Next year's coach!

[T Town Tommy]

I am not surprised this thread is still going. Not one of the coaches mentioned here would consider ND. Want proof, let the job open up. Money does not talk anymore...period. ND is not going to back up the truck and let the cash flow.

ND is not a top five job. The facilities are ok, at best, the academic requirements will always handcuff your coach, and the lack of consistency between administration and athletics will leave this program in the dark ages. You think Nick Saban would put up with this shit? Heck no.

I don't want to hear about other people doing more with less. They don't play a national schedule. Duke has been blessed with a weak ACC; Stanford was set up perfectly with an elite QB and pieces around him to make them successful; Paul Johnson...give me a break. Mullen...seriously? One great season and you want to act like the second coming of Charlie Weiss?

You want to win? Recruit the south. Period. You have to win in Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Alabama. ND has not done with with the TOP talent in that state. Think Landon Collins versus Austin Collinsworth. And guess what Collins would have NEVER qualified at ND - he didn't qualify at LSU and ended up at Alabama after someone spelled his name for him.

While you are at it...Michigan is a shitty job too. The only thing that will save them is that they play in the Big Ten. Wisconsin and Ohio State are great stories. Put them against the SEC and you find out what they are all about. Heck, LSU beat Wisky at the beginning of the season with a QB who is one of the worst in the SEC.

Just stop the nonsense. ND is a 7,8,9 win place. It will remain that way until they join either the Big 10 or the ACC. ND cannot continue to play the schedule it wants and be successful year in and year out.

Funny I remember Collins choosing Alabama over LSU. To say he didn't qualify to attend LSU is ridiculous. And, if you really want to talk LSU vs Bama, let's discuss grad rates for both. I think you would be surprised. Furthermore, when ND allows players in with average ACT scores ( one of your "great DL" scored a 17 btw) I don't know if one can say Collins would not have qualified at ND.

Furthermore, saying that ND is only 7-9 win team is ridiculous as well. They just won 12 games two years ago. That mentality needs to go.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Someone mentioned playing a "beatable" SEC team like Tennessee in the bowl game...let me just put this out there. Two things would happen:

a) Every Irish fan would finally get to see how weak our recruiting classes have been when you compare them to a "beatable" SEC team like UT. The talent gap for that young team would be very, very apparent.

b) They would smoke our ass. Not even close.

Have you watched Tenn play? The talent gap from Tenn to ND is not very wide... if a gap at all.

 

[IrishinSyria]

Malzahn, Chip Kelly, Mullen, and Meyer are all "option" coaches.

So when I said "option" coach I was using it in the traditional sense and not the spread option sense, and I think you knew that.

 

[IrishinSyria]

Have you watched Tenn play? The talent gap from Tenn to ND is not very wide... if a gap at all.

Negative gap... though maybe not with our super depleted roster.

 

[chicago51]

Seriously no one thinks Paul Johnson would be a candidate?


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His defenses' historically have sucked.

 

[CarrollVermin]

Funny I remember Collins choosing Alabama over LSU. To say he didn't qualify to attend LSU is ridiculous. And, if you really want to talk LSU vs Bama, let's discuss grad rates for both. I think you would be surprised. Furthermore, when ND allows players in with average ACT scores ( one of your "great DL" scored a 17 btw) I don't know if one can say Collins would not have qualified at ND.

Furthermore, saying that ND is only 7-9 win team is ridiculous as well. They just won 12 games two years ago. That mentality needs to go.

He did choose Alabama over LSU, and much like one of the other battles a few years prior (Eddy Lacy), that battle was largely ended by academics.

Graduation rates are such a cop out. Graduation rates are going to be lower for those schools because of players leaving early for the NFL. Hmmm...you think that the majority of athletes care about the "40 year plan"? How do I get to the League is what they want to know.

Yes, ND won 12 games a few years ago, and could have easily lost two of those games. Breaks and bounces went our way. What I am trying to say is that ND will continue to fall in that category...7-9 wins is the benchmark, and when the ball bounces our way, we get to 10 or 12. Like this year...easily should have been 9-3 or 10-2...if you take away the fumbles or the OPI call. Those are the breaks that I am talking about. Its the new normal around ND football.

 

[CarrollVermin]

Have you watched Tenn play? The talent gap from Tenn to ND is not very wide... if a gap at all.

