ND Coaching Changes 2016

[Valpodoc85]

Kelly better wrap this up quick.
Need to know OC/QB//WR/SC coaches within the week

 

[CincyDamer]

This is neat. All of the wrong coaches are gone.

Huh? This is the first move that's questionable. I think the others are overwhelmingly positive.

 

[FDNYIrish1]

He was calling the plays from the booth, but Kelly was also undermining him by regularly overriding his calls. That's why he's leaving. So I don't think we should feel good about this. Denbrock has always been Kelly's best recruiter, and he's got a very good track record as a WR coach too. There's no way to spin his departure as a positive here.

Denbrock seemed like a really good dude on the Showtime special. It must have been a strange dynamic with all those opinions in the room. I just don't understand why it was necessary to have basically 2 other OC in the room if you weren't going to respect their play calling abilities. I hope they both find success, but he must've really been a pain in the ass to work for.

 

[NDgradstudent]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The fact Notre Dame’s top assistant took a step down the coaching ladder to Cincinnati says something. Exactly what, I’m not sure.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/814670755074084864">December 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It says "dumpster fire," Pete. Yikes

 

[BobbyMac]

He was calling the plays from the booth, but Kelly was also undermining him by regularly overriding his calls. That's why he's leaving. So I don't think we should feel good about this. Denbrock has always been Kelly's best recruiter, and he's got a very good track record as a WR coach too. There's no way to spin his departure as a positive here.

As bad as this could have been, Polian coming aboard was an absolute lifesaver. Can you imagine if ND had to hire someone to handle all of the westcoast that had the experience and track record that Sanford and Denbrock did? That's why I was calling for Jimmy Lake, Pete K's co-D Coordinator at UDub, to get the DC job. ND's due for a good two year run in Cali, hopefully Bookie, TJ Pledger, JT Daniels and ASB all come to South Bend.

The other area Denbrock has to be replaced in is Chciagoland. '18 and '19 are going to be banner years for Illinois recruiting. There are upwards of 10 players ND could recruit in Chicagoland alone for '18 and there are 3 nationally ranked studs including a 5 star WDE who's just 100 miles from South Bend.

 

[IrishLion]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The fact Notre Dame’s top assistant took a step down the coaching ladder to Cincinnati says something. Exactly what, I’m not sure.</p>— Irish Illustrated (@PeteSampson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteSampson_/status/814670755074084864">December 30, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

It says "dumpster fire," Pete. Yikes

It says he wanted to be able to actually call plays without being overridden frequently, which in turn will open up more career possibilities in the next two or three years.

It's a step down in terms of prestige and money, but a step forward professionally.

 

[BobbyMac]

It says he wanted to be able to actually call plays without being overridden frequently, which in turn will open up more career possibilities in the next two or three years.

It's a step down in terms of prestige and money, but a step forward professionally.

I wonder how much of a pay cut it really is?

Anyways, I think he's in a perfect spot. UC will do fine with only the yearly loss to the Mighty Redskins and then Coach D is the next HC at one of the MAC schools. He's from Albion or Adrian MI so Western, Eastern, Toledo or BG would be good landing spots.

 

[Ndaccountant]

The slow death of bk is officially only a month old but it already feels tired. 2017 is going to a peach.

 

[GBdomer]

Helfrich is an option per Rivals

link- the message board https://notredame.forums.rivals.com/threads/what-we%E2%80%99re-hearing-on-the-oc-search%E2%80%A6.102223/

NSIAP

 

[NDPhilly]

Helfrich is an option per Rivals

link- the message board https://notredame.forums.rivals.com/threads/what-we%E2%80%99re-hearing-on-the-oc-search%E2%80%A6.102223/

NSIAP

My God Wimbush in an Oregon offense

 

[BobbyMac]

Helfrich is an option per Rivals

link- the message board https://notredame.forums.rivals.com/threads/what-we%E2%80%99re-hearing-on-the-oc-search%E2%80%A6.102223/

NSIAP

Some more...

Freebie from Joshua Vowles @One Foot Down

http://www.onefootdown.com/2016/12/...incinnati-notre-dame-looking-at-mark-helfrich

After a day or so of conflicting reports about the future of Notre Dame assistant coach Mike Denbrock, sources have confirmed that he is leaving the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to become the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bearcats and new head coach Luke Fickell.

