My last update on this:
- Notre Dame has gone above Texas Tech in base, and salary with their final offer. (I’m positive)
- Over the course of 24 hours, he affirmed he was coming, then indicated he didn’t feel he could.
- Communication has continued non-stop.
- He is NOT being given quite the level of control he wants, and Texas Tech affords him. The level of autonomy he’s asked for is simply absurd, and something very few major programs would grant. His level of autonomy requests have increased during this process.
Where it’s at:
The full contract was extended, and there will be no further adjustments.
If he doesn’t sign, that’s it, and the 2 other candidates will be pursued.
I feel Blanchard is generational in potential, but at some point, enough is enough.
The other 2 primary candidates are just as good, they’re just not quite as charismatic.
Regardless of his decision:
There is absolutely nothing more Notre Dame could have done here, and there is no reason to be concerned.
If he signs, wonderful.
If he doesn’t, either of the other 2 are also rock solid hires.
* Also, yes, at multiple points this deal was considered done. (That’s partially why some in the industry spoke as if he was already on staff)