Watched about 80% of their games this year. The gap on the lines and secondary would be most notable. ND would have the advantage at QB (scary) and receivers (when they hold on to the ball).

I wouldn't expect ND to win that game.

 

[koonja]

He did choose Alabama over LSU, and much like one of the other battles a few years prior (Eddy Lacy), that battle was largely ended by academics.

Graduation rates are such a cop out. Graduation rates are going to be lower for those schools because of players leaving early for the NFL. Hmmm...you think that the majority of athletes care about the "40 year plan"? How do I get to the League is what they want to know.

Yes, ND won 12 games a few years ago, and could have easily lost two of those games. Breaks and bounces went our way. What I am trying to say is that ND will continue to fall in that category...7-9 wins is the benchmark, and when the ball bounces our way, we get to 10 or 12. Like this year...easily should have been 9-3 or 10-2...if you take away the fumbles or the OPI call. Those are the breaks that I am talking about. Its the new normal around ND football.

I doubt a guy who can get into Bama can't get into LSU and vice versa. And if he couldn't get into LSU, why would his mom be so upset he chose Bama? Doesn't make sense.

I'm 95% sure leaving early has zero impact on graduation rates as long as the student is in good standing when he leaves.

 

[T Town Tommy]

He did choose Alabama over LSU, and much like one of the other battles a few years prior (Eddy Lacy), that battle was largely ended by academics.

Graduation rates are such a cop out. Graduation rates are going to be lower for those schools because of players leaving early for the NFL. Hmmm...you think that the majority of athletes care about the "40 year plan"? How do I get to the League is what they want to know.

Yes, ND won 12 games a few years ago, and could have easily lost two of those games. Breaks and bounces went our way. What I am trying to say is that ND will continue to fall in that category...7-9 wins is the benchmark, and when the ball bounces our way, we get to 10 or 12. Like this year...easily should have been 9-3 or 10-2...if you take away the fumbles or the OPI call. Those are the breaks that I am talking about. Its the new normal around ND football.

Sorry bud but you are incorrect. Collins had his choice on where he wanted to go and it wasn't academics. Neither was Lacy's. Do you not pay attention to recruiting? Alabama has historically won and lost several battles in La for recruits. Has nothing to do with academics and failure to qualify. Your argument is thus BS.

Grad rates are imperfect at best as a measurable for long term success. See Whiskey for a much more coherent argument on that than I could make.

 

[IrishinSyria]

He did choose Alabama over LSU, and much like one of the other battles a few years prior (Eddy Lacy), that battle was largely ended by academics.

Graduation rates are such a cop out. Graduation rates are going to be lower for those schools because of players leaving early for the NFL. Hmmm...you think that the majority of athletes care about the "40 year plan"? How do I get to the League is what they want to know.

Yes, ND won 12 games a few years ago, and could have easily lost two of those games. Breaks and bounces went our way. What I am trying to say is that ND will continue to fall in that category...7-9 wins is the benchmark, and when the ball bounces our way, we get to 10 or 12. Like this year...easily should have been 9-3 or 10-2...if you take away the fumbles or the OPI call. Those are the breaks that I am talking about. Its the new normal around ND football.

Don't even have to take away the fumbles... just the missed kicks and the OPI to get us to 10-2.

What you just described is not a bad place to be though: only three teams have won at least 9 games a year since 2008 (Nebraska, Oregon, Alabama.) If ND is winning 8-9 games a year in an average year and then has the chance to win a NC when the stars align...sign me up for that deal.

 

[Grahambo]

Yeah and get a little more healthy. Most lose sight of the fact that getting to a bowl game gives a team another three or so weeks to work on things. Huge advantage going in to the "offseason" and spring ball. And a game against UT is very winnable for the Irish.

Question is, does Kelly go with MZ or EG at this point? That decision will be very important IMO. I would not want to have to make that decision either as going with MZ may mean the end for EG. But that's why coaches get paid the big money.

I think he has to go MZ. Pulling the plug on Golson yesterday signaled to me that he's ready for the change so why not give MZ a test? You already know what EG brings to the table so its time to find out what MZ can do. Let him fully prepare and play an entire game. Same goes for their RT Mike McGlinchey. I've been wanting BK to play Big Mike all year but they have stuck by Lombard who, God bless him, is a shell of his former self. Too many injuries for him to overcome and he was getting beat all year. Move GB up to #2 on the depth chart and let's go. A good game to also get Durham Smythe and possibly Luatua some action.