So, after all of that... the reports were pretty dead on. Denbrock is out, and now Notre Dame will be entering the new year looking to fill a couple of jobs.

Some people will have mixed feeling about this- so let’s get it out on the table.

He was the play-caller in 2016.
He helped develop guys like Will Fuller and Michael Floyd. Legends.
He was most likely Notre Dame’s best recruiter- especially on the west coast.
He was basically demoted moving forward. Kelly to call plays in 2017.
So, if you are wondering why he would leave Notre Dame for a similar role at Cincinnati (which isn’t a Power 5 school) you need only look at that last bullet point. Mike Denbrock, if he were to stay at Notre Dame, would only be a wide receiver’s coach in 2017. That isn’t exactly what we may consider “career development.” He’s taking a step-up by taking over as the offensive coordinator at Cincinnati. Keep in mind, Fickell has always been a defensive coach during his career despite a stint as the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Denbrock will most likely have almost complete control on how their offense operates.

Denbrock’s departure opens the door for yet another coordinator position to be filled. A name that should be followed very closely is the former head coach of the Oregon Ducks, Mark Helfrich. His name has been mentioned as a possible offensive coordinator for the Irish.

While he very well may be a possibility, he was most recently seen at a bowl practice for the Tennessee Volunteers.

Brian Kelly can always tap longtime disciple, Jeff Quinn to fill that role and look elsewhere for a tight ends coach. At any rate, the Irish have a few spots to fill, and I’m sure names will start appearing from thin air as the weeks roll on towards signing day.

 

[BobbyMac]

My God Wimbush in an Oregon offense

With Kelly choking the tempo doing his best Peyton Manning triple play change pre-snap adjustments while Big Mike falls asleep and false starts... again.

 

[BGIF]

He was basically demoted moving forward. Kelly to call plays in 2017.

If Kelly is calling plays next year, why would an established former head coach take a job that Denbrock felt was a demotion to remain in?

The logic doesn't compute for any of the big names bandied about.

Who besides a former associate like Quinn would settle for that situation?

 

[Downinthebend]

People have been constantly complaining that we run a horizontal offense, what will they say if we hire Helfrich and that is actually true

 

[BGIF]

People have been constantly complaining that we run a horizontal offense, what will they say if we hire Helfrich and that is actually true

If ND scores the 500 yds, 45 ppg that Oregon did with him as OC they'd be saying, "Kelly is brillant! What a great hire!




And the usual complainers would stay true to form.

 

[Blaise]

I wonder if Helfrich would be allowed to call plays if he came here. Kelly wanted to take over play calling because obviously he wasn't happy with the way the offense has been run last couple years. However, if you can get Helfrich, do it, give up play calling and return to your CEO role

 

[Irish#1]

If Kelly is calling plays next year, why would an established former head coach take a job that Denbrock felt was a demotion to remain in?

The logic doesn't compute for any of the big names bandied about.

Who besides a former associate like Quinn would settle for that situation?

Agree...........Only someone like Quinn who was nurtured this way would want a position like that. Whether they are capable of being a successful HC or not, most coaches especially coordinators want as much control as possible to prove their mettle and put them in a better position to become a HC.

 

[NDohio]

I wonder if Helfrich would be allowed to call plays if he came here. Kelly wanted to take over play calling because obviously he wasn't happy with the way the offense has been run last couple years. However, if you can get Helfrich, do it, give up play calling and return to your CEO role

Yes. If that article that was posted earlier(the poorly written article about BK not getting any interest from NFL teams) is true, then this is exactly what BK needs to do to get interest from the NFL.

 

[NewBrunswickIrish]

Did Chip Kelly not call the plays when he was at Oregon?

 

[ScooterIrish]

My God Wimbush in an Oregon offense

Kelly can hire him, but we aren't running the Oregon offense next year. Like Kelly would allow that.

 

[dublinirish]

Kelly can hire him, but we aren't running the Oregon offense next year. Like Kelly would allow that.

Alex Bars, Mike McGlinchey couldn't play in an Oregon offense, simply not mobile enough

 

[IrishLax]

It's not gonna be Heilfrich. This is an echo chamber rumor with no substance.

