ND Coaching Search Megathread

[Cackalacky2.0]

Kelly isn't worth $14 million/year. Sorry.

My opinion is that MSU dropping $95 million on theri coach has destroyed the market and people are panic buying.

 

[Sea Turtle]

It’s Freeman or Fickle and I’d prefer Freeman.

I think the players would be the singing and dancing frog from looney toons for Freeman and the sitting, motionless frog for anyone else.

 

[wizards8507]

I think the players would be the singing and dancing frog from looney toons for Freeman and the sitting, motionless frog for anyone else.

The worst thing imaginable for them to do would be to name a non-Freeman candidate while Freeman is still available. If it's not going to be Freeman, they should wait until Freeman is hired elsewhere first, and then make their announcement.

 

[NDFAN2008]

Look all over social media you got current players, 2022 and 2023 recruits all saying they want Freeman Jesus Jack better not screw this up. You higher anyone else you will lose probally 10-15 current players to transfer and most likely 50% if not more of the current recruits.

 

[clashmore_mike]

Things are trending in the right direction between Notre Dame and Freeman, per Loy.

I know Notre Dame was caught off guard, but the everything seems to be moving quickly between ND/MF. Makes me wonder if this was the plan all along, it just happened 2-3 years early.

https://247sports.com/college/notre...tents/nothing-locked-in-100-176796750/?page=1

 

[rtrn2glory]

Look all over social media you got current players, 2022 and 2023 recruits all saying they want Freeman Jesus Jack better not screw this up. You higher anyone else you will lose probally 10-15 current players to transfer and most likely 50% if not more of the current recruits.

I think I want Freeman too, but I don't like the feeling of power that these kids feel like they have. They're not even an official part of the program yet. I'm more interested in hearing what the boys on the front lines all think. I know a handful like Hamilton have come out in support, but haven't heard much else.

 

[NorthDakota]

Look all over social media you got current players, 2022 and 2023 recruits all saying they want Freeman Jesus Jack better not screw this up. You higher anyone else you will lose probally 10-15 current players to transfer and most likely 50% if not more of the current recruits.

Text from my old man last night, "if AD thinks ND is a contender, better just promote the coordinator"

 

[rtrn2glory]

https://247sports.com/college/notre...tents/nothing-locked-in-100-176796750/?page=1

I'm technically working today, but any and all updates are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[wizards8507]

I think I want Freeman too, but I don't like the feeling of power that these kids feel like they have. They're not even an official part of the program yet. I'm more interested in hearing what the boys on the front lines all think. I know a handful like Hamilton have come out in support, but haven't heard much else.

I haven't seen any of the kids themselves saying anything like "it better be Freeman or I'm walking." The whole angle that we're going to lose half of our recruiting class is coming from the fans, not the players or recruits. Most of the kids who have spoken up have said all of the right things IMO.

 

[clashmore_mike]

I'm technically working today, but any and all updates are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

lol same here my man. My productivity won't be very high today.

 

[Riddickulous]

Prister also saying he thinks it's Freeman.

Adon Shuler just tweeted in support of Freeman.

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

I have a funny feeling the talent level will be taken to the next level under Freeman. Whether the x's and o's and program building can follow we'll have to see.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I have a funny feeling the talent level will be taken to the next level under Freeman. Whether the x's and o's and program building can follow we'll have to see.

I think the Swarbrick saw Freeman has the man to take ND to that next level. Kelly has had his chance.

 

[IrishTusker]

The recruits should not be picking the coach. A home-run, big-name hire could retain the talent here, too. Only after such hires can be ruled out should we be looking at Freeman, rather than running to him right away because we are desperate. And if rumors about Day leaving OSU are true (doubtful, imo) only one of Fickell/Freeman can go to OSU. If Fickell goes to OSU, for example, Freeman would likely pick ND over Cincy.

I agree that absent a home-run (e.g., Meyer), Fickell as HC and Freeman staying as DC would be the ideal scenario.

 

[wizards8507]

The recruits should not be picking the coach. A home-run, big-name hire could retain the talent here, too. Only after such hires can be ruled out should we be looking at Freeman, rather than running to him right away because we are desperate. And if rumors about Day leaving OSU are true (doubtful, imo) only one of Fickell/Freeman can go to OSU. If Fickell goes to OSU, for example, Freeman would likely pick ND over Cincy.

I agree that absent a home-run (e.g., Meyer), Fickell as HC and Freeman staying as DC would be the ideal scenario.

This all makes sense if you concluded that Meyer would be a home-run, which I do not.

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

Rhule and Peterson both suck. Not interested in either.

Also shouldn't we assume USC made the call to Urb? If he didn't take that job me thinks ND doesn't have a shot.