For the most part, play the guys that will be there next year. Get them real game reps.

 

[CarrollVermin]

Sorry bud but you are incorrect. Collins had his choice on where he wanted to go and it wasn't academics. Neither was Lacy's. Do you not pay attention to recruiting? Alabama has historically won and lost several battles in La for recruits. Has nothing to do with academics and failure to qualify. Your argument is thus BS.

Grad rates are imperfect at best as a measurable for long term success. See Whiskey for a much more coherent argument on that than I could make.

I am pretty sure that I am in a little better position to understand that situation beyond what Rivals or Scout tell you. I will leave it at that.

Bottom line, until ND gets into attracting and keeping that kind of talent, we are a ways from winning consistently. I want ND to win as much if not more than anyone on here. But the problem isn't Kelly...its ND.

 

[T Town Tommy]

I am pretty sure that I am in a little better position to understand that situation beyond what Rivals or Scout tell you. I will leave it at that.

Bottom line, until ND gets into attracting and keeping that kind of talent, we are a ways from winning consistently. I want ND to win as much if not more than anyone on here. But the problem isn't Kelly...its ND.

The problems are complex with ND. The academic requirements for ND were loosened in regards to their football program. That's why a player can get in with a 17 ACT now. The Core Class requirements will knock out some recruits but not as many as one would think. So let's stop that BS talk right there. There is a reason why the school doesn't release their rate for waiver. One it is private and two it is way higher than they want people to believe.

As far as other issues at ND, I agree there are plenty. It appears there are those in the school hierarchy that don't care about football. There are geographical handicaps as well. The majority of talent lies in the South and the West with the Midwest having some but have to share with each other. Climate plays a part as does the fact that ND is an historical Catholic school that doesn't appeal to a lot of high school players. We could go on and on about it, but I would rather ND fans embrace their team, cheer for them, and not take the approach that they are a 7-9 win team most every year.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Watched about 80% of their games this year. The gap on the lines and secondary would be most notable. ND would have the advantage at QB (scary) and receivers (when they hold on to the ball).

I wouldn't expect ND to win that game.

Both teams are young, have some injuries, and have showed weaknesses. But going in to the game, I would give ND as much of a chance to win as Tenn. I think UT's strength is their defense, but I think ND can and will score on them.

 

[CarrollVermin]

Both teams are young, have some injuries, and have showed weaknesses. But going in to the game, I would give ND as much of a chance to win as Tenn. I think UT's strength is their defense, but I think ND can and will score on them.

Is that matchup expected? It would be an interesting game.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Is that matchup expected? It would be an interesting game.

Some projections for them to meet in the Belk bowl. And it would allow ND to get some exsposure in the Carolina's so to me it is a win/win for the Irish if it happens.

 

[IrishLax]

We'd get jail sexed by just about any team with a pulse right now so I don't really think it matters who we play. Literally any team with a functional offense will score 40+ right now on this defense which gets worse by the week.

 

[NDRock]

Watched about 80% of their games this year. The gap on the lines and secondary would be most notable. ND would have the advantage at QB (scary) and receivers (when they hold on to the ball).

I wouldn't expect ND to win that game.

I would take our OL vs. theirs any day of the week, they are not very good.

 

[Spitfire]

I think the bottom line here is Kelly is not getting fired and neither is VanGorder. It's a waste of breath to even discuss anybody taking over for him at this point (although I would not have a problem if they did).

With that said, he better damn well get this team to 10 wins next season and seriously challenging for the playoffs or all this talk become legit. All the stars are aligned next season including;

- His guy at QB (whomever that may be)
- Easier schedule
- 20 of 22 starters returning
- At least 3 starters coming back from the "Frozen 5"
- A learning year under the defenses belt in the books
- Kelly himself calling the plays (no passing the buck)

There are no more excuses next year...it's put up or GTFO.

I know there are a lot of Kelly apologists on this board, but does anybody disagree with this?

 

[TheSunIsRising]

I think he has to go MZ. Pulling the plug on Golson yesterday signaled to me that he's ready for the change so why not give MZ a test? You already know what EG brings to the table so its time to find out what MZ can do. Let him fully prepare and play an entire game. Same goes for their RT Mike McGlinchey. I've been wanting BK to play Big Mike all year but they have stuck by Lombard who, God bless him, is a shell of his former self. Too many injuries for him to overcome and he was getting beat all year. Move GB up to #2 on the depth chart and let's go. A good game to also get Durham Smythe and possibly Luatua some action.