 

[Rizzophil]

It's not gonna be Heilfrich. This is an echo chamber rumor with no substance.

Do you have top three of projected OC that are realistic?

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I recently heard some really interesting gossip from a couple of individuals I know with deep ND connections. It was so off the wall that it intrigued me.

I shared all of it with a couple of friends locally that are Irish fans. The both asked me for a smoking gun, something to indicate there was proof of all that I heard.

Here is what I had : ND bringing in Mike Elko, making him semi-autonomous, allowing him to pick his coaches and offering him a three year contract (A public announcement like that is a bit unusual, isn't it?); Bringing in Brian Polian as ST Coordinator, and leaving Scott Booker go; letting Mike Sanford leave; and moving Paul Longo, (way) out were what I had on my list. Until now.

Part of what I heard is that there would be a new offensive coordinator, but that seemed like smoke of a different kind. I figured if anyone was untouchable, it was Mike Denbrock.

Until now. Add as the biggest caliber yet, to the search for a smoking gun, ND looking for a new offensive coordinator.

What I was told is that control of the football program has effectively been taken from Brian Kelly. Kelly came in with carte blanche, and that has resulted in a number of internal brouhahas. Remember the 'my guys versus the guys already here?' I have already mentioned incredible conflict centered around BVG, who proved to be a poor choice from the beginning, let alone the recruiting debacle that was Bob Diaco. By the way, he did really irritate some folks in his time here, don't expect his return, or a forest populated with 'the Kelly coaching tree.'

So here is the rub. Kelly, who hasn't had exactly a track record of staying at a D1 school for a long time, has really been looking to get out of Notre Dame.

People have been talking about certain coaches not wanting to come to ND because of restrictions. They should have been talking about coaches that don't want to stay because of said restrictions, I guess.

But the bottom line is there is a fairly short term plan with an exit strategy in place for Kelly, if he wants it. If he succeeds next year, he has quite a bit of career flexibility; apparently if he doesn't, he might as well look at retirement, because his coaching options will be, well they won't be.

In that Kelly plan, Kelly gives up full control of the defense, special teams, and play calling. The plan has a new offensive coordinator who runs the offensive side of the ball. The hire fire decisions are out of Kelly's hands.

The thing is, everyone is working together with this goal in mind, and I believe if any of this is true, ND has its next head coach, or at least a very short, short list, in its sights. The whole process is designed to right the ship, and make a smooth transition to the next staff, whether that be at the end of '17 or in two or three years.

Just reporting what I heard, now that it has real legs, and there's a smoking gun.

 

[NDShark]

I recently heard some really interesting gossip from a couple of individuals I know with deep ND connections. It was so off the wall that it intrigued me.

I shared all of it with a couple of friends locally that are Irish fans. The both asked me for a smoking gun, something to indicate there was proof of all that I heard.

Here is what I had : ND bringing in Mike Elko, making him semi-autonomous, allowing him to pick his coaches and offering him a three year contract (A public announcement like that is a bit unusual, isn't it?); Bringing in Brian Polian as ST Coordinator, and leaving Scott Booker go; letting Mike Sanford leave; and moving Paul Longo, (way) out were what I had on my list. Until now.

Part of what I heard is that there would be a new offensive coordinator, but that seemed like smoke of a different kind. I figured if anyone was untouchable, it was Mike Denbrock.

Until now. Add as the biggest smoking gun, a new offensive coordinator.

What I have heard is that control of the football program has been taken from Brian Kelly. Kelly came in with carte blanche, and that has resulted in a number of internal brouhahas. Remember the my guys versus the guys already here? I have already mentioned incredible conflict centered around BVG, who proved to be a poor choice from the beginning.

So here is the rub. Kelly, who hasn't had exactly a track record of staying at a D1 school for a long time, has really been looking to get out of Notre Dame.

People have been talking about certain coaches not wanting to come to ND because of restrictions. They should have been talking about coaches that don't want to stay because of said restrictions, I guess.

But the bottom line is there is a fairly short term plan with an exit strategy in place for Kelly, if he wants it. If he succeeds next year, he has quite a bit of career flexibility; apparently if he doesn't, he might as well look at retirement, because his coaching options will be, well they won't be.

