Kelly's Comment

[Irish Fam]

I'm not pleased with either party.

Coaches calling out the players for performing poorly despite horrible preparation for USC.

Senior players complaining publicly.

Exactly.

Really wish it would have never gotten to this...

 

[domerfor life]

I agree with that as well. I feel the 'team' needs sit back and have reality check and all take notice of what is going on. Kelly has taken on most of the flack, as he should. But, at some point, players need to take it on as well; not all of it, but at some point they need to get it on!!

Good point-

Diz

That's all I'm saying. At the end of the day, players make plays. Coaches have to put them in a scheme that actually works though. Clearly, the defensive gameplan was shredded from the word "GO". It just seemed to me like some players were scared of the moment. Last question: How many times have you seen a team going in to score only to see the other team run the opposite way with the fball? (that stills haunts me) We've seen it twice in one yr with the same team!!

 

[N_D_Fighting_Irish]

Ok........logic trap #2........... It's not like Kelly sought the media out, and asked them for time to complain about this kids, so don't try to make it sound like that's the equivalent of what happened. He was asked a question, at what looked like a regular Q&A session with the media. He answered it. The questioner must not have thought that Kelly's answer was sufficient, so he asked again. Kelly answered a little bit differently. The questioner was still not satisfied, and asked again: at that point, Kelly seemed kind of frustrated. And what "dirty laundry" did he air? That no one is stepping up to return punts like a D-IA returner should? That our secondary needs to get better in pass coverage? Boy, I really wish he wouldn't let all of our secrets out!

Kelly could have, and probably should have, handled the question much better. But you could see where Kelly was going. He was concerned that the questioner was trying to get Kelly to say that it was harder to turn ND around, as compared to other places he has been, because of the type of kids that ND gets.

The dirty laundry is Kelly's perception of the players he didn't recruit.

 

[kmoose]

The dirty laundry is Kelly's perception of the players he didn't recruit.

And what is that perception?

 

[JoeyGetherall]

“They’ve all bought in, every single one of them has bought in. I coach a style of football that I want played, and we’re not getting that style. A lot of the guys that are here, we’re retraining....You can see the players that I recruited here. You know who they are. We’ve had one class of recruiting, kids that I’ve had my hand on. The other guys here are coming along, but it’s a process. It can’t happen over night. They’re getting there. They’re making good progress.”

When you seen it on paper it makes the overreaction even worse... And don't waste your time with this N D Fighting Irish cat. He still hasn't answered the questions I threw at him when he called BK overrated. Of course I used facts to prove my point that BK wasn't. This guy probably isn't into "facts."

 

[Dizzyphil]

That's all I'm saying. At the end of the day, players make plays. Coaches have to put them in a scheme that actually works though. Clearly, the defensive gameplan was shredded from the word "GO". It just seemed to me like some players were scared of the moment. Last question: How many times have you seen a team going in to score only to see the other team run the opposite way with the fball? (that stills haunts me) We've seen it twice in one yr with the same team!!

Honestly, let's give credit where credit is due. Crist, or any of the QBs that had playing time rarely lines up under center. Put that on top of not playing regularly..., in game situations,... against one of your top rivals and you have something like that happen. Secondly, Gray had the ball stripped by one guy as two others are standing him up. Gray is a strong kid - but really can't say that play cost the game. Changed the outlook no doubt, but the Irish had 50 minutes to make up for it.

And finally, in total agreement - both coaches and kids need to take some blame. Kelly was asked the same question three times basically and he answered diplomatically all three times. We do not need a spin-doctor at coach. He gave a good answer IMO.

This is not aimed at you but really all the young posters on this forum -

If any of you that never heard Coach Holtz after a game - win or lose, (if this statement by Kelly sets you off so bad), you all would have been ranting and raving at Coach Holtz's statments after games. I wish I had a quarter for everytime Holtz said, "we are not that good of a team"...or "we didn't deserve that win".... or "that kid made some really stupid plays".... don't believe me???? start a new post that only those of us 40+ in age can answer and you will be very surprised at some of the comments Coach Lou said about his team and staff....

Diz

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Since when are football players a bunch of wussies?

Get.Real.

I don't want these guys. If you don't support your coach, get off the team.

IMAGINE if we had a real hardas coach. ala Bob Knight... Kelly is a good guy, sorry we have a bunch of babies.

I think I've figured out why ND has perpetual losing seasons... It's the cry baby players.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

Personally, I think he can be simultaneously correct in his statement and wrong for making it. I lean to that.

