Clark Lea - Defensive Coordinator

[ulukinatme]

Locksley was at NMSU which is even worse than NM

First part is wrong, but you're right about NMSU being even worse.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Mexico_Lobos_football#Mike_Locksley_era_(2009–2011)

 

[IrishLion]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NFL may 'kick tires' on Brian Kelly: <a href="https://t.co/YASFMoQOPg">https://t.co/YASFMoQOPg</a> <a href="https://t.co/hA4z9D5Rp1">pic.twitter.com/hA4z9D5Rp1</a></p>— 247Sports (@247Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/247Sports/status/1179352430556958720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The NFL 'kicks the tires' on literally everyone, buuuuuuut

Put me in the group that thinks Clark Lea should officially be the head coach in waiting.

I used to think that a new ND head coach should be a guy that has HC experience, but ND is such a unique job that I think experience AT Notre Dame is more important than experience as a HC.

Plus, I think Clark Lea has proven to this point that the qualities that make him a good DC would translate into someone who could be a good HC.

He has a knack for spotting guys with developmental potential, and is uncanny at projecting how a guy will grow physically and fit into his system athletically.

He's one of the best in the country at game planning, and at adjusting when things aren't going well.

And I think perhaps most importantly, he's got that 'Coach as Teacher' mindset that really translates well to the types of kids that ND needs to recruit and develop if they want to remain in the 10-win, playoffs-every-four-years cycle.

If you're a businessman/CEO with an NFL pedigree and you're all about that action, you can stay at the top of the game with a roster full of 5-star guys. It's a factory setting.

But if you're ND, you need to recruit a base of high-three, low-four star guys that you can develop and count on to play certain roles over a four-year cycle (give-or-take a year depending on hidden gems and 5th-year guys), and sprinkle in some elite athletes to try and get yourself over the top.

ND is doing a really good job with roster building, recruiting, and development right now, and I think Clark Lea is the perfect guy to keep it rolling as long as he sticks around as DC, and then gets a chance whenever BK hits the road.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

I love Clark Lea but two years as a DC isn't enough for me to think he's learned enough about the various facets of running a program. Plus, promoting him will definitely cost you Elston.

In an ideal world where Kelly moves on in the offseason, ND finds a HC who runs a sexy offense and is able to retain their best defensive coaches.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Can we let him finish his second season ever as a Defensive Coordinator before we anoint Lea as the HC in waiting?

 

[ulukinatme]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NFL may 'kick tires' on Brian Kelly: <a href="https://t.co/YASFMoQOPg">https://t.co/YASFMoQOPg</a> <a href="https://t.co/hA4z9D5Rp1">pic.twitter.com/hA4z9D5Rp1</a></p>— 247Sports (@247Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/247Sports/status/1179352430556958720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The NFL 'kicks the tires' on literally everyone, buuuuuuut

Put me in the group that thinks Clark Lea should officially be the head coach in waiting.

I used to think that a new ND head coach should be a guy that has HC experience, but ND is such a unique job that I think experience AT Notre Dame is more important than experience as a HC.

Plus, I think Clark Lea has proven to this point that the qualities that make him a good DC would translate into someone who could be a good HC.

Stopped reading after the bolded. Who was our last DC that got promoted from within?

Not saying that Lea isn't a great coach though, he's better than ol' Boob. I have a bad feeling that he gets poached sooner than later, either as a HC somewhere else or bigger program pays him more.

 

[IrishLion]

Can we let him finish his second season ever as a Defensive Coordinator before we anoint Lea as the HC in waiting?

No. I stated my case.

 

[zelezo vlk]

He's not even the associate head coach!

 

[IrishLion]

He's not even the associate head coach!

Seriously, though, this is my "Call Your Shot" for the year.

I know it's only been a year and a half, and it's probably unreasonable/unfair to throw it out as an expectation... but I'm having fun, and I've seen enough from his recruiting efforts and player projections and defensive acumen to think that he's got the goods, and that they would translate into a HC job.

