic.

I won't get in to the discussing this or that. Simply, Hiestand is a far superior coach to Warrnier. I see this in the stories of how much trouble he had fitting in and getting along, and in the recruiting philosophy of Martin and Hiestand, distinguishing between the jobs of guard and tackle. It sounds like Molner ruled recruiting with an iron fist. When a guy like Bosch does not get offered there is a problem . . .

Seems like the new dynamic duo has solved it. I expect more dividends.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Yeah, no worries dude. We will just have to see, but for now, I am just going to stick with the literal interpretation of what Kelly said and assume we are status-quo with new people at the reigns. I think there will be some small changes personnel wise and even in play calling, but I do not see Kelly transitioning into a Stanford-esque type offense. I read nothing to imply that he has any intention of doing so.

I don't think DN is suggesting a change in system here; simply that some of the staff's comments and our depth chart support a change in personnel.

Thus, we'll likely be seeing less Jet (4 WR, 1 RB) and Posse (3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB) in favor of more Regular (2 WR, 1 TE, 2 RB) and Tank (1 WR, 2 TEs, 2 RBs). It makes sense because, especially if we end up with Davonte Neal, we'll be stacked at RB, slot WR, and TE, but very thin at outside WR.

Kelly can run those personnel sets out of the spread quite effectively with very little change in offensive philosophy. I expect to see a lot more Sweeps, Speed Option, and Option Read, but otherwise the playcalling should be very similar.

 

[irishog77]

I think it's clear by Kelly's comments that they'll be running the Wing-T and Wishbone next year.

 

[UmphreakDomer]

I don't think DN is suggesting a change in system here; simply that some of the staff's comments and our depth chart support a change in personnel.

Thus, we'll likely be seeing less Jet (4 WR, 1 RB) and Posse (3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB) in favor of more Regular (2 WR, 1 TE, 2 RB) and Tank (1 WR, 2 TEs, 2 RBs). It makes sense because, especially if we end up with Davonte Neal, we'll be stacked at RB, slot WR, and TE, but very thin at outside WR.

Kelly can run those personnel sets out of the spread quite effectively with very little change in offensive philosophy. I expect to see a lot more Sweeps, Speed Option, and Option Read, but otherwise the playcalling should be very similar.

guess tommy is on the bench then...

 

[aubeirish]

They put it up on UND.com/allaccess/ for the people who didn't see.

 

[Walter White]

I don't think DN is suggesting a change in system here; simply that some of the staff's comments and our depth chart support a change in personnel.

Thus, we'll likely be seeing less Jet (4 WR, 1 RB) and Posse (3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB) in favor of more Regular (2 WR, 1 TE, 2 RB) and Tank (1 WR, 2 TEs, 2 RBs). It makes sense because, especially if we end up with Davonte Neal, we'll be stacked at RB, slot WR, and TE, but very thin at outside WR.

Kelly can run those personnel sets out of the spread quite effectively with very little change in offensive philosophy. I expect to see a lot more Sweeps, Speed Option, and Option Read, but otherwise the playcalling should be very similar.

I love the sound of the Tank formation. Where did you learn the names of the spread formations, Whiskeyjack?

 

[Domina Nostra]

I don't think DN is suggesting a change in system here; simply that some of the staff's comments and our depth chart support a change in personnel.

Thus, we'll likely be seeing less Jet (4 WR, 1 RB) and Posse (3 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB) in favor of more Regular (2 WR, 1 TE, 2 RB) and Tank (1 WR, 2 TEs, 2 RBs). It makes sense because, especially if we end up with Davonte Neal, we'll be stacked at RB, slot WR, and TE, but very thin at outside WR.

Kelly can run those personnel sets out of the spread quite effectively with very little change in offensive philosophy. I expect to see a lot more Sweeps, Speed Option, and Option Read, but otherwise the playcalling should be very similar.

Exactly. Our outside WR depth is thin. There is some talent, no doubt, but way too thin for a 4 receiver offense.

When I mentioned Stanford, I was just talking about how they had better TEs than WRs, so they used them prolifically.

When I mentioned the Pistol, I think we used it in at least one game, but I really just meant that I foresee different two-back sets meant to disguise where the ball was going.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I love the sound of the Tank formation. Where did you learn the names of the spread formations, Whiskeyjack?

Matt Bowen at National Football Post references them frequently in his schematic analyses.

Here is a list of the base personnel groupings that you will see on Sundays:

Regular: 2 WR,1 TE,2 RB
Ace: 2 WR, 2 TE, 1 RB
Posse: 3 WR, 1 TE,1 RB
Houston: 3 WR, 2 RB
Jet: 4 WR, 1 RB
Kings: 4 WR, 1 TE
Tank: 1 WR, 2 TE, 2 RB
Heavy: 1 WR, 3 TE, 1 RB
Jumbo: 3 TE, 2 RB

 

[phgreek]

I don't know dude, the statements said today seem pretty clear that the assumed (and the preferable option imo) transition into 2-back/2 TE sets is not on the top of Kelly's agenda.

