Mike Elko - Defensive Coordinator

[ab2cmiller]

What about a guy like Morgan Scalley from UTAH? he runs a 4-3 with a rover and Utah has been known to have solid defenses they ranked 25 in total defense this year, would be a tough pull because is is from Utah and played there. Never know though.

Scalley would be a good one. Also was the Utah recruiting coordinator for 6 years prior to becoming DC. So I'm assuming he's a decent recruiter. He not only played at Utah, he was a team captain. Would be a tough pull for sure.

 

[NDRock]

I think guys what we are discounting is how good the talent is/was at ND. Raw talent yes indeed but most of NDs players are 4 star high 3 star players. Most teams in the country do not have that. Elite teams yes but most not even close.

Not saying Elko didnt do a much better job than the clown before him (that had zero rights to be anywhere near a CFB team) but when Miami hangs 41 on you, it isnt like you are a defensive genius or something.

We also played the 2nd toughest schedule in the country. So, a bunch of teams with high 3 and 4 star talent. Not to mention, we don't have any real elite guys. Coney, Drue, and Tillery all got post 2nd round grades. Morgan would be the same.

 

[ohara831]

This hurts. But I have faith ND will find the right man for the job. It will all be fine.

 

[NDinBoston]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not sure how people think ND or Brian Kelly look bad in this Mike Elko situation. Eventually you gotta step away from the table and let a guy chase the cash. But if his goal is to be a head coach one day this is a bad decision — and a terrible look, regardless.</p>— Keith Arnold (@KeithArnold) <a href="https://twitter.com/KeithArnold/status/949452774424559616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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[irishff1014]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not sure how people think ND or Brian Kelly look bad in this Mike Elko situation. Eventually you gotta step away from the table and let a guy chase the cash. But if his goal is to be a head coach one day this is a bad decision — and a terrible look, regardless.</p>— Keith Arnold (@KeithArnold) <a href="https://twitter.com/KeithArnold/status/949452774424559616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Very true

 

[Irish YJ]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not sure how people think ND or Brian Kelly look bad in this Mike Elko situation. Eventually you gotta step away from the table and let a guy chase the cash. But if his goal is to be a head coach one day this is a bad decision — and a terrible look, regardless.</p>— Keith Arnold (@KeithArnold) <a href="https://twitter.com/KeithArnold/status/949452774424559616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I don't think it's a bad decision or bad look. It's business, and the guy is doing what is right by his family and career. How does it impact his ability to be a HC one day. If he performs at TAMU, he'll get an opportunity.

 

[NDRock]

I don't think it's a bad decision or bad look. It's business, and the guy is doing what is right by his family and career. How does it impact his ability to be a HC one day. If he performs at TAMU, he'll get an opportunity.

Almost seems like staying at ND would have been a better choice if his desire is to be a head coach soon. Next year’s D is set up to make a big jump. Starting over at A&M would seem to delay that plan. I think A&M is a quality destination long term with Jimbo there, great recruiting ground, and a school willing to do whatever it takes to win.

 

[irishff1014]

I don't think it's a bad decision or bad look. It's business, and the guy is doing what is right by his family and career. How does it impact his ability to be a HC one day. If he performs at TAMU, he'll get an opportunity.

I be rooting for Bama to put 60+ on them every year.

 

[NDinBoston]

I don't think it's a bad decision or bad look. It's business, and the guy is doing what is right by his family and career. How does it impact his ability to be a HC one day. If he performs at TAMU, he'll get an opportunity.

OK, to be clear it's possible more details come out and appearances change.

But, from what it looks like now... He went back and forth between TA&M and ND "multiple times" and apparently over pay. If he just wanted what was best for his family - and it was Texas (location/taxes/weather/lifestyle/opportunity/whatever) - he would have kept negotiating with them, but NOT gone back and agreed to new terms with ND. It is not a good look as stated above based on what is out there currently. The back and forth sort of kills the "best move for my family" narrative IMHO.

That said, things could change with additional info, but I think that's what he is driving at.

 

[ND88]

OK, to be clear it's possible more details come out and appearances change.

But, from what it looks like now... He went back and forth between TA&M and ND "multiple times" and apparently over pay. If he just wanted what was best for his family - and it was Texas (location/taxes/weather/lifestyle/opportunity/whatever) - he would have kept negotiating with them, but NOT gone back and agreed to new terms with ND. It is not a good look as stated above based on what is out there currently. The back and forth sort of kills the "best move for my family" narrative IMHO.

That said, things could change with additional info, but I think that's what he is driving at.

