Coaching big board 2024

[NorthDakota]

Speaking of coaches doing well with less in Kansas, Chris Klieman is another guy worth a long look. Knows how to win.

Bonus: he's from the 'loo.

I wonder if he would leave. AD at K-State hired him to be the head coach at NDSU. Then later hired him away to K-State.

 

[stlnd01]

This can only be the case if no one better is interested in the job.

Freeman is a nice guy but I don't think that should get you extra years.

My hope is he wins 9+ games and holds together a top ten recruiting class. Anything less than that should get his seat very hot and 2025 is then playoffs or bust.

The last (only?) time we fired a coach after three years we thought we were going to get someone better and we wound up with Charlie Weis. And Freeman has performed substantially better than Willingham did.

 

[JoeyGetherall]

The last (only?) time we fired a coach after three years we thought we were going to get someone better and we wound up with Charlie Weis. And Freeman has performed substantially better than Willingham did.

Tyrone Willingham was left with shit to clean up. Marcus Freeman was left with a top 10 team. The two situations are not the same when judging performance.

The fact we ended up with Weis that cycle instead of Meyer is probably why were having this conversation today.

If they want to be a contender going forward, they need to stop messing around and get a coach with experience. Having an inexperienced coach being the reason, or even the narrative for underperforming is embarrassing and unacceptable at the level ND portrays itself to be.

 

[calvegas04]

The last (only?) time we fired a coach after three years we thought we were going to get someone better and we wound up with Charlie Weis. And Freeman has performed substantially better than Willingham did.

Charlie Weis was better than Willingham.

 

[calvegas04]

That may be, but here he is.
And no I don't think three winning records in three years is fireable performance, even if the stated goal is a national championship. If we only win 7 this year, the seat gets very hot. But barring utter disaster, you give Freeman four years. Partly so that the next coach knows he'll get a fair shot to build a program too.

If a team is regressing year after year then I think that is a fireable offense.

 

[NorthDakota]

Tyrone Willingham was left with shit to clean up. Marcus Freeman was left with a top 10 team. The two situations are not the same when judging performance.

The fact we ended up with Weis that cycle instead of Meyer is probably why were having this conversation today.

If they want to be a contender going forward, they need to stop messing around and get a coach with experience. Having an inexperienced coach being the reason, or even the narrative for underperforming is embarrassing and unacceptable at the level ND portrays itself to be.

If ND wants to be a contender, they need to win. 36 year title drought. Alarmingly close to the parents of the players being too young to remember Notre Dame winning anything or not getting nuked in a big bowl game.

 

[stlnd01]

Charlie Weis was better than Willingham.

Close enough as makes no difference.

 

[JoeyGetherall]

If ND wants to be a contender, they need to win. 36 year title drought. Alarmingly close to the parents of the players being too young to remember Notre Dame winning anything or not getting nuked in a big bowl game.

Agreed. They prob need to win in the next 5 years or at least be close. If not , I think the fall off will be steeper than anyone realizes. You combine boomers getting into their 80s with anyone under 40 only knowing championship success via youtube reruns, leaves you with a forever downturn.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

Charlie Weis was better than Willingham.

He was, but he was also their third choice at best. If you want to make a bold move and get rid of the one you're with to go get the one you want, you'd better be damned sure. ND thought they had Meyer in the bag. Turns out he wasn't. They end up with Weis in addition to firing a coach before he contract ended, something they'd never done before prior.

Willingham was a failure on and off the field. Weis at least did some recruiting and managed to land Clausen. He turned BQ from average to a Heisman candidate and first round pick. He was also a first time head coach at any level and the program could not cut it defensively or on the strength and conditioning side.

This is a new leadership team at ND now compared to then, but they could fall into the same trap. I think we're ahead of ourselves talking about Freeman getting fired, but you always have to have a plan in the top drawer in case the unexpected occurs.

 

[Huntr]

but you always have to have a plan in the top drawer in case the unexpected occurs.

