Brian Kelly to LSU, per report

[Grahambo]

If Lax is stopped from changing the name of GP’s thread, can he do it to this one?

 

[forkbeard3777]

welcome, fork.

BK is a touchy subject for ND fans as you might imagine, but the wounds are starting to heal. This thread went through the five stages of grief in a very public manner, but most here are finally past the acceptance phase and are focused on MF's ND moving forward.

BK did great things for ND; he brought the program back to sustained relevance and instilled a winning culture. He's a fantastic coach despite his blemishes. Most of the level-headed posters here are very thankful for what he did for ND, and while we certainly enjoy the schadenfreude of watching him struggle after he ditched us in such an abrupt manner, we are also very aware that he likely hit his ceiling at ND with all of the administration's self-imposed handcuffs.

All that said, realize that we, as a fan base, are trying to move on from BK. some are at different stages than others, but most here don't really want to discuss him any more. We're thankful for his time at ND, we're pissed about how he left, we understand why he left, we enjoy watching him when he struggles (as a form of self-soothing), and we're ready to move on.

Thanks, Sixstar. I appreciate your response, and trust me, I wholly understand. LSU fans weren't particularly thrilled when Nick Saban announced that he'd be taking the Alabama job and then proceeds to rattle off 6 National Titles.

At the end of the day, I truly believe Notre Dame is in a better position with his departure. He did great things at Notre Dame. However, for better or for worse, the game has drastically changed over the past 20 years or so. Football has become younger, offensive philosophies have changed, recruiting is such an ordeal and spectacle, the introduction of NIL and transfer rules (i.e., "free agency"), and so forth.

In my opinion, BK is in his early 60's and appears to be fundamentally and schematically set in his ways. It won't get any easier. Freeman is young, energetic and has great upside. It'll pay off.

 

[Irishdrunk]

I'm not sure why you think this isn't happening.

The same people wanted BK and Jack gone after he got one of ours killed and Jack covered for him. We wanted Jack gone when his role in USA Gymnastics came to light. But they are still there. The bottom line is that BK and Jack are symptoms of the disease. The problems are at the BOT and BOF level, and they don't care what any of us think or say at this point. If enough people like Tom Mendoza, Dick Corbett, the Purcells, etc, made a stink, then they might do something. Until then, as your boy said after losing to Tulsa, get used to it.

True but the difference is that Kelly fought Swarbrick for all sorts of reinvestment and he still knew it wasn't enough. It was known that Kelly had to push Swarbrick - whether it was stadium upgrades, facility upgrades or bringing in Freeman.

To chase a Natty its going to cost ND tens of millions of dollars in Staffing, NIL, Facilities, and Programs. If your AD flinches up on a buyout for a top OC well its like you are winded at Base Camp...

You compare the facilities and potential at LSU vs ND - including financial commitments - it doesn't seem to be close.

 

[sfk324]

True but the difference is that Kelly fought Swarbrick for all sorts of reinvestment and he still knew it wasn't enough. It was known that Kelly had to push Swarbrick - whether it was stadium upgrades, facility upgrades or bringing in Freeman.

To chase a Natty its going to cost ND tens of millions of dollars in Staffing, NIL, Facilities, and Programs. If your AD flinches up on a buyout for a top OC well its like you are winded at Base Camp...

You compare the facilities and potential at LSU vs ND - including financial commitments - it doesn't seem to be close.

I really don't think you're grasping the real issues. Focus on the coach, AD, and even the university president is misplaced.

None of the coaches are fighting the AD. The AD is, to quote Col. Kurtz, an errand boy sent by grocery clerks. The direction of the program and the university as a whole is a reflection of the desires of the BOT and BOF. As an example, the AD could not care less about classrooms and educational uses of the Campus Crossroads project--it's entirely a reflection of the BOT and BOF being unwilling to build an athletics only facility of such stature. Only when it was presented as a mixed use facility did it get an okay.