How different is a verbal agreement from a verbal commitment? We like when recruits sign on the line, but verbally commiting is also used as a tactic for ensuring greater wants and needs in the long run. Elko wanted more money and used his verbal aggreement as a strategy to get it. TAMU knew they had to be aggressive in their last counter offer, and so did Elko. For better or for worse, he got what he ultimately wanted. The business is ugly. I still remember the stir it caused when Kelly left Cincy at the altar of a big game for us. Coaches are all lobbying for their futures. That’s the game. Word is bond, until the green comes calling.

Btw, I’m not saying it’s a good look for Elko. Just not convinced that this isn’t how business is operated frequently these days.

 

[NDinBoston]

How different is a verbal agreement from a verbal commitment? We like when recruits sign on the line, but verbally commiting is also used as a tactic for ensuring greater wants and needs in the long run. Elko wanted more money and used his verbal aggreement as a strategy to get it. TAMU knew they had to be aggressive in their last counter offer, and so did Elko. For better or for worse, he got what he ultimately wanted. The business is ugly. I still remember the stir it caused when Kelly left Cincy at the altar of a big game for us. Coaches are all lobbying for their futures. That’s the game. Word is bond, until the green comes calling.

Btw, I’m not saying it’s a good look for Elko. Just not convinced that this isn’t how business is operated frequently these days.

Fair enough and I don't know all of the details of BK's departure from Cincy but if you are comparing BK to Elko I would ask...

1. Did BK only stay at Cincy for one year?
2. Did he go back and forth multiple times agreeing to stay at one point only to leave anyway?

I know the answer to #1 is no. If Elko left after even 2 years, certainly 3, it would have a different look and feel. I just don't think the two situations are the same.

Yes, it is a business, and he will undoubtedly be successful, but I think the point in that tweet above is that it isn't a great look and I think that's a fair opinion.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

How different is a verbal agreement from a verbal commitment?

Recruits aren't ever 1 year into a 3 year contract. That analogy is completely inapt.

I still remember the stir it caused when Kelly left Cincy at the altar of a big game for us.

ND is a big step up from Cinci. TAMU is (at best) a lateral move, and is arguably a big step back in prestige for someone looking to be a HC someday. No one would be upset with him if he left for a good HC opportunity.

Btw, I’m not saying it’s a good look for Elko. Just not convinced that this isn’t how business is operated frequently these days.

This isn't "how business is operated these days", even in industries much more cutthroat than CFB. He burned a lot of bridges yesterday, and we're rightly upset with him for fucking us over for a 20% raise.

 

[Irish#1]

Nope, not even he could mess up what was building.

I could take the 4 guys on my IE Ignore List and put them at DC, DLc, LBc and DBc and they'd win 11.

Sorry you didn't make the cut.

That's alright. At this point in my career I'm pretty much a one down situational player.

 

[ND88]

Fair enough and I don't know all of the details of BK's departure from Cincy but if you are comparing BK to Elko I would ask...

1. Did BK only stay at Cincy for one year?
2. Did he go back and forth multiple times agreeing to stay at one point only to leave anyway?

I know the answer to #1 is no. If Elko left after even 2 years, certainly 3, it would have a different look and feel. I just don't think the two situations are the same.

Yes, it is a business, and he will undoubtedly be successful, but I think the point in that tweet above is that it isn't a great look and I think that's a fair opinion.

I think it’s a fair opinion as well. I was writing from a more cynical point of view.

And you are right, the comparison is not the same. I was mostly bringing it up as a reminder of the backlash that Kelly received from the players and fans of a school that valued him. I’m not saying that it’s equal to the situation with Elko. I should have clarified.

Thanks.

 

[irishtrain]

Almost seems like staying at ND would have been a better choice if his desire is to be a head coach soon. Next year’s D is set up to make a big jump. Starting over at A&M would seem to delay that plan. I think A&M is a quality destination long term with Jimbo there, great recruiting ground, and a school willing to do whatever it takes to win.

Key words----- school will do whatever it takes to win-that is the common denominator of all the playoff caliber teams-Notre Dame is not that and really we understand. It hurts that the Irish must compete in this way-sure they can afford to even out bid A+M but they wont. Put into the contents of Elko making twice what the president of the university makes ( as reported on this site ) and its understood. After a fantastic season this is very disheartning.

 

[ND88]

Recruits aren't ever 1 year into a 3 year contract. That analogy is completely inapt.

Yes, that’s true. I suppose I was more inferring that coaches and athletes parlay verbal agreements into situations that work best for their needs, not so much to allign them on equal experience levels.

ND is a big step up from Cinci. TAMU is (at best) a lateral move, and is arguably a big step back in prestige for someone looking to be a HC someday. No one would be upset with him if he left for a good HC opportunity.

I don’t disagree with this at all. It’s entirely a lateral move, if not a lesser move. In fact, I think he was set up with a great roster here at ND to further champion his talent of coaching. It may come back to bite him in the long run depending on how things work out for him in the SEC.