Swarbrick in 2021: A what in case of what?

 

[IRISHDODGER]

He was, but he was also their third choice at best. If you want to make a bold move and get rid of the one you're with to go get the one you want, you'd better be damned sure. ND thought they had Meyer in the bag. Turns out he wasn't. They end up with Weis in addition to firing a coach before he contract ended, something they'd never done before prior.

Willingham was a failure on and off the field. Weis at least did some recruiting and managed to land Clausen. He turned BQ from average to a Heisman candidate and first round pick. He was also a first time head coach at any level and the program could not cut it defensively or on the strength and conditioning side.

This is a new leadership team at ND now compared to then, but they could fall into the same trap. I think we're ahead of ourselves talking about Freeman getting fired, but you always have to have a plan in the top drawer in case the unexpected occurs.

Agree w/ the bolded but I get that this is a message board and a great way to vent after embarrassing losses. The only thing the NIU loss has made clear is that MF’s extension is off the table for now. You don’t pull the plug for reasons you just noted especially if he can miraculously lead this team to the CFP. I post all that to say, I have no clue what happens if they shit the bed again.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

Agree w/ the bolded but I get that this is a message board and a great way to vent after embarrassing losses. The only thing the NIU loss has made clear is that MF’s extension is off the table for now. You don’t pull the plug for reasons you just noted especially if he can miraculously lead this team to the CFP. I post all that to say, I have no clue what happens if they shit the bed again.

Yes, I've been reminded multiple times this is a message board. It's a fact not lost on me, but we all have the ability to do simple counting. Two games played, 1-1 record. The time to even discuss the next coach is not the week prior to game 3. Everyone can vent away, though. I sometimes wish I was a wizard but I'm grown up enough to know that's not going to fucking happen. I just find it rather interesting that the posters who typically complain the most, project doom and gloom more often than not and have the most grievance of being a fan of this program still manage to wet themselves over setbacks. This same group of people practically beg for it, expect it more often than not and when they get it, they just hit the keyboard harder when they type. Just seems like a weird way to consume sports. I cut the Chicago White Sox out of my sight a year ago. I don't miss them. I feel better. Something for some folks to consider. If something is upsetting you and not providing joy in your life, maybe walk away?

I didn't talk to @irishnd31 for years. Now we're opening for Oasis next year in Springfield, Ohio. Can't wait.

There's a fine line between venting after a loss, a bad loss, and tearing down Marcus Freeman out of nothing more than an emotional tantrum. I was at my 9 year old daughter's soccer game and would refresh the score every so often. I'm honestly not terribly surprised they lost. Disappointed for sure and maybe a bit frustrated, but now we go into tomorrow not knowing what the hell is going to happen. I think they will win, but so much of that depends on decisions that probably need to be made by 1-3 people on that coaching staff.

I really don't want another 2007 or 2016, and while I doubt that is in the cards with this defense, the offense gives me pause for concern after the first 120 minutes we've seen.

 

[NDWarrior]

It is way too premature to start thinking about a coaching change, but this would be the guy for me... I'll be very curious to see how they play against UCLA in the Rose Bowl this Saturday. Curt Cignetti taking lead on ‘eliminating noise’ of playing UCLA at Rose Bowl

 

[JoeyGetherall]

Yes, I've been reminded multiple times this is a message board. It's a fact not lost on me, but we all have the ability to do simple counting. Two games played, 1-1 record. The time to even discuss the next coach is not the week prior to game 3. Everyone can vent away, though. I sometimes wish I was a wizard but I'm grown up enough to know that's not going to fucking happen. I just find it rather interesting that the posters who typically complain the most, project doom and gloom more often than not and have the most grievance of being a fan of this program still manage to wet themselves over setbacks. This same group of people practically beg for it, expect it more often than not and when they get it, they just hit the keyboard harder when they type. Just seems like a weird way to consume sports. I cut the Chicago White Sox out of my sight a year ago. I don't miss them. I feel better. Something for some folks to consider. If something is upsetting you and not providing joy in your life, maybe walk away?