If either of those governing bodies had a problem with what was going on, they could fix it or get rid of the "problem." They have remained silent, not just during the current AD, but the previous two. The silence and inaction should send loud and clear messages to people--they do not perceive a problem. But it's easier to blame Monk, Jenkins, Kevin White, etc., than it is to blame a rather faceless board. Understanding the world they exist in, my issues with Swarbrick and BK aren't the facilities or even the results of the program. It's that the most public employees of the University are/were absolute dogshit representatives of my alma mater. But because they're reliable errand boys, the feckless BOT and BOF have done nothing because the endowment grows and the educational prestige of the University remains high, which is really all that matters for them.

 

[INLaw]

I understand why Notre Dame fans aren't too keen on BK. I really do. He's bland and can come across as arrogant - he's from Massachusetts - nothing else needs really needs to be expounded upon. Nevertheless, he's in charge of an approximate $1 billion program, not leading the Parish or church congregation. In addition, Nick Saban and Kirby Smart don't strike me as overly warm and fuzzy, but the Alabama and Georgia fans are smitten.

Is BK perfect? No. I honestly don't believe we'll have another 2019 season with him at the helm - it certainly won't be easier facing Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and such week in and week out.

However, overall, I do believe that he did an unreal job while at Notre Dame. Notre Dame is faced with certain challenges that aren't an issue at other schools (potential AD and administration pushback, academics, restrictions on grad transfers, lack of in-state talent, I'm not too sure of ND's stance on NIL, etc.)

Regarding Freeman - he certainly is a guy you like to root for. In my opinion (and I'm prepared to be flamed for this), he's had a few "dear in the headlights" looks and moments since taking over. I'm also concerned about Notre Dame's willingness to support Freeman and do whatever it takes. That's largely stemming from the recent OC debacle.

Deer 🦌

 

[irishog77]

True but the difference is that Kelly fought Swarbrick for all sorts of reinvestment and he still knew it wasn't enough. It was known that Kelly had to push Swarbrick - whether it was stadium upgrades, facility upgrades or bringing in Freeman.

To chase a Natty its going to cost ND tens of millions of dollars in Staffing, NIL, Facilities, and Programs. If your AD flinches up on a buyout for a top OC well its like you are winded at Base Camp...

You compare the facilities and potential at LSU vs ND - including financial commitments - it doesn't seem to be close.

The bolded is one of the disconnects on this board. Swarbrick "flinched" (if that's even what he did) on Andy Ludwig. He did not flinch on a top OC.

 

[Irishdrunk]

I really don't think you're grasping the real issues. Focus on the coach, AD, and even the university president is misplaced.

None of the coaches are fighting the AD. The AD is, to quote Col. Kurtz, an errand boy sent by grocery clerks. The direction of the program and the university as a whole is a reflection of the desires of the BOT and BOF. As an example, the AD could not care less about classrooms and educational uses of the Campus Crossroads project--it's entirely a reflection of the BOT and BOF being unwilling to build an athletics only facility of such stature. Only when it was presented as a mixed use facility did it get an okay.

If either of those governing bodies had a problem with what was going on, they could fix it or get rid of the "problem." They have remained silent, not just during the current AD, but the previous two. The silence and inaction should send loud and clear messages to people--they do not perceive a problem. But it's easier to blame Monk, Jenkins, Kevin White, etc., than it is to blame a rather faceless board. Understanding the world they exist in, my issues with Swarbrick and BK aren't the facilities or even the results of the program. It's that the most public employees of the University are/were absolute dogshit representatives of my alma mater. But because they're reliable errand boys, the feckless BOT and BOF have done nothing because the endowment grows and the educational prestige of the University remains high, which is really all that matters for them.

Understood...Swarbrick is the face of the University (BOT and BOF...ie. Administration). So yes agreed.

 

[Irishdrunk]

I understand why Notre Dame fans aren't too keen on BK. I really do. He's bland and can come across as arrogant - he's from Massachusetts - nothing else needs really needs to be expounded upon. Nevertheless, he's in charge of an approximate $1 billion program, not leading the Parish or church congregation. In addition, Nick Saban and Kirby Smart don't strike me as overly warm and fuzzy, but the Alabama and Georgia fans are smitten.

Is BK perfect? No. I honestly don't believe we'll have another 2019 season with him at the helm - it certainly won't be easier facing Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and such week in and week out.

