Marcus Freeman New DC

[FightingIrishLover7]

Why are people mentioning Driskell?

I was under the impression this job was made for Koon?

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

Why are people mentioning Driskell?

I was under the impression this job was made for Koon?

A while back I was reading through some old thread and I came across Koon lobbying for ND to hire Driskell.

 

[Luckylucci]

Boosters

I could be wrong but I would assume it came from above. Otherwise, if it was as simple as getting some booster cash, it would’ve happened a long time ago.

 

[dublinirish]

I could be wrong but I would assume it came from above. Otherwise, if it was as simple as getting some booster cash, it would’ve happened a long time ago.

Reading between the lines from listening to II podcasts the boosters been active since Lea took Vandy job

 

[Luckylucci]

Reading between the lines from listening to II podcasts the boosters been active since Lea took Vandy job

I have no doubt that the funding is coming from increased booster activity but that can only work with the admin signing off on it. Admin, BOT, whatever they are called.

Boosters simply cannot unilaterally hire additional staff members to the football program without it being signed off on from above. Or they haven't been able too before. I would imagine that Kelly worked this into his extension with the next opportunity to do so was when Lea left. Now, they are working in extra staff members and we'll probably continue to see some of these things throughout the next 1-2 years. I would assume a Gug remodel is also part of it.

 

[dublinirish]

I have no doubt that the funding is coming from increased booster activity but that can only work with the admin signing off on it. Admin, BOT, whatever they are called.

Boosters simply cannot unilaterally hire additional staff members to the football program without it being signed off on from above. Or they haven't been able too before. I would imagine that Kelly worked this into his extension with the next opportunity to do so was when Lea left. Now, they are working in extra staff members and we'll probably continue to see some of these things throughout the next 1-2 years. I would assume a Gug remodel is also part of it.

I would imagine the boosters are covering the salaries off the extra staff and the increased DC salary Freeman is getting compared to Lea

 

[Luckylucci]

I would imagine the boosters are covering the salaries off the extra staff and the increased DC salary Freeman is getting compared to Lea

Correct. Bob Hinton, for example, endowed the Defensive Coordinator position back in 2019. So, if Bob Hinton wanted to add 5 people to the football program, can he unilaterally do that? I don't think that's how it works.

I could be wrong but I don't think what's been lacking is alumnus ability to fund these things but the clearance for those that sign off on it from allowing it to happen.

I would imagine and if someone that has concrete knowledge of this can correct me. Kelly and Swarbrick put together a plan of what they need/want. The BOT signs off on it. Kelly and Swarbrick go get the funds in order to make it happen.

 

[Valpodoc85]

This is coming from the football trustees. Remember a few years ago they split football operations away from the rest of the University. Football have their own over site and planning. I think they pushed it thru with the stadium project. This allows for moves like the Freeman hire and extra staff.

 

[dublinirish]

Why are people mentioning Driskell?

I was under the impression this job was made for Koon?

Both live rent free in the IE mind hive

 

[Rogue219]

I would imagine the boosters are covering the salaries off the extra staff and the increased DC salary Freeman is getting compared to Lea

This just sounds like trouble.

 

[dublinirish]

I would bet money this is NOT how Notre Dame runs their football program. It is asking for all kinds of trouble.

I recall some donors put up money (or were willing to put up money) for Willingham's buyout, but even that was fifteen years ago now and a totally different scenario.

lol Freeman, BK and Rees' salaries are all endowed by Boosters though?

 

[Rogue219]

lol Freeman, BK and Rees' salaries are all endowed by Boosters though?

Seriously?

 

[Rogue219]

This is coming from the football trustees. Remember a few years ago they split football operations away from the rest of the University. Football have their own over site and planning. I think they pushed it thru with the stadium project. This allows for moves like the Freeman hire and extra staff.

So who is in charge of the oversite and planning, then, Swarbrick?

 

[Luckylucci]

lol Freeman, BK and Rees' salaries are all endowed by Boosters though?

They are but it's still not quite how you are presenting it.

The way you are presenting this is, Scenario 1, a bunch of rich dudes woke up and decided to elevate the ND program to where it should be.