I didn't talk to @irishnd31 for years. Now we're opening for Oasis next year in Springfield, Ohio. Can't wait.

There's a fine line between venting after a loss, a bad loss, and tearing down Marcus Freeman out of nothing more than an emotional tantrum. I was at my 9 year old daughter's soccer game and would refresh the score every so often. I'm honestly not terribly surprised they lost. Disappointed for sure and maybe a bit frustrated, but now we go into tomorrow not knowing what the hell is going to happen. I think they will win, but so much of that depends on decisions that probably need to be made by 1-3 people on that coaching staff.

I really don't want another 2007 or 2016, and while I doubt that is in the cards with this defense, the offense gives me pause for concern after the first 120 minutes we've seen.

I see your point and tend to agree, but I think with everything happening around college sports this time is different then it was 10-20 years ago. ND admins have been in corporate mode for 30 years managing the bottom line while selling their once very successful product. It's mostly based on reliving the past while stating "at ND we have Championship expectations." The question is do they? Do they operate with that type or urgency? Or is it merely aspirational? It seems more aspirational at this point, which is fine but let's not act like we belong with the modern day big boys. ND will always have its blue blood, but that won't matter in 2024 and beyond when even progrums like Northwestern, Illinois and MSU now have on par or better athletic facilities from their BIG18 contracts. Combining aging boomers and fans sub 40yo only knowing mediocrity, the cliff could be very steep for ND on the next down turn. On the plus side, fans tuning out or not giving dollars is probably the only thing the admins will respond to. If it happens very quickly they might be reactive enough to change course. If not, I fear we'll be left with the slow bleed.

 

[EvilleIrish]

It is way too premature to start thinking about a coaching change, but this would be the guy for me... I'll be very curious to see how they play against UCLA in the Rose Bowl this Saturday. Curt Cignetti taking lead on ‘eliminating noise’ of playing UCLA at Rose Bowl

It's not too premature.

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

It is way too premature to start thinking about a coaching change, but this would be the guy for me... I'll be very curious to see how they play against UCLA in the Rose Bowl this Saturday. Curt Cignetti taking lead on ‘eliminating noise’ of playing UCLA at Rose Bowl

Yep. He coaches ball and wins. Probably why he's 63 years old at his first P4 job. Coached under Amato and Saban as an assistant.

These guys are out there but most ADs don't dig deep enough. Cignetti's career trajectory is certainly unique, though.

 

[IRISHDODGER]

Yes, I've been reminded multiple times this is a message board. It's a fact not lost on me, but we all have the ability to do simple counting. Two games played, 1-1 record. The time to even discuss the next coach is not the week prior to game 3. Everyone can vent away, though. I sometimes wish I was a wizard but I'm grown up enough to know that's not going to fucking happen. I just find it rather interesting that the posters who typically complain the most, project doom and gloom more often than not and have the most grievance of being a fan of this program still manage to wet themselves over setbacks. This same group of people practically beg for it, expect it more often than not and when they get it, they just hit the keyboard harder when they type. Just seems like a weird way to consume sports. I cut the Chicago White Sox out of my sight a year ago. I don't miss them. I feel better. Something for some folks to consider. If something is upsetting you and not providing joy in your life, maybe walk away?

I didn't talk to @irishnd31 for years. Now we're opening for Oasis next year in Springfield, Ohio. Can't wait.

There's a fine line between venting after a loss, a bad loss, and tearing down Marcus Freeman out of nothing more than an emotional tantrum. I was at my 9 year old daughter's soccer game and would refresh the score every so often. I'm honestly not terribly surprised they lost. Disappointed for sure and maybe a bit frustrated, but now we go into tomorrow not knowing what the hell is going to happen. I think they will win, but so much of that depends on decisions that probably need to be made by 1-3 people on that coaching staff.