Winning cures all. If we come out and beat the heck out of Navy, this blows over. It will just look like amazing motivation.

 

[N_D_Fighting_Irish]

And what is that perception?

He made the distinction between the players he recruited and the players he inherited. He exclaimed the everyone knows who he recruited which implies that the play of players he recruited have stood out. Then he described the players he inherited as just "coming along." Which implies that players Kelly inherited are being led by the nose. They are the weak link of this football team and that they are holding this team back. He also commented that he only has one class of his recruits to work with...which is another shot at the players he inherited.

Now put yourself in the position of an upperclassmen who is working his butt off and doing everything this coaching staff has asked him to do.

 

[IrishinSyria]

He made the distinction between the players he recruited and the players he inherited. He exclaimed the everyone knows who he recruited which implies that the play of players he recruited have stood out. Then he described the players he inherited as just "coming along." Which implies that players Kelly inherited are being led by the nose. They are the weak link of this football team and that they are holding this team back. He also commented that he only has one class of his recruits to work with...which is another shot at the players he inherited.

Now put yourself in the position of an upperclassmen who is working his butt off and doing everything this coaching staff has asked him to do.

+1

What he said wasn't bad at all. It's that he divided the team like that. "My guys" vs "the other guy's guys" just don't cut it: I'd have no problem with something like "we sucked" or "we're not executing" or even, "we need a leader to step up and be the man." Those are all harsh, but probably pretty close to what he's said in the locker room to the guys. Saying that a big chunk of the team doesn't have Kelly green in their DNA is absurd.

Whatever though. Everybody was ready to crown these guys champions before the season and before USC. Now we lose and their soft and worthless... they'll win out (Tommy specializes in beating crappy teams, 8-2) and set up a good game against Stanford at the end of the season.

 

[IrishLax]

“They’ve all bought in, every single one of them has bought in. I coach a style of football that I want played, and we’re not getting that style. A lot of the guys that are here, we’re retraining....You can see the players that I recruited here. You know who they are. We’ve had one class of recruiting, kids that I’ve had my hand on. The other guys here are coming along, but it’s a process. It can’t happen over night. They’re getting there. They’re making good progress.”

When you seen it on paper it makes the overreaction even worse... And don't waste your time with this N D Fighting Irish cat. He still hasn't answered the questions I threw at him when he called BK overrated. Of course I used facts to prove my point that BK wasn't. This guy probably isn't into "facts."

Thank you.

 

[kmoose]

He made the distinction between the players he recruited and the players he inherited. He exclaimed the everyone knows who he recruited which implies that the play of players he recruited have stood out. Then he described the players he inherited as just "coming along." Which implies that players Kelly inherited are being led by the nose. They are the weak link of this football team and that they are holding this team back. He also commented that he only has one class of his recruits to work with...which is another shot at the players he inherited.

Now put yourself in the position of an upperclassmen who is working his butt off and doing everything this coaching staff has asked him to do.

That's YOUR perception, not necessarily Kelly's. Did he offer any specific criticism of the players that he inherited? I didn't hear it, if he did. You have to put stuff into context. He was talking about the style of play he wants from the team. I'm sure that the guys he recruited are probably more suited to his style of play. And I doubt that this is news to ANYONE on the planet, let alone the upperclassmen on this team. I didn't see Michael Floyd or Dayne Crist tweeting their displeasure with his words. Why do you suppose that is?

 

[phork]

Since when are football players a bunch of wussies?

Get.Real.

I don't want these guys. If you don't support your coach, get off the team.

IMAGINE if we had a real hardas coach. ala Bob Knight... Kelly is a good guy, sorry we have a bunch of babies.

I think I've figured out why ND has perpetual losing seasons... It's the cry baby players.

They aren't wussies, they are prima donnas.

 

[GoIrish41]

If the freshmen are better put them on the field and let them play. Not very logical to call out the upperclassmen publically and then start them over the players who he recruited. I'll be interested to see who plays against Navy. If it is the usual starters, I say BK is full of crap. If he puts the players on the field who have shown that they will provide the style of play that Kelly is looking for (i.e., his recruits) than at least his comments and his coaching actions match. I suspect, though, that the same players that have been playing the lions share of minutes will continue to do so because they are clearly better players. In the games that the team has been ahead and the back-ups have been on the field, they have not looked superior to the upperclassmen. Indeed, they looked downright bad at times. I get that he is calling them out as motivation, but he also may lose the upperclassmen who take his comments as a very public betrayal. We'll see what happens.