I, like you, hope that i'm wrong about this.

Given newness on the O line, Martin's apparent preference for running, slots being assigned to RB coach (translates to emphasis on blocking IMHO), newness at QB (again, my opinion), and no established WR threats...and then add in the fact that you have two monster tight ends, and an apparent gaggle of running backs...man I am having a hard time seeing anything but two tight end sets w/ RBs capable of lining up anywhere...at least early on.

But then a QB change for Stanford, SC, and the bowl game seemed like they were all but inevitable to me, so what do I know...

Edit:

Martins stats run vs pass

2006: 538 runs, 355 passes (60.2 percent/39.8 percent)
2007: 541 runs, 329 passes (62.2 percent/37.8 percent)
2008: 464 runs, 280 passes (62.4 percent/37.6 percent)
2009: 599 runs, 397 passes (60 percent/40 percent)

 

[OCIrish]

Irish Illustrated @NDatRivals

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly on OC move: "I didn't need somebody that was not on the same accord with me, that would challenge me every day."



Irish Sports Daily @ISDUpdate

Kelly will still call plays next season

What I'm gathering is that Kelly wants a "yes" man in the booth??

 

[tko]

What I'm gathering is that Kelly wants a "yes" man in the booth??

yes

 

[woolybug25]

Given newness on the O line, Martin's apparent preference for running, slots being assigned to RB coach (translates to emphasis on blocking IMHO), newness at QB (again, my opinion), and no established WR threats...and then add in the fact that you have two monster tight ends, and an apparent gaggle of running backs...man I am having a hard time seeing anything but two tight end sets w/ RBs capable of lining up anywhere...at least early on.

But then a QB change for Stanford, SC, and the bowl game seemed like they were all but inevitable to me, so what do I know...

Edit:

Martins stats run vs pass

2006: 538 runs, 355 passes (60.2 percent/39.8 percent)
2007: 541 runs, 329 passes (62.2 percent/37.8 percent)
2008: 464 runs, 280 passes (62.4 percent/37.6 percent)
2009: 599 runs, 397 passes (60 percent/40 percent)

Don't get me wrong, I hope our stats look more like this. But Martin isn't going to be calling the plays. This is confirmed by quotes from the press conference. So his preference doesn't matter unless Kelly calls it that way. I also get why our personnel makes one assume that we will be running more 2TE/2RB sets. But the fact remains, that everything that was said today points to the contrary. Kelly even specifically noted that he wants to run the same offense that he arrived at Notre Dame with, and that offense doesn't include Tank, Heavy or Jumbo packages.

I'm not even saying that we wont see these (I hope we do), i'm just saying that what was said today points to more of the same stuff we saw last year. Hopefully our personnel, strengths, etc force us to do different things. But those thoughts are not being based on the actual words coming from our coaching staff. But as someone else pointed out, just because they are saying one thing, doesn't mean that it is going to happen that way.

 

[phgreek]

Don't get me wrong, I hope our stats look more like this. But Martin isn't going to be calling the plays. This is confirmed by quotes from the press conference. So his preference doesn't matter unless Kelly calls it that way. I also get why our personnel makes one assume that we will be running more 2TE/2RB sets. But the fact remains, that everything that was said today points to the contrary. Kelly even specifically noted that he wants to run the same offense that he arrived at Notre Dame with, and that offense doesn't include Tank, Heavy or Jumbo packages.

I'm not even saying that we wont see these (I hope we do), i'm just saying that what was said today points to more of the same stuff we saw last year. Hopefully our personnel, strengths, etc force us to do different things. But those thoughts are not being based on the actual words coming from our coaching staff. But as someone else pointed out, just because they are saying one thing, doesn't mean that it is going to happen that way.

I get ya...I don't challenge what you indicated Kelly said...just looking at whats in the cupboard, and the tendencies of the guy he asked to set the table...looks like beef, but Kelly could serve up fowl...who knows.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Quote:
Originally Posted by OCIrish
What I'm gathering is that Kelly wants a "yes" man in the booth??

yes

No. A functioning part of the executive committe.

 

[Emcee77]

I found this quote from Kelly's presser really interesting:

“I was really looking for, as it relates to Chuck, somebody that could communicate the message clearly across the board without any inconsistencies from group to group. When you’re talking about offensive coordinator, it’s not about what you put up on the blackboard, it’s about your ability to lead and communicate. It’s your ability to get your players to play at the level necessary.”

I think most people think of an offensive coordinator in exactly the opposite way, as an x's-and-o's type. It's pretty clear that the offense on this team is Kelly's, and there is no daylight between him and Martin, which is why Martin got the job.

Another interesting thing I saw on 247 somewhere is that Denbrock was Kelly's offensive coordinator at Grand Valley State. His passing coordinator title makes more sense to me now; I had previously thought of him as an OL/TE guy, as that was what he coached at ND under Willingham, but his experience has been much broader than that.