This isn't "how business is operated these days", even in industries much more cutthroat than CFB. He burned a lot of bridges yesterday, and we're rightly upset with him for fucking us over for a 20% raise.

Cynicism influences my thoughts on business as the matter. My view about how business is operated in CFB is more of a personal impression, not a definitive statement or one based on expertise. I can see how it looks like I am trying to give Elko a pass on his behavior. I’ve written previously, however subtley, about how his move signifies a self-serving attitude that is at odds with values that the sport at its best counters with acts of teamwork and loyalty. Notre Dame made the right decision to let this guy go for what matters to him more than Notre Dame and the coaches and players who worked with him: money.

Sorry for the weird format here. Responsing from a phone.
Thanks.

 

[irishtrain]

I definitely agree with you on this. Elko was pitting ND against A&M in a bidding war. Swarbrick was right to basically say, "OK, you want a raise. We'll top A&M's first offer, but we're not going to go back & forth in a bidding war."

If this is how it happened then I'm ok with the move and pity A*M because they cant buy a playoff spot-the reap what they sow and no matter what they do they wont be Notre Dame. My problem is in todays world the value of Notre Dame goes up in smoke against the almighty $$$$$$$. I hate to see Notre Dame used this way.

 

[Bishop2b5]

If this is how it happened then I'm ok with the move and pity A*M because they cant buy a playoff spot-the reap what they sow and no matter what they do they wont be Notre Dame. My problem is in todays world the value of Notre Dame goes up in smoke against the almighty $$$$$$$. I hate to see Notre Dame used this way.

There's a lot to be said for loyalty to your employer, your players, a school, an ideal, etc. At the end of the day, though, remember that for most coaches this is just a business. There are exceptions and there are a few guys who are at a program because it's their alma mater or their dream job or whatever. For most, it's not their life. It's how they pay for their lives. For them, it's business, not personal.

 

[connor_in]

There's a lot to be said for loyalty to your employer, your players, a school, an ideal, etc. At the end of the day, though, remember that for most coaches this is just a business. There are exceptions and there are a few guys who are at a program because it's their alma mater or their dream job or whatever. For most, it's not their life. It's how they pay for their lives. For them, it's business, not personal.

This makes me think of MSU losing their co-DC Harlon Bennett to FSU this week. The players love him, he has been there a while, and was a former Spartan player.

Every single tweet, especially from his players, was congratulatory and celebratory. He earned their love and loyalty. I believe it was a similar story with Narduzzi to Pitt.

We have had the same with our assistant coaches that put in their time here. The anger at Elko is that he left too early, didn't seem to embrace us, and left us in the lurch with merely a promise of improvement and glory.

 

[phgreek]

This makes me think of MSU losing their co-DC Harlon Bennett to FSU this week. The players love him, he has been there a while, and was a former Spartan player.

Every single tweet, especially from his players, was congratulatory and celebratory. He earned their love and loyalty. I believe it was a similar story with Narduzzi to Pitt.

We have had the same with our assistant coaches that put in their time here. The anger at Elko is that he left too early, didn't seem to embrace us, and left us in the lurch with merely a promise of improvement and glory.

Yea...lateral moves are not cool most of the time. Elko probably isn't a bad guy, but he isn't hanging around anywhere very long while he is a commodity.

I can't question the $$$ motivation, because I don't know. However, strategically, I think this was not a good move for him. I don't think recruiting in TEXAS will be a given. A&M will ALWAYS be the little brother, and they aren't even the second choice in Texas right now. Now add in that A&M just overspent a bunch...So the margin to turn that ship around is really small...they'll get some kids next recruiting cycle due to the shiny thing effect...but there is no time to wait when folks broke the bank on you. Now look at their schedule next year...Elko may have needed to make a move to capitalize on his star status...but this one wasn't the right one IMHO.

I think Elko's star will be shining a little less bright this time next year...and if you watch Aggie boards, some will be questioning the money they just gave him by that point. If they don't show significant improvement by year two...he has a problem.

Elko hasn't had a position where he was in the cross hairs yet...we'll see how recruiting goes for him when the shine is rubbed off a little, and you aren't even the second biggest draw in your own state. He bought himself a hydra of a challenge. At least he won't need to work to survive if the wheels really come off...

 

[irishff1014]

Yea...lateral moves are not cool most of the time. Elko probably isn't a bad guy, but he isn't hanging around anywhere very long while he is a commodity.