In that Kelly plan, Kelly gives up full control of the defense, special teams, and play calling. The plan has a new offensive coordinator who runs the offensive side of the ball. The hire fire decisions are out of Kelly's hands.

The thing is, everyone is working together with this goal in mind, and I believe if any of this is true, ND has its next head coach, or at least a very short, short list, in its sights. The whole process is designed to right the ship, and make a smooth transition to the next staff, whether that be at the end of '17 or in two or three years.

Just reporting what I heard, now that it has real legs, and there's a smoking gun.

Thanks for the insight, Boggy. What exactly is Kelly's role next year? Smile and wave, I suppose. I wonder if one of the coordinators are on the short list (Elko, new OC) for HFC next year. I guess not, but it's interesting to think about new OC candidates with that lens. Regardless of the situation, if we can hire a good OC and get some good momentum for next year, I would think ND would be an attractive destination. My only hesitation with that statement is the fact that we are bringing in coordinators to 3 year deals. Don't many HC's bring in their staff?

 

[OCIrish]

Thanks Bogs, for sharing......much appreciated!!!

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Thanks for the insight, Boggy. What exactly is Kelly's role next year? Smile and wave, I suppose. I wonder if one of the coordinators are on the short list (Elko, new OC) for HFC next year. I guess not, but it's interesting to think about new OC candidates with that lens. Regardless of the situation, if we can hire a good OC and get some good momentum for next year, I would think ND would be an attractive destination. My only hesitation with that statement is the fact that we are bringing in coordinators to 3 year deals. Don't many HC's bring in their staff?

A) Kelly is the engine that makes things run. He has a central role in the success of the team, and making this work, if there is any truth to what I heard.

B) What makes you think the next HC isn't on board with the hires? Or at least couldn't be convinced to give them a go for a season or two? Remember, the kind of guy that replaces Kelly, particularly in this day of revolving coaching chairs, may have one of his key assistants named as the new head coach at his existing school.

C) A three year deal does soften the blow if a new head coach wants someone else, makes a guarantee to the guy coming in, and if he does get replaced, gives him some compensation until he lands on his feet.

 

[Irish#1]

I recently heard some really interesting gossip from a couple of individuals I know with deep ND connections. It was so off the wall that it intrigued me.

I shared all of it with a couple of friends locally that are Irish fans. The both asked me for a smoking gun, something to indicate there was proof of all that I heard.

Here is what I had : ND bringing in Mike Elko, making him semi-autonomous, allowing him to pick his coaches and offering him a three year contract (A public announcement like that is a bit unusual, isn't it?); Bringing in Brian Polian as ST Coordinator, and leaving Scott Booker go; letting Mike Sanford leave; and moving Paul Longo, (way) out were what I had on my list. Until now.

Part of what I heard is that there would be a new offensive coordinator, but that seemed like smoke of a different kind. I figured if anyone was untouchable, it was Mike Denbrock.

Until now. Add as the biggest caliber yet, to the search for a smoking gun, ND looking for a new offensive coordinator.

What I was told is that control of the football program has effectively been taken from Brian Kelly. Kelly came in with carte blanche, and that has resulted in a number of internal brouhahas. Remember the 'my guys versus the guys already here?' I have already mentioned incredible conflict centered around BVG, who proved to be a poor choice from the beginning, let alone the recruiting debacle that was Bob Diaco. By the way, he did really irritate some folks in his time here, don't expect his return, or a forest populated with 'the Kelly coaching tree.'

So here is the rub. Kelly, who hasn't had exactly a track record of staying at a D1 school for a long time, has really been looking to get out of Notre Dame.

People have been talking about certain coaches not wanting to come to ND because of restrictions. They should have been talking about coaches that don't want to stay because of said restrictions, I guess.

But the bottom line is there is a fairly short term plan with an exit strategy in place for Kelly, if he wants it. If he succeeds next year, he has quite a bit of career flexibility; apparently if he doesn't, he might as well look at retirement, because his coaching options will be, well they won't be.

In that Kelly plan, Kelly gives up full control of the defense, special teams, and play calling. The plan has a new offensive coordinator who runs the offensive side of the ball. The hire fire decisions are out of Kelly's hands.