For the most part, play the guys that will be there next year. Get them real game reps.

At one point in the second half, the camera showed Kelly on the sideline and Everett was right on his elbow, appearing to listen very intently to what Kelly was talking about. His body language was so much different than when he has appeared to brush-off Kelly after a turnover/bad decision. Agree that the move to put Zaire in took too long in coming

 

[NDRock]

I think the bottom line here is Kelly is not getting fired and neither is VanGorder. It's a waste of breath to even discuss anybody taking over for him at this point (although I would not have a problem if they did).

With that said, he better damn well get this team to 10 wins next season and seriously challenging for the playoffs or all this talk become legit. All the stars are aligned next season including;

- His guy at QB (whomever that may be)
- Easier schedule
- 20 of 22 starters returning
- At least 3 starters coming back from the "Frozen 5"
- A learning year under the defenses belt in the books
- Kelly himself calling the plays (no passing the buck)

There are no more excuses next year...it's put up or GTFO.

I know there are a lot of Kelly apologists on this board, but does anybody disagree with this?

I personally think the schedule will be tougher next year.

 

[blackirish]

There isn't a fanbase for a team with championship aspirations in the country that would put up with a 5th year like this one. I don't see what is so ridiculous about believing there are better options out there than a coach who has had his team devolve since his third year.

The Miami Hurricanes have.

 

[ulukinatme]

Seriously no one thinks Paul Johnson would be a candidate?


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Maybe. He certainly would be more viable than just about every other candidate listed simply because he could realistically leave GT for ND. His salary isn't outrageous, we would pay him, and it would be a step up for him. Would he actually come? Can't say. I think we have the athletes to make the option work if we had someone transition to FB. I think it would be an easier blocking scheme for our line too, although it would be hard on our scout DL's knees.

 

[dang227]

Is this where we are seriously at? Paul Johnson? Does anyone think 4 and 5 star recruits are going to come to ND to run the option? The reason he runs the option is because he can't recruit enough to line up vs the big boys. He is a good coach but ND should aspire for much better if Kelly ever leaves.


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[NCDomer]

At one point in the second half, the camera showed Kelly on the sideline and Everett was right on his elbow, appearing to listen very intently to what Kelly was talking about. His body language was so much different than when he has appeared to brush-off Kelly after a turnover/bad decision. Agree that the move to put Zaire in took too long in coming

What I don't get here is that Kelly benched Golson for periods of time throughout 2012 after Golson hit mental roadblocks. Each time Golson came back better. I just don't get why he didn't give Golson a series off here and there to mentally regroup. It was obvious that Golson started to lose it mentally as the TOs piled up. Kelly could've said, "I'm taking you out for a while to regroup. It's still your job. You just need a break."

 

[Grahambo]

At one point in the second half, the camera showed Kelly on the sideline and Everett was right on his elbow, appearing to listen very intently to what Kelly was talking about. His body language was so much different than when he has appeared to brush-off Kelly after a turnover/bad decision. Agree that the move to put Zaire in took too long in coming

That was after ISD had already called him out for sitting alone on the bench.

 

[TheSunIsRising]

That was after ISD had already called him out for sitting alone on the bench.

Okay, didn't know they actually did - tend not to look at social media/etc during games.

Hopefully he didn't go over to Kelly due to being called out on social media...hope he isn't checking twiiter-nation during a game

 

[Grahambo]

Okay, didn't know they actually did - tend not to look at social media/etc during games.

Hopefully he didn't go over to Kelly due to being called out on social media...hope he isn't checking twiiter-nation during a game

haha.

Was just pointing out that he wasn't acting mature after he was benched. They made it seem like he was just there sulking.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Good coach but he is known to be one of the bigger dicks in the coaching profession.


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Those guys tend to be winners though. It would also be eternal bragging rights over Michigan if Rich Rod could win at ND.

 

[SoJerseyIrish]

How about we bring Jeff Quinn in to be a REAL offensive coordinator?? BK's best years were when Quinn was his OC.......just saying.
I'm officially starting the #hirequinnforOC hashtag.......