I know almost everyone will disagree (because they don't want a first-time HC, or they think he would stay as DC if they hired a 'big name,' or because the jury is still out in general), but I think he's got "it" as a coach. I just think there are good vibes.

 

[ulukinatme]

Seriously, though, this is my "Call Your Shot" for the year.

I know it's only been a year and a half, and it's probably unreasonable/unfair to throw it out as an expectation... but I'm having fun, and I've seen enough from his recruiting efforts and player projections and defensive acumen to think that he's got the goods, and that they would translate into a HC job.

I know almost everyone will disagree (because they don't want a first-time HC, or they think he would stay as DC if they hired a 'big name,' or because the jury is still out in general), but I think he's got "it" as a coach. I just think there are good vibes.

I think he could pull it off too, and I would be okay giving him the reigns, but I fear BK will remain HC a few more years and Lea will get taken away before that occurs.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Seriously, though, this is my "Call Your Shot" for the year.

I know it's only been a year and a half, and it's probably unreasonable/unfair to throw it out as an expectation... but I'm having fun, and I've seen enough from his recruiting efforts and player projections and defensive acumen to think that he's got the goods, and that they would translate into a HC job.

I know almost everyone will disagree (because they don't want a first-time HC, or they think he would stay as DC if they hired a 'big name,' or because the jury is still out in general), but I think he's got "it" as a coach. I just think there are good vibes.

I agree with you, and I wouldn't hate it since the other FNDHCIW (Brohm, Campbell) haven't exactly lit it up this year. But it's more likely that ND is too big for Lea to handle. He needs some more experience, preferably as HC. Though if the machine is up and running, due in no small part to Lea's work, then BK handing over the reins just needing Lea to keep it maintained isn't the worst thing.

Lea could also spend these next few years forming relationships with many other coaches to provide future opportunities.

 

[EvilleIrish]

Seriously, though, this is my "Call Your Shot" for the year.

I know it's only been a year and a half, and it's probably unreasonable/unfair to throw it out as an expectation... but I'm having fun, and I've seen enough from his recruiting efforts and player projections and defensive acumen to think that he's got the goods, and that they would translate into a HC job.

I know almost everyone will disagree (because they don't want a first-time HC, or they think he would stay as DC if they hired a 'big name,' or because the jury is still out in general), but I think he's got "it" as a coach. I just think there are good vibes.

And let's be honest here...it wouldn't be the first time a big time program took a shot on a coordinator. I think about Ohio State with Ryan Day and of course Oklahoma with Lincoln Riley. If you got a guy that you think fits what you want to do and is young as well as talented, take a shot. I'd much rather see this than a Dantonio or Gary Patterson type hire.

 

[zelezo vlk]

And let's be honest here...it wouldn't be the first time a big time program took a shot on a coordinator. I think about Ohio State with Ryan Day and of course Oklahoma with Lincoln Riley. If you got a guy that you think fits what you want to do and is young as well as talented, take a shot. I'd much rather see this than a Dantonio or Gary Patterson type hire.

I'd feel much more comfortable if Lea did a great job in 4 games as interim head coach at ND, or if BK decided to retire next June, leaving no options to hire outside.

Those guys got the jobs due to very specific situations.

 

[EvilleIrish]

I'd feel much more comfortable if Lea did a great job in 4 games as interim head coach at ND, or if BK decided to retire next June, leaving no options to hire outside.

Those guys got the jobs due to very specific situations.

While that's somewhat true, Ohio State had quite a bit of time to find a guy.

 

[NDIrish88]

I would even Elston or Lea any day.

 

[zelezo vlk]

While that's somewhat true, Ohio State had quite a bit of time to find a guy.

Ohio State did, but by that time Ryan Day had already proved himself to be capable of running the program by...running the program. Unless we're thinking BK will be forced to step aside for 4 weeks, I'm not sure Lea will have that kind of experience, which was a key factor in the reason Day was hired.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

This staff would work well with Urban.....