I really don't want another 2007 or 2016, and while I doubt that is in the cards with this defense, the offense gives me pause for concern after the first 120 minutes we've seen.

Right. I’m not disagreeing with you. I am also cognizant of the fact that ‘fan’ is short for ‘fanatic’ so I simply move on from the posters you describe.

 

[IAIrish]

Relevant to this conversation.

College football's rise of the small-school coaches

They came from tiny programs where they had to do it all. Now coaches like Kalen DeBoer, Chris Klieman and others are bringing small-school lessons to the biggest places.

www.espn.com

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

Right. I’m not disagreeing with you. I am also cognizant of the fact that ‘fan’ is short for ‘fanatic’ so I simply move on from the posters you describe.

Hey, I've been weirding out on message boards for 20 years. Don't forget, I found Irish Envy because I wanted Willingham gone. I'd like to think that during that time I've gotten wiser as opposed to older. I don't want to be frozen in time when it comes to my thought process about anything, Notre Dame Football being the most important of the least important things in life.

I think if we're being honest, Michigan winning a National Championship last year regardless of circumstance hasn't exactly helped our mental health when it comes to having our turn arrive soon. I was about to turn 11 the last time Notre Dame won a National Championship. My youngest child is now 9. I'd love to see it happen again soon, but I don't know that drifting through coaches again is the right way to go about it. They need to be able to adapt in a time when you need to adapt. Simple as that. The same old isn't going to work.

 

[NDFAN2008]

Curt Coggentti hard pass. You need someone who’s gonna relate to recruits I find it hard to believe there’s 3-4 coaches that could come in and recruit better than Freeman under the current situation. You also aren’t gonna be able to put a better staff together. Anyone calling for Freeman to get fired needs to get their head out of their ass.

 

[JoeyGetherall]

Hey, I've been weirding out on message boards for 20 years. Don't forget, I found Irish Envy because I wanted Willingham gone. I'd like to think that during that time I've gotten wiser as opposed to older. I don't want to be frozen in time when it comes to my thought process about anything, Notre Dame Football being the most important of the least important things in life.

I think if we're being honest, Michigan winning a National Championship last year regardless of circumstance hasn't exactly helped our mental health when it comes to having our turn arrive soon. I was about to turn 11 the last time Notre Dame won a National Championship. My youngest child is now 9. I'd love to see it happen again soon, but I don't know that drifting through coaches again is the right way to go about it. They need to be able to adapt in a time when you need to adapt. Simple as that. The same old isn't going to work.

Lol, yes Michigan winning will do that. It affected the fan base, but do the admins or staff care at this point? It's made OSU spend $20mil on a roster alone and they'll probably fire their coach if they don't win a big ten title. I think if ND admins felt that kind of pressure things would be different. But with a small campus, in a small town and spread out fan base, I don't think they feel it enough. Rivals create an environment that push each other to get better. Who pushes ND? If Auburn wins a title before Bama you can be sure as shit they'll feel it.

 

[Terry Jillery]

I think homemade spaghetti tastes way better if you do half ground pork and half ground beef. Just adds a bit extra to it. If you slow cook it in the sauce all day it really tenderizes the meat and is absolutely delicious.

 

[IrishTusker]

Curt Coggentti hard pass. You need someone who’s gonna relate to recruits I find it hard to believe there’s 3-4 coaches that could come in and recruit better than Freeman under the current situation. You also aren’t gonna be able to put a better staff together. Anyone calling for Freeman to get fired needs to get their head out of their ass.

Recruiting doesn't mean much when you are losing to NIU in year 3. Ultimately the point of recruiting well is to win games.

 

[NDFAN2008]

Recruiting doesn't mean much when you are losing to NIU in year 3. Ultimately the point of recruiting well is to win games.