What's far more likely is, Scenario 2, Kelly and Swarbrick have been lobbying on this for years and they getting things accomplished that they wanted. This is all part of that plan. The boosters are more than willing to play their part and front some cash.

Just to be very clear here. Kelly specifically told us to expect this. His contract extension wasn't as much about money but program upgrades. I've been talking about this since last Spring.

 

[Luckylucci]

This is coming from the football trustees. Remember a few years ago they split football operations away from the rest of the University. Football have their own over site and planning. I think they pushed it thru with the stadium project. This allows for moves like the Freeman hire and extra staff.

I completely forgot that. Good to know, reps.

 

[stpeteirish]

The safeties coach position is endowed by Pat Eilers

 

[IrishRazor82]

I really like what Lea did with Barton at Vandy. Really good idea, and picked prob the top (IMO) talent evaluators out there.

Again, my opinion, but I would love for ND to take a swing at Jamie U, someone like him or maybe Drisk….. KIDDING!!!!!

I'd take Freeman from ISD over Jamie U. Jamie U loves every prospect ND gets, and you can see how that works out against the big boys. And we the admin wants to take the next step, the big boys are all that remain. Freeman gives more honest evaluations and in general, is more critical. And ND needs that.

 

[Luckylucci]

I'd take Freeman from ISD over Jamie U. Jamie U loves every prospect ND gets, and you can see how that works out against the big boys. And we the admin wants to take the next step, the big boys are all that remain. Freeman gives more honest evaluations and in general, is more critical. And ND needs that.

That's not true. He grades all the players and at no point has he graded all or even a majority of the players significantly above their average ratings.

And, at some point, considering the overwhelming success we've had on the field due to player development and recruit identification, he'd probably be right to side on the err of optimism. It's been incredibly justified with on field results.

Here is ISD's commit list for 2021 with his grades and the industry averages.

https://irishsportsdaily.com/football-recruiting/commits/2021

 

[FDNYIrish1]

Why are people mentioning Driskell?

I was under the impression this job was made for Koon?

Can’t have Koon out there smoking all the players in Oklahoma drills. His athletic ability and talent evaluating expertise would not be good for the staff.

 

[NDRock]

Can’t have Koon out there smoking all the players in Oklahoma drills. His athletic ability and talent evaluating expertise would not be good for the staff.

Plus, we’d never do any hitting because every practice would be conducted shirtless. “Abs over pads”

 

[Ndaccountant]

I just want it to be clear to everyone here...the wheelbarrow position is endowed by yours truly. The size of my endowment attracts only the finest talent and makes anyone that get to experience it weak in the knees for 15-30 minutes after.

 

[Valpodoc85]

So who is in charge of the oversite and planning, then, Swarbrick?

I think Swarbrick answers to the board. I know budget and capital planning is the board

 

[WilliamWallace]

Don’t know if it’s been discussed but do we see Freeman on the sidelines or the booth?

 

[WilliamWallace]

I’m hoping he’s on the sideline, wasn’t a big fan of Elko and Lea in the booth. It worked just wasn’t a fan.

 

[Luckylucci]

I haven't seen specifics on what he'll do at ND but I know he was a sideline coach at UC.

 

[SouthSideChiDomer]

Don’t know if it’s been discussed but do we see Freeman on the sidelines or the booth?

Previously he was on the sideline. He seems like a big energy guy, so I would assume that stays the same.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

He was on the sidelines for Cincy.

I have no preferences about sidelines or booth. I'll just note that BVG was on the sidelines and Lea was in the booth...

EDIT: But if you're on the sidelines, wear a damn headset. I'm looking at you Gerry Faust and Brady Hoke.

 

[zelezo vlk]

The Irish Illustrated podcast mentioned that he was a sidelines coach and that we should expect to see his energy on the NBC broadcast.

 

[Free Manera]

One of the pods mentioned he would be on the sidelines. I would be shocked if he is not.
You kind of handicap his skill set by putting him in the booth. He is a high energy, instant feedback kind of coach/motivator.

 

[rtrn2glory]

I would imagine we'll see him on the sideline.