 

[beryirish]

Dabo Swinney - doesn't matter your background/experience. If you got it, you got it.

Clemson WR coach 3 years. AHC one year and Interim HC 2008. HC 2009. We all know the rest.

Clark Lea has better experience and a better resume than Dabo did when he took over. If Jenkins and Savvy Jack believe he is the one then I'm all for it.

 

[EvilleIrish]

Ohio State did, but by that time Ryan Day had already proved himself to be capable of running the program by...running the program. Unless we're thinking BK will be forced to step aside for 4 weeks, I'm not sure Lea will have that kind of experience, which was a key factor in the reason Day was hired.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't day only run the team on game days? I think Urban was still at practice?

 

[zelezo vlk]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't day only run the team on game days? I think Urban was still at practice?

I thought Urban wasn't allowed to do much during that time.

 

[dad4aa]

The day Urban is hired at ND is the day I turn in my tickets

 

[Wingman Ray]

The day Urban is hired at ND is the day I turn in my tickets

Wont ever happen. Urban doesnt want to come to ND. He wants to go where he can recruit non students. He is USC's next coach.

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

Wont ever happen. Urban doesnt want to come to ND. He wants to go where he can recruit non students. He is USC's next coach.

I think it's more important to point out that ND would never hire him at this point.

They would never sell their reputation for that swine. Plus they already tried in '05 and he made his choice clear; he'd rather go to places where their priorities make his job easier.

 

[FDNYIrish1]

Fantastic article on Lea on The Athletic today. Love this guy

 

[IrishLion]

I think it's more important to point out that ND would never hire him at this point.

They would never sell their reputation for that swine. Plus they already tried in '05 and he made his choice clear; he'd rather go to places where their priorities make his job easier.

Yup.

He had ND experience, and called it a "dream job." He was basically a part of the ND family.

But when it came time to take the job, he turned it down for an easier road.

Also, Shelley Meyer doesn't like South Bend, so it was a no-go either way. Urban will coach at USC if she approves of LA.

 

[PerthDomer]

His mentors Holtz and Davie told him to take the UF job... ND post being ravaged by Ty and ND post Kelly are very different jobs.

 

[snoopdog]

No love for Elston….what up wit dat

 

[Irish#1]

Seriously, though, this is my "Call Your Shot" for the year.

I know it's only been a year and a half, and it's probably unreasonable/unfair to throw it out as an expectation... but I'm having fun, and I've seen enough from his recruiting efforts and player projections and defensive acumen to think that he's got the goods, and that they would translate into a HC job.

I know almost everyone will disagree (because they don't want a first-time HC, or they think he would stay as DC if they hired a 'big name,' or because the jury is still out in general), but I think he's got "it" as a coach. I just think there are good vibes.

That pretty rose bush comes with thorns and a lot of roots no one can see. The thorns would be the repercussions you would have to deal with (like Elston leaving) if Lea were to get anointed. More importantly, the roots are the everyday non-football and/or administrative stuff that has to be dealt with. He may or may not be ready to take on those tasks. The football landscape is littered with successful coordinators (Charlie Weis, Romeo Crennel, Bob Davie, Lindy Infanti, Wade Phillips, etc.) that couldn't handle the HC position. Not saying Lea would fail, but it takes more than football acumen to be a successful HC at this level. If he's another Brad Stevens, I'm all in.

 

[Irish#1]

Wont ever happen. Urban doesnt want to come to ND. He wants to go where he can recruit non students. He is USC's next coach.

USC will never hire him.

 

[T Town Tommy]

There is a huge difference in being a coordinator and being a HC. Not saying Lea can't be a really good HC at some point, but if we have learned anything from the last ten years, being really good at one doesn't equate to success at the other. Lea probably needs a few more years before he is ready to take the reins of a high profile program like ND. The question is pretty simple to me... will ND be able to fend off the mid tier programs that will probably come calling for Lea as HC after the season?

 

[Some Irish Bloke]

USC will never hire him.

I think you underestimate them....like, a lot.