However, overall, I do believe that he did an unreal job while at Notre Dame. Notre Dame is faced with certain challenges that aren't an issue at other schools (potential AD and administration pushback, academics, restrictions on grad transfers, lack of in-state talent, I'm not too sure of ND's stance on NIL, etc.)

Regarding Freeman - he certainly is a guy you like to root for. In my opinion (and I'm prepared to be flamed for this), he's had a few "dear in the headlights" looks and moments since taking over. I'm also concerned about Notre Dame's willingness to support Freeman and do whatever it takes. That's largely stemming from the recent OC debacle.

I think its a very fair assessment.

 

[KPENN]

The bolded is one of the disconnects on this board. Swarbrick "flinched" (if that's even what he did) on Andy Ludwig. He did not flinch on a top OC.

Also, Swarbrick brought in the top defensive coordinator on the market 2 years ago.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

Hey, thanks for stopping by.

Notre Dame's former coach, the current LSU coach, can slurp shit out of a hose as far as I'm concerned and if he did I honestly wouldn't have a damn left to give.

Hope you're having a nice day. Be well.

 

[NDdomer2]

Any chance forkbeard is a BK burner

 

[drayer54]

Polian is now the get back coach. Congrats.

 

[KPENN]

Any chance forkbeard is a BK burner

Forkbeard is Irishdrunk who is BK

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Fork,

You can lie to us, but you can’t lie to yourself.

You will never like BK, but you will tolerate him. This is the undisputed truth from any fan of a team he has coached at.

He lacks awareness, has the personality of a spoiled glass of milk, and wears a giant hat while looking at an empty cattle pasture.

Enjoy the Citrus Bowl.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Giddyup]

BK is the best thing that happened to ND football in 30 yrs. 50% chance he brings a national championship to LSU. Just how it is despite the butt sores here are.

 

[forkbeard3777]

Fork,

You can lie to us, but you can’t lie to yourself.

You will never like BK, but you will tolerate him. This is the undisputed truth from any fan of a team he has coached at.

He lacks awareness, has the personality of a spoiled glass of milk, and wears a giant hat while looking at an empty cattle pasture.

Enjoy the Citrus Bowl.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You can't see the forest for the trees...

Frankly, I don't care about his personality or awareness. For seventeen years, we've dealt with the boob, Les Miles, and the yokel, Ed Orgeron, both of which who won national championships at LSU. Oh yeah, prior to that, we had Nick Saban, who also won a national championship at LSU. He's well known for his gleeful personality...

Aside from Saban (and some of our coordinators throughout the years), we essentially went seventeen years without a competent head coach. We had a doofus and a rah-rah caveman, and still won championships with both - in the toughest division in all of college football no less.

Understand that LSU fans want to win, and they want results immediately. There is way, way, way too much talent in that state (many of which has seeped to Alabama and Georgia the past decade) to not have meaningful results. Admittedly, I'm skeptical on Kelly (I think of him as a 10-2 type coach), but he proved me wrong in year one. He took a team in disarray, with a heavily depleted roster, no quarterback, and won the SEC West. If you can't admit that he did a solid job, then you're simply petty, cattish, and lying to yourself.

ETA: Kelly, aside from the marriage, is stable. He's in his early 60s -- he won't be coaching too much longer. The last couple of years with Orgeron were challenging to say the least. Maybe he was brought in for stability purposes and to restock the roster for 5+years. Who knows? I trust Scott Woodward though.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

You can't see the forest for the trees...

Frankly, I don't care about his personality or awareness. We've dealt with the boob, Les Miles, and the yokel, Ed Orgeron, both of which who won national championships at LSU, for seventeen years. Prior to that, we had Nick Saban, who also won a national championship at LSU. He's well known for his gleeful personality...

Aside from Saban (and some of our coordinators throughout the years), we essentially went seventeen years without a competent head coach. We had a doofus and a rah-rah caveman.

LSU fans want to win, and they want it now. There is way, way, way too much talent in that steep (many of which has seeped to Alabama and Georgia the past decade) to not have meaningful results. Admittedly, I'm skeptical on Kelly (I think of him as a 10-2 type coach), but he proved me wrong in year one. He took a team in disarray, with a heavily depleted roster, no quarterback, and won the SEC West.