Where were you for the past decade? Ruhle had ten win teams at Temple and had Baylor in the Big 12 title game. NFL isn't going well for him, but he had nothing but success in college.

 

[FDNYIrish1]

Look, we’ve all seen the popular assistant get bumped up and be a total shit show. Freeman, like Lea before him, is a different dude. He has every imaginable leadership quality I would look for as a program. He will keep the talent flowing in and has shown the chops as a workhorse as a DC. I personally don’t feel the bump is too big for him. We usually judge these failed hot shot coordinators based on their inability to build a program, not maintain one. There will be bumps, but I’m willing to accept that.

 

[BabyIrish]

The recruits should not be picking the coach. A home-run, big-name hire could retain the talent here, too. Only after such hires can be ruled out should we be looking at Freeman, rather than running to him right away because we are desperate. And if rumors about Day leaving OSU are true (doubtful, imo) only one of Fickell/Freeman can go to OSU. If Fickell goes to OSU, for example, Freeman would likely pick ND over Cincy.

I agree that absent a home-run (e.g., Meyer), Fickell as HC and Freeman staying as DC would be the ideal scenario.

I agree with the notion that our hire should not be reactionary. I think most of the names being floated about could keep the roster intact with a few losses.

It absolutely sucks that this happened when it did. Fickell would probably be the ideal candidate but his availability is not conducive to the situation. If Freeman had been in the program for another year or two I’d feel much better about hiring him. I think it’s definitely a risk to hire him.

 

[SouthSideChiDomer]

Couple points:
1) Bears president Ted Phillips is an ND alum. I would be surprised if there isn't some relationship between Swarbrick and Phillips. Might not be a bad idea to ask if the Day to the Bears rumors have any legs. If there are, Fickell would probably choose Ohio State over ND, so we shouldn't be planning on him.
2) A potential advantage of Freeman is that he might not have as good negotiating leverage as someone like Fickell or Rhule or Campbell. We might be able to get him on a better contract. Now that's not saying we shouldn't pay him, but maybe its more incentive heavy and has a lower buyout to guard against downside risk. If he starts failing, it makes it easier to move on and still keeps us in a good position.
3) If it is Freeman, I know we are going to want to throw around a bunch of interesting names, but I thought it would be a good idea to also figure what coaching relationships he has. I went through all the coaching staffs from his time at Purdue and Cincy and these are (I think) all the still active coaches (that had wikipedia pages):

John Heacock DC / Safeties coach Iowa State https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Heacock

Gerard Parker OC / WR coach West Virginia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerad_Parker

Terry Malone OC / RB coach Bowling Green https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Malone

Taver Johnson Offensive Assistant Las Vegas Raiders https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taver_Johnson

Gino Guidugli QB coach Cincinnati https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gino_Guidugli

Joker Phillips AHC / WR coach NC State https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joker_Phillips

Jon Tenuta Defensive Analyst Virginia Tech https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Tenuta

Mike Brown WR coach Cincinnati https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Brown_(wide_receiver)

Dan Enos OC / QB coach Maryland https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Enos

Brian Mason Special Teams Coordinator Cincinnati https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Mason_(American_football)

Greg Scruggs DL coach Cincinnati https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Scruggs

 

[dublinirish]

What's Nick rolovich up to

man was persecuted for his faith lol

 

[tko]

Stop with the Fitzgerald talk. He's a sleepy coach. It's a new age in college football and you need a dynamic coach. Can Freeman succeed, I don't know, but he can recruit and coach. I'd still like to hire Fickell. Guy is a winner top to bottom and could handle all that ND demands. I just don't like the idea of Denbrock as OC I don't think. Thoughts on Denbrock calling plays?

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Stop with the Fitzgerald talk. He's a sleepy coach. It's a new age in college football and you need a dynamic coach. Can Freeman succeed, I don't know, but he can recruit and coach. I'd still like to hire Fickell. Guy is a winner top to bottom and could handle all that ND demands. I just don't like the idea of Denbrock as OC I don't think. Thoughts on Denbrock calling plays?

I like Denbrock a lot, as a coach. But I don't think he's the guy for recruiting high profile O players.

 

[tko]

Touchdown Judas

 

[IRISHMAN]

Freeman. Get it done by 9AM.

agreed. i'd be willing to take a chance on freeman a young up and comer. you got to do something quick to save this recruiting class.

 

[InKellyWeTrust]

The recruits should not be picking the coach. A home-run, big-name hire could retain the talent here, too. Only after such hires can be ruled out should we be looking at Freeman, rather than running to him right away because we are desperate. And if rumors about Day leaving OSU are true (doubtful, imo) only one of Fickell/Freeman can go to OSU. If Fickell goes to OSU, for example, Freeman would likely pick ND over Cincy.