 

[domerfor life]

Honestly, let's give credit where credit is due. Crist, or any of the QBs that had playing time rarely lines up under center. Put that on top of not playing regularly..., in game situations,... against one of your top rivals and you have something like that happen. Secondly, Gray had the ball stripped by one guy as two others are standing him up. Gray is a strong kid - but really can't say that play cost the game. Changed the outlook no doubt, but the Irish had 50 minutes to make up for it.

And finally, in total agreement - both coaches and kids need to take some blame. Kelly was asked the same question three times basically and he answered diplomatically all three times. We do not need a spin-doctor at coach. He gave a good answer IMO.

This is not aimed at you but really all the young posters on this forum -

If any of you that never heard Coach Holtz after a game - win or lose, (if this statement by Kelly sets you off so bad), you all would have been ranting and raving at Coach Holtz's statments after games. I wish I had a quarter for everytime Holtz said, "we are not that good of a team"...or "we didn't deserve that win".... or "that kid made some really stupid plays".... don't believe me???? start a new post that only those of us 40+ in age can answer and you will be very surprised at some of the comments Coach Lou said about his team and staff....

Diz

The only thing I'll say about the Gray fumble is that there was space between his body and the ball (ESPN replayed repeatedly the week after). That obviously has been corrected. I love Gray (dude is a beast and needs more carries). I think he's running 3x harder than Cierre right now. The Crist fumble goes back to my lack of experience comment. I do know there is some dumb luck there as well. You're right. This is on both players AND coaches. Coaches have to be honest with accessing their program(s). They also have to analyze what may not be working and search for the best alternatives/solutions. Players have the right to APPROACH THE COACH if they disagree. Not go on Twitter. You think Ray Lewis would go on twitter if his coach called him out? The fact that they immediately went on Twitter tells me all I need to know. When it comes to maturity, they're not there yet. I'm not really bashing. They're young with much to learn. A mature player presents a united front (no matter how much he disagrees) and deals with it internally and through his play on the field. Going on twitter is a b*tch move. Plain and simple.

 

[GoIrish41]

Going on twitter is a b*tch move. Plain and simple.

Not disagreeing with you on going to Twitter, but going to the media and complaining about the upperclassmen is no less a b*tch move, IMO.

 

[N_D_Fighting_Irish]

That's YOUR perception, not necessarily Kelly's. Did he offer any specific criticism of the players that he inherited? I didn't hear it, if he did. You have to put stuff into context. He was talking about the style of play he wants from the team. I'm sure that the guys he recruited are probably more suited to his style of play. And I doubt that this is news to ANYONE on the planet, let alone the upperclassmen on this team. I didn't see Michael Floyd or Dayne Crist tweeting their displeasure with his words. Why do you suppose that is?

It doesn't mean that it isn't Kelly's perception. Of course, I am not Kelly so I can't unequivocally claim to know what his perception of the upperclassmen is. I am inferring his perception through his comments. His statements were clear to me and clear to a good number of the players.

Floyd and Crist not tweeting means little other than they want to keep their feelings private.

 

[TDHeysus]

ppl dont like it when the boss calls you out for not doing your job. in a job setting, these are the same ppl that go to HR and complain, or go to a union and complain, just like some internet posters that complain,. But the winners, and the ppl that make the world go around, step up and be accountable. BK is telling the players to step up, and all the crybabys have a problem with it

 

[Dizzyphil]

The only thing I'll say about the Gray fumble is that there was space between his body and the ball (ESPN replayed repeatedly the week after). That obviously has been corrected. I love Gray (dude is a beast and needs more carries). I think he's running 3x harder than Cierre right now. The Crist fumble goes back to my lack of experience comment. I do know there is some dumb luck there as well. You're right. This is on both players AND coaches. Coaches have to be honest with accessing their program(s). They also have to analyze what may not be working and search for the best alternatives/solutions. Players have the right to APPROACH THE COACH if they disagree. Not go on Twitter. You think Ray Lewis would go on twitter if his coach called him out? The fact that they immediately went on Twitter tells me all I need to know. When it comes to maturity, they're not there yet. I'm not really bashing. They're young with much to learn. A mature player presents a united front (no matter how much he disagrees) and deals with it internally and through his play on the field. Going on twitter is a b*tch move. Plain and simple.

All you said +...