If you can't admit that he did a solid job, then you're simply petty, cattish, and lying to yourself.

Lol. Enjoy the Citrus Bowl.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Kingbish01]

You can't see the forest for the trees...

Frankly, I don't care about his personality or awareness. For seventeen years, we've dealt with the boob, Les Miles, and the yokel, Ed Orgeron, both of which who won national championships at LSU. Prior to that, we had Nick Saban, who also won a national championship at LSU. He's well known for his gleeful personality...Aside from Saban (and some of our coordinators throughout the years), we essentially went seventeen years without a competent head coach. We had a doofus and a rah-rah caveman.

LSU fans want to win, and they want it now. There is way, way, way too much talent in that state (many of which has seeped to Alabama and Georgia the past decade) to not have meaningful results. Admittedly, I'm skeptical on Kelly (I think of him as a 10-2 type coach), but he proved me wrong in year one. He took a team in disarray, with a heavily depleted roster, no quarterback, and won the SEC West.

If you can't admit that he did a solid job, then you're simply petty, cattish, and lying to yourself.

He did a great job, but while Kirby is at UGA he'll never win a Natty. We have pretty good HS talent here in GA too. And before you say it..JB, JJ, and JC were lightning in a bottle. That won't happen again. How bout them Dawgs!

 

[forkbeard3777]

He did a great job, but while Kirby is at UGA he'll never win a Natty. We have pretty good HS talent here in GA too. And before you say it..JB, JJ, and JC were lightning in a bottle. That won't happen again.

Maybe it will, maybe it won't. "Lightning in a bottle," though? Surely you jest. Look at some of our past teams and the talent produced and drafted. Obviously, we have no shortage of skill players, defensive linemen, and linebackers here. Burrow, on the other hand, he's certainly a rarity.

Regarding Kirby, we smacked him around twice (2018 and 2019). I thought we put up a good fight, predominately with Nussmeier, our backup in the SEC Championship. As a realist, our roster isn't there - both in terms of depth and quality. No one is denying that. The roster was piecemealed together with players from Nicholls State, ULL, and the likes that would normally be lucky to even be on LSU's roster in a typical year much less playing. I'll give the kids credit, they performed to the best of their abilities, and won some bigtime games.

Georgia is definitely the top "dawg" though. I'll give them that. They've made a serious commitment to winning and are spending some serious money to achieve these results.

 

[Kingbish01]

BK is a good coach no doubt, but he went into the toughest division in football as a coach who struggles to win big games at the worst possible time. Ok, he beat Bama but the Tennessee game was typical BK. And on the flip side, what UGA did to Tennessee was typical UGA. Smothering D, that breaks the will of opponents. BK's timing couldnt have been worse, UGA is going to run the SEC for at least another 5 years. They literally walked into Sabans office in broad daylight and snatched the dynasty off his desk and walked out. They'll be the first team to 3peat and that will really be the passing of the torch. BK should have stayed at ND until Saban retired and Smart went to the NFL. I'd bet on Lane Kiffin getting shitty before BK. I've just seen this movie too many times, it doesn't matter how good LSU is...he'll find a way to fuck it up. And I still bet he moves to the NFL when the perfect opportunity presents itself. He's a whore bro, it is what it is.

 

[Giddyup]

“Ok he beat Alabama”. Lolol

 

[Giddyup]

Just acknowledge near excellence and move on. BK is one of the winningiest coaches in history. It’s just a bad look for ND fans to bitch.

 

[Giddyup]

Text Swarbrick about how he wouldn’t let BK get over the hump.

 

[ND88]

Just acknowledge near excellence and move on. BK is one of the winningiest coaches in history. It’s just a bad look for ND fans to bitch.

Near excellence acknowledged. Lou was excellent. I’ll do what I want as a Notre Dame fan.

 

[irish4ever]

I understand why Notre Dame fans aren't too keen on BK. I really do. He's bland and can come across as arrogant - he's from Massachusetts - nothing else needs really needs to be expounded upon. Nevertheless, he's in charge of an approximate $1 billion program, not leading the Parish or church congregation. In addition, Nick Saban and Kirby Smart don't strike me as overly warm and fuzzy, but the Alabama and Georgia fans are smitten.