The thing is, everyone is working together with this goal in mind, and I believe if any of this is true, ND has its next head coach, or at least a very short, short list, in its sights. The whole process is designed to right the ship, and make a smooth transition to the next staff, whether that be at the end of '17 or in two or three years.

Just reporting what I heard, now that it has real legs, and there's a smoking gun.

Very interesting read. Not sure how to process. If true, my first reaction is a stormy forecast for next year. BK will still run practices and oversee everything, but losing control of the offense and defense is a major slap in the face for BK. I can see more internal strife next year since these won't be his selections or he will basically wash his hands and be nothing more than a figure head. Unless they have someone already ready to step in next year, I'm thinking it would have been best to let BK go this year. Or, are these tactics a way to get BK to resign asap?

 

[irishff1014]

I recently heard some really interesting gossip from a couple of individuals I know with deep ND connections. It was so off the wall that it intrigued me.

I shared all of it with a couple of friends locally that are Irish fans. The both asked me for a smoking gun, something to indicate there was proof of all that I heard.

Here is what I had : ND bringing in Mike Elko, making him semi-autonomous, allowing him to pick his coaches and offering him a three year contract (A public announcement like that is a bit unusual, isn't it?); Bringing in Brian Polian as ST Coordinator, and leaving Scott Booker go; letting Mike Sanford leave; and moving Paul Longo, (way) out were what I had on my list. Until now.

Part of what I heard is that there would be a new offensive coordinator, but that seemed like smoke of a different kind. I figured if anyone was untouchable, it was Mike Denbrock.

Until now. Add as the biggest caliber yet, to the search for a smoking gun, ND looking for a new offensive coordinator.

What I was told is that control of the football program has effectively been taken from Brian Kelly. Kelly came in with carte blanche, and that has resulted in a number of internal brouhahas. Remember the 'my guys versus the guys already here?' I have already mentioned incredible conflict centered around BVG, who proved to be a poor choice from the beginning, let alone the recruiting debacle that was Bob Diaco. By the way, he did really irritate some folks in his time here, don't expect his return, or a forest populated with 'the Kelly coaching tree.'

So here is the rub. Kelly, who hasn't had exactly a track record of staying at a D1 school for a long time, has really been looking to get out of Notre Dame.

People have been talking about certain coaches not wanting to come to ND because of restrictions. They should have been talking about coaches that don't want to stay because of said restrictions, I guess.

But the bottom line is there is a fairly short term plan with an exit strategy in place for Kelly, if he wants it. If he succeeds next year, he has quite a bit of career flexibility; apparently if he doesn't, he might as well look at retirement, because his coaching options will be, well they won't be.

In that Kelly plan, Kelly gives up full control of the defense, special teams, and play calling. The plan has a new offensive coordinator who runs the offensive side of the ball. The hire fire decisions are out of Kelly's hands.

The thing is, everyone is working together with this goal in mind, and I believe if any of this is true, ND has its next head coach, or at least a very short, short list, in its sights. The whole process is designed to right the ship, and make a smooth transition to the next staff, whether that be at the end of '17 or in two or three years.

Just reporting what I heard, now that it has real legs, and there's a smoking gun.

Not saying all of this is false but the offense part is. It has been reported multiple times that Kelly will call offensive plays. If this wasn't the case Denbrock would still be here.

 

[ulukinatme]

Very interesting read. Not sure how to process. If true, my first reaction is a stormy forecast for next year. BK will still run practices and oversee everything, but losing control of the offense and defense is a major slap in the face for BK. I can see more internal strife next year since these won't be his selections or he will basically wash his hands and be nothing more than a figure head. Unless they have someone already ready to step in next year, I'm thinking it would have been best to let BK go this year. Or, are these tactics a way to get BK to resign asap?

I would think that if BK's options are short right now, and he's looking for an out to the NFL (Despite no one looking his way) he can do two things: Right the ship to revive his stock, or we go down in flames and he looks to take over a middling program ala Strong/Kiffin and rebuild. If Petrino's transgressions can be overlooked, and Kiffin's past HCing blunders, and Strong's perceived failure at Texas can still land him a job, I'm sure Kelly's past success will open a lower Tier job for him.