Perception is a vague thing in the eyes of those that do not have the relationship with a Coach or with a player. Kelly said some time ago that he knows what and how he can say things and the relationship he has with the players and how THEY accept and understand what and how he says things. As there are different shades of blue, there are different shades of how a statement is accepted... all I'm saying on that. The players going on twitter is unacceptable. Many coaches ban any talk or 'tweets'. Looks like that may become a rule in the Irish house if it keeps up the way it has.

Diz

 

[GoIrish41]

BK is telling the players to step up, and all the crybabys have a problem with it

He's actually telling the media to tell the players to step up. I don't think you have to be a crybaby to take issue with that.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

The only thing I'll say about the Gray fumble is that there was space between his body and the ball (ESPN replayed repeatedly the week after). That obviously has been corrected. I love Gray (dude is a beast and needs more carries). I think he's running 3x harder than Cierre right now. The Crist fumble goes back to my lack of experience comment. I do know there is some dumb luck there as well. You're right. This is on both players AND coaches. Coaches have to be honest with accessing their program(s). They also have to analyze what may not be working and search for the best alternatives/solutions. Players have the right to APPROACH THE COACH if they disagree. Not go on Twitter. You think Ray Lewis would go on twitter if his coach called him out? The fact that they immediately went on Twitter tells me all I need to know. When it comes to maturity, they're not there yet. I'm not really bashing. They're young with much to learn. A mature player presents a united front (no matter how much he disagrees) and deals with it internally and through his play on the field. Going on twitter is a b*tch move. Plain and simple.

Really? In one week Cierre went from outsider talk of winning awards and leaving early to he's weak and doesn't run hard?

 

[IrishLax]

He's actually telling the media to tell the players to step up. I don't think you have to be a crybaby to take issue with that.

Bold the part of anything Kelly said that remotely comes across that way. Thanks.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

Bold the part of anything Kelly said that remotely comes across that way. Thanks.

I think he's just referring to the public nature of the calling out. I understand that frustration.

 

[anarin]

Really? In one week Cierre went from outsider talk of winning awards and leaving early to he's weak and doesn't run hard?

Cierre dances too much #endofstory

 

[GoIrish41]

I think he's just referring to the public nature of the calling out. I understand that frustration.

Thanks IrishJayhawk. I was trying to figure out how to bold portions of a video clip but since you understood what I was saying I think everyone else ought to be able to understand as well.

 

[kmoose]

It doesn't mean that it isn't Kelly's perception. Of course, I am not Kelly so I can't unequivocally claim to know what his perception of the upperclassmen is. I am inferring his perception through his comments. His statements were clear to me and clear to a good number of the players.

Floyd and Crist not tweeting means little other than they want to keep their feelings private.

Since you seem to know a lot about the inner workings of the team.... just how many players were his statements clear to?

This is the point: you, nor I, really know how players are reacting to this. Even those who tweeted, might have tweeted in a moment of "WTF?", and might feel differently, after having some time to digest Kelly's statements. So to condemn the guy from a position of ignorance is pretty weak.

 

[IrishJayhawk]

Cierre dances too much #endofstory

Cierre came into last game averaging about 6 yards a carry and 110 yards a game. He danced too much on a few plays last week, no question. But, one man's "dances too much" is another man's "patient runner." #howcanitbeendofstoryifIdon'tagree?

 

[IrishJayhawk]

Since you seem to know a lot about the inner workings of the team.... just how many players were his statements clear to?

This is the point: you, nor I, really know how players are reacting to this. Even those who tweeted, might have tweeted in a moment of "WTF?", and might feel differently, after having some time to digest Kelly's statements. So to condemn the guy from a position of ignorance is pretty weak.

To be fair, that's what most football blogs are based on.

Think about it...Rees vs. Crist, commenting on a kid's motivations for picking one school over another, talking about football strategy...we're not in practice or in the living room of that recruit. Most of us have no idea what we're talking about.

 

[domerfor life]

Not disagreeing with you on going to Twitter, but going to the media and complaining about the upperclassmen is no less a b*tch move, IMO.

Totally disagree. Brian Kelly definitely should have policed his thoughts a little better. Instead of maybe creating that divide, he should've stuck with statements like "we" and "us". I'll say this though. Lou Holtz criticized his team more than any coach I can ever remember. I would love to see the reaction on message boards if Lou Holtz coached ND today and said some of the same things he used to say back in the day. I think the statement is true though and can be said in many instances where there is a coaching change, especially in situations where a coach steps into a program with a losing mentality.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Not a fan of guys like JC Rudy and K Mac chiming in and saying they are gonna root extra hard for Weis guys today.

Grow up.