Is BK perfect? No. I honestly don't believe we'll have another 2019 season with him at the helm - it certainly won't be easier facing Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and such week in and week out.

However, overall, I do believe that he did an unreal job while at Notre Dame. Notre Dame is faced with certain challenges that aren't an issue at other schools (potential AD and administration pushback, academics, restrictions on grad transfers, lack of in-state talent, I'm not too sure of ND's stance on NIL, etc.)

Regarding Freeman - he certainly is a guy you like to root for. In my opinion (and I'm prepared to be flamed for this), he's had a few "dear in the headlights" looks and moments since taking over. I'm also concerned about Notre Dame's willingness to support Freeman and do whatever it takes. That's largely stemming from the recent OC debacle.

Are you sure of that!? When he was initially introduced at the LSU basketball game, he all of a sudden had a southern-cajun accent!? How the hell can that be for someone from the Boston area unless he's a fake asshole??? Kuck Felly!!!

 

[Irishdrunk]

BK is the best thing that happened to ND football in 30 yrs. 50% chance he brings a national championship to LSU. Just how it is despite the butt sores here are.

Exactly. BK haters want it both ways. They say he sucked at recruiting and then want to argue he was a bad coach, too. If he sucked at recruiting he did really well those last 3 seasons despite subpar recruiting, right? Many thought Marcus was going to be an instant success... one analyst: "I just don't see where we might lose except POSSIBLY at OSU at the Shoe".

The problem is most here still believe ND is the type of program that can legitimately make a run at a Natty and they ignore the limitations. Unfortunately reality set in a bit two weeks ago with Savvy Jackass once again showing he and the Administration's true lack of total commitment to winning a Natty at ND.

Being a winning HC isn't the same as a likability contest.

 

[forkbeard3777]

Are you sure of that!? When he was initially introduced at the LSU basketball game, he all of a sudden had a southern-cajun accent!? How the hell can that be for someone from the Boston area unless he's a fake asshole??? Kuck Felly!!!

Foremost, that certainly wasn't a Cajun accent. I honest to God thought that was overplayed, but whatever...

Nonetheless, I joined this board to post on the Gameday/Notre Dame for Visitors, and First Timers thread. I'm making my first ever trip to Notre Dame this fall and am ecstatic about it.

After posting in that thread, I was perusing through the other threads and saw this thread. I then saw that it was gaining consistent, recent activity.

I was just poking my head in to offer any input from the LSU side. That's it. I understand the animosity for Kelly, and again, he isn't universally loved in Baton Rouge -- people were less than pleased with his "suffocation" of Jayden Daniels and the LSU passing game, the lack of creativity in the passing game, many thought the backups (Nussmeier or Howard) should get the nod as the starter (other than Burrow, Jamarcus Russell, or Rohan Davey, that's typically every year at LSU though -- the backup is always more popular than our starter), the special teams disasters consistent throughout the season, and so forth.

That's it in a nutshell. I'll bow out of the thread, and flame away at me or BK (I don't know him from Adam; thus, I really don't care).

However, that said, if you'd like to check out my initial posts on the "Gameday/Notre Dame for Visitors, and First Timers" and offer any input, suggestions and such it would be greatly appreciated on my end. "Anoint your head and wash your face." I wish you all the best through the Lenten season. Thanks a lot, guys. Cheers. Geaux Tigers and Go Irish.

 

[317Irish]

Near excellence acknowledged. Lou was excellent. I’ll do what I want as a Notre Dame fan.

Maybe find another message board!

 

[SoIll]

Text Swarbrick about how he wouldn’t let BK get over the hump.

This. I hate the little bastard and wish he nothing but the worst, but he is a good football coach and he did do some solid things for ND. If Jack lets him do his thing, I cant help but think we win a NC.

That said, he did kill a kid.

 

[Irish#1]

Was BK a great coach? No. Was he a very good coach? Yes

I appreciate what he did for the program. If he would have left ND in a professional manner instead of lying, he'd have a lot more respect from ND fans.