I can't question the $$$ motivation, because I don't know. However, strategically, I think this was not a good move for him. I don't think recruiting in TEXAS will be a given. A&M will ALWAYS be the little brother, and they aren't even the second choice in Texas right now. Now add in that A&M just overspent a bunch...So the margin to turn that ship around is really small...they'll get some kids next recruiting cycle due to the shiny thing effect...but there is no time to wait when folks broke the bank on you. Now look at their schedule next year...Elko may have needed to make a move to capitalize on his star status...but this one wasn't the right one IMHO.

I think Elko's star will be shining a little less bright this time next year...and if you watch Aggie boards, some will be questioning the money they just gave him by that point. If they don't show significant improvement by year two...he has a problem.

Elko hasn't had a position where he was in the cross hairs yet...we'll see how recruiting goes for him when the shine is rubbed off a little, and you aren't even the second biggest draw in your own state. He bought himself a hydra of a challenge. At least he won't need to work to survive if the wheels really come off...

They only play 4 good teams. Clemson,Bama,Auburn, and South Carolina.

 

[NDRock]

This makes me think of MSU losing their co-DC Harlon Bennett to FSU this week. The players love him, he has been there a while, and was a former Spartan player.

Every single tweet, especially from his players, was congratulatory and celebratory. He earned their love and loyalty. I believe it was a similar story with Narduzzi to Pitt.

We have had the same with our assistant coaches that put in their time here. The anger at Elko is that he left too early, didn't seem to embrace us, and left us in the lurch with merely a promise of improvement and glory.

I think players usually understand when a coach leaves for a promotion. Seems pretty rare for a coordinator to leave a big time program for a lateral move. Also rare for a NC winning head coach to switch schools as well. Have to hand it to A&M, they did both.

 

[stlnd01]

They only play 4 good teams. Clemson,Bama,Auburn, and South Carolina.

Three of them on the road. Also LSU. They could lose five without trying very hard.

TBF I thought Elko’s defense stood up pretty well against the run, which will fare him well in that division. But we gave up a ton of points to Miami and Stanford, and other efficient QBs moved the ball, like the LSU guy in the second half. Not sure if that was our overmatched safeties or a hole in the scheme, but I don’t think it’s a given that he’s going to turn A&M into an elite defense overnight, especially against that schedule.

 

[irishff1014]

Three of them on the road. Also LSU. They could lose five without trying very hard.

TBF I thought Elko’s defense stood up pretty well against the run, which will fare him well in that division. But we gave up a ton of points to Miami and Stanford, and other efficient QBs moved the ball, like the LSU guy in the second half. Not sure if that was our overmatched safeties or a hole in the scheme, but I don’t think it’s a given that he’s going to turn A&M into an elite defense overnight, especially against that schedule.

I completely missed LSU but they are gonna a crap shoot. New QB, new running back and New O-coordinator. Not to mention they still have ED O as a coach.

But I hope they do go 0-5. Jimbo is a crook. And Elko is now part of thatwith his actions.

 

[ickythump1225]

They only play 4 good teams. Clemson,Bama,Auburn, and South Carolina.

You can't say "they only play 4 good teams" and then list off Clemson, Alabama, and Auburn. Plus USCe and LSU. That is fucking daunting. 0-5 or 1-4 is not out of the question at all and then your season is basically over.

 

[ThePiombino]

I completely missed LSU but they are gonna a crap shoot. New QB, new running back and New O-coordinator. Not to mention they still have ED O as a coach.

But I hope they do go 0-5. Jimbo is a crook. And Elko is now part of thatwith his actions.

I'm not so sure Ed O is actually doing that much coaching TBH. He's prolly more of a front man/recruiter than a HC down in the bayou.

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[stlnd01]

You can't say "they only play 4 good teams" and then list off Clemson, Alabama, and Auburn. Plus USCe and LSU. That is fucking daunting. 0-5 or 1-4 is not out of the question at all and then your season is basically over.

Not to mention Ole Miss and Mississippi State, who are in transition for sure but are usually capable of knocking off just about anyone. That is a brutal schedule. And with those contracts, the heat’s going to turn up quick on Jimbo and Elko if they don’t produce Ws.

 

[irishff1014]

You can't say "they only play 4 good teams" and then list off Clemson, Alabama, and Auburn. Plus USCe and LSU. That is fucking daunting. 0-5 or 1-4 is not out of the question at all and then your season is basically over.

Northwestern State, Louisiana-Monroe, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi State, UAB,and Ole Miss is pretty weak.

 

[Classic Irish]

I'm not so sure Ed O is actually doing that much coaching TBH. He's prolly more of a front man/recruiter than a HC down in the bayou.

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I watched the Citrus Bowl again last night, and with his physique and sideline clapping, he struck me as Brady Hoke 2.0.

 

[ThePiombino]

I watched the Citrus Bowl again last night, and with his physique and sideline clapping, he struck me as Brady Hoke 2.0.

Yeah, I'm surprised they let him have a headset.

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