Well Kelly’s record was worse the first 5 years and he’s recruiting sucked and that’s back when NIL wasn’t even a thing and the transfer rules were harder. No guys jumping ship after 1 year even starters because of poaching. We also had players suspended or getting in trouble left or right under Kelly. I can’t even name 1 guy getting suspended under Freeman or getting in trouble.

 

[NorthDakota]

If ND were to move on from Freeman because this season gets derailed more than it already has, I hope they just open the checkbook and get whomever they want. Money really is no object at Notre Dame. No other major school is more reliant on football for its place in this world. State schools can ebb and flow a bit, but Notre Dame is a nobody absent football.

Go get whomever it is that you want. Don't worry about reputation. Notre Dame can be that coach's redemption story arc. Notre Dame needs to be the place kids around the country dream of playing for. .

Personally, I would want Urban. If his heart is still in it to recruit and kick ass, there isn't anyone better other than Saban and he's done.

 

[GATTACA!]

If ND were to move on from Freeman because this season gets derailed more than it already has, I hope they just open the checkbook and get whomever they want. Money really is no object at Notre Dame. No other major school is more reliant on football for its place in this world. State schools can ebb and flow a bit, but Notre Dame is a nobody absent football.

Go get whomever it is that you want. Don't worry about reputation. Notre Dame can be that coach's redemption story arc. Notre Dame needs to be the place kids around the country dream of playing for. .

Personally, I would want Urban. If his heart is still in it to recruit and kick ass, there isn't anyone better other than Saban and he's done.

He's the only option that would make me feel confident that we'd 100% win a championship.

Guys like Rhule or Clawson are great and could get it done if the stars aligned, but Urb is just different.

I would also love to be able to watch an offense from the 2000s with real WRs.

 

[thekid33]

If ND were to move on from Freeman because this season gets derailed more than it already has, I hope they just open the checkbook and get whomever they want. Money really is no object at Notre Dame. No other major school is more reliant on football for its place in this world. State schools can ebb and flow a bit, but Notre Dame is a nobody absent football.

ND needs to decide if it truly wants to win. That statement is true regardless of if Freeman is the coach or they eventually move on. Like you said - the school would be nothing but a small liberal arts college in Indiana if not for football. Football put it on the map. But, for too long the university administration has seemed content being "relative" and it doesn't seem to burn them inside that the program isn't winning titles. Like you said - money shouldn't be a problem. I am not talking cheating (and really, very few things are still cheating with how the landscape has changed). But, 100% commitment, alignment - whatever word you want to use. Like you said, money shouldn't be an object. Facilities, coaching staff, NIL.....commit to the cost of winning. We are like 90% there, but I think there's another level that they could go to that hasn't been reached.

 

[Sea Turtle]

It is way too premature to start thinking about a coaching change, but this would be the guy for me... I'll be very curious to see how they play against UCLA in the Rose Bowl this Saturday. Curt Cignetti taking lead on ‘eliminating noise’ of playing UCLA at Rose Bowl

Don't you dare. Indiana, Ohio State and Tennessee are my side chicks.

 

[GATTACA!]

Don't you dare. Indiana, Ohio State and Tennessee are my side chicks.

Gross. Explains a lot.

 

[NorthDakota]

He's the only option that would make me feel confident that we'd 100% win a championship.

Guys like Rhule or Clawson are great and could get it done if the stars aligned, but Urb is just different.

I would also love to be able to watch an offense from the 2000s with real WRs.

Yep. Other guys could do it. He is the best bet to do it (assuming he still has that fire). Further, his comments about ND indicates to me he thinks ND can do it. Ego is a powerful thing and I would love to see him do it. Would legit send shockwaves around the CFB world.

I'm not an alum. I don't really know any. My skin in the game is limited to the time wasted on this board and the time spent stressing and watching the team. But I think the alums may need to swallow the pill and go all out for football. Otherwise ND will begin to falter in some way, shape, or form. The generations of people who love Notre Dame or dream of their kids going there are not having kids anymore. They are old.

I want to see Michael Floyd and Golden Tate again too.