I agree that absent a home-run (e.g., Meyer), Fickell as HC and Freeman staying as DC would be the ideal scenario.

If Freeman is the guy you don't allow for the possibility of him being hired away somewhere else as HC. The number of vacant or soon to be vacant HC positions is as high as its ever been. You don't think some will reach out to Freeman? If given the choice of Freeman vs Fickell I'd choose Freeman. I'm not sure we can have both.

 

[MacIrish75]

Couple points:
1) Bears president Ted Phillips is an ND alum. I would be surprised if there isn't some relationship between Swarbrick and Phillips. Might not be a bad idea to ask if the Day to the Bears rumors have any legs. If there are, Fickell would probably choose Ohio State over ND, so we shouldn't be planning on him.
2) A potential advantage of Freeman is that he might not have as good negotiating leverage as someone like Fickell or Rhule or Campbell. We might be able to get him on a better contract. Now that's not saying we shouldn't pay him, but maybe its more incentive heavy and has a lower buyout to guard against downside risk. If he starts failing, it makes it easier to move on and still keeps us in a good position.
3) If it is Freeman, I know we are going to want to throw around a bunch of interesting names, but I thought it would be a good idea to also figure what coaching relationships he has. I went through all the coaching staffs from his time at Purdue and Cincy and these are (I think) all the still active coaches (that had wikipedia pages):

John Heacock DC / Safeties coach Iowa State https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Heacock

Gerard Parker OC / WR coach West Virginia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerad_Parker

Terry Malone OC / RB coach Bowling Green https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Malone

Taver Johnson Offensive Assistant Las Vegas Raiders https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taver_Johnson

Gino Guidugli QB coach Cincinnati https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gino_Guidugli

Joker Phillips AHC / WR coach NC State https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joker_Phillips

Jon Tenuta Defensive Analyst Virginia Tech https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Tenuta

Mike Brown WR coach Cincinnati https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Brown_(wide_receiver)

Dan Enos OC / QB coach Maryland https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Enos

Brian Mason Special Teams Coordinator Cincinnati https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Mason_(American_football)

Greg Scruggs DL coach Cincinnati https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Scruggs

Did you really have to include Tenuta? Just threw up in my mouth a bit…

 

[IRISHMAN]

if freeman is named the HC who becomes the DC. would clark lea come back to be the DC and will BK take any assistant coaches with him, mike elston has fallowed BK every where he's gone.

 

[Irish#1]

Look, we’ve all seen the popular assistant get bumped up and be a total shit show. Freeman, like Lea before him, is a different dude. He has every imaginable leadership quality I would look for as a program. He will keep the talent flowing in and has shown the chops as a workhorse as a DC. I personally don’t feel the bump is too big for him. We usually judge these failed hot shot coordinators based on their inability to build a program, not maintain one. There will be bumps, but I’m willing to accept that.

Savvy Jack is called Savvy Jack because he's savvy. I think he's already did his homework on Freeman. He's not going to get cute or try to out think the situation.

I think Freeman will do fine. He looked at what ND and LSU offered and made the right decision. I think he's smart enough to surround himself with one or two guys that can help him in areas where he needs to grow. I still think about when Brad Stevens and Frank Vogel were hired. People questioned the hires because they had no HC experience but they turned out okay.

 

[Dale]

Read an ESPN article about candidates:
1. Fickell is the main one talked about. They all think there’s no way he’d turn down the job. The question is would we be able to wait.
2. Freeman was the next talked about for all the reasons we know.
3. Campbell- It’s basically his dream job.
4. Last one they mentioned and it surprised me- Pat Fitzgerald from Northwestern. He’s done great things there no doubt but I’m pretty sure I’d say no thanks to this one.

Watched a little bit of Driskell live last night. He was outright celebrating Kelly leaving. His four candidates:
The safe picks according to him: Fickell and Stoops. He’d think they’d maintain what Kelly did but not get us over the hump.
Risks: Freeman or Brohm. Risks because they could lower the floor of the program but be dynamic enough to take us to the promised land.

I say go get Dabo but understand if it’s Freeman or Fickel.

Pat Fitzgerald? As what ST coach? Dude is so overrated because when they are good he runs his mouth and when they are bad, they were the worst team in P5 this year besides Vandy, everyone just forgets

 

[ThePiombino]

Where were you for the past decade? Ruhle had ten win teams at Temple and had Baylor in the Big 12 title game. NFL isn't going well for him, but he had nothing but success in college.

I mean he has a point. Just look at Saban -- bad run in the NFL, clearly a bad college coach.