Offensive Coordinator Search

[Dizzyphil]

I've been saying it all year long... The OL has consistently made running lanes for the RBs im EVERY GAME. I have very little problem with how the OL played all year, minus the false starts.

It's been on the RBs, not OL, that the running game has been inconsistent.

Yesterday was no different - our RBs were just going against a defense that has similar athleticism to them, so they ran well.

I made the same quote somewhere the other day. When the OL is not running stunts, pulling or false starting, there are holes my fata$$ could run through. I don't know if is the play-calling or Quinn Vs Heistand....



I remember watching replays of runs by Adams from behind the line and regardless where the line of scrimmage was, the camera showed goal posts....

 

[irishandy]

So you want to take a chance on Tony Alford who has no experience calling plays, but not on a guy who just did (and probably has for 5 games)? I love me some Tony Alford, but you also should think about positionally where he would coach as well. I have loved Taylor and I don't think I'm ready to give him up to make room for Alford.

Yes, gimme Alford over Rees. Those 5 games that Rees supposedly called plays for are should've been win games. How do we know that Alford hasn't had a hand in calling plays at OSU? If not Alford OK, but bring in new blood!

Look where Rees has coached positionally and there is 100% room for improvement for Rees. He hasn't reach his ceiling as our QB coach.

I agree about Taylor, he was a great hire and we need to keep him here as long as we can like Lea.

 

[Dizzyphil]

Yes, gimme Alford over Rees. Those 5 games that Rees supposedly called plays for are should've been win games. How do we know that Alford hasn't had a hand in calling plays at OSU? If not Alford OK, but bring in new blood!

Look where Rees has coached positionally and there is 100% room for improvement for Rees. He hasn't reach his ceiling as our QB coach.

I agree about Taylor, he was a great hire and we need to keep him here as long as we can like Lea.

With all due respect, you are wanting to make a decision based on a presumption...


Only BK and the other coaches, including Long knows who called those plays - the info hasn't been released - only speculated.



The Irish just went 11-2, regardless who was calling plays. Won a bowl that the Irish was only supposed to win by a field-goal and the final could easily have been 45-9.


Whomever was calling plays??? The boys were executing them and went 11-2

 

[irishandy]

With all due respect, you are wanting to make a decision based on a presumption...


Only BK and the other coaches, including Long knows who called those plays - the info hasn't been released - only speculated.



The Irish just went 11-2, regardless who was calling plays. Won a bowl that the Irish was only supposed to win by a field-goal and the final could easily have been 45-9.


Whomever was calling plays??? The boys were executing them and went 11-2

I get that the team just went 11-2 and I am pleased with how the season ended.
I thought ISU would've given us a better game.
With all due respect regardless who called plays against Duke, Navy, BC, Stanford I don't think that Rees is ready for the OC position at ND.

 

[stlnd01]

I think it's an interesting question whether Rees is or is not the right person to be our next OC but I see no reason whatsoever to believe Tony Alford is.

 

[Dizzyphil]

I get that the team just went 11-2 and I am pleased with how the season ended.
I thought ISU would've given us a better game.
With all due respect regardless who called plays against Duke, Navy, BC, Stanford I don't think that Rees is ready for the OC position at ND.

Maybe not, Maybe so. the play-calling yesterday was pretty good until the Red Zone was reached, and the trick play (no need).


I would have thought Ed Orgeron would have been a bust at LSU...
Same with Herm at ASU....


I guess we will have to see what BK thinks. It's his call so...

 

[irishandy]

Maybe not, Maybe so. the play-calling yesterday was pretty good until the Red Zone was reached, and the trick play (no need).


I would have thought Ed Orgeron would have been a bust at LSU...
Same with Herm at ASU....


I guess we will have to see what BK thinks. It's his call so...

ISU was one of the better 7-5 teams in the country, after we stripped the ball twice within 8 min. they couldn't recover.

I had no problem with the play calling.

Funny think about Ed O. is that USC could've had a really good coach and they passed on him.

As I've mentioned above- BK has a great sell for his next OC. Everyone (minus any surprise transfers) returns on offense and we have a great incoming class for the next 2 years. He hit a home run hire with keeping Lea at DC and with Taylor as the RB coach. I'd like to see a home run hire as our next OC.

 

[Dizzyphil]

ISU was one of the better 7-5 teams in the country, after we stripped the ball twice within 8 min. they couldn't recover.

I had no problem with the play calling.

Funny think about Ed O. is that USC could've had a really good coach and they passed on him.

As I've mentioned above- BK has a great sell for his next OC. Everyone (minus any surprise transfers) returns on offense and we have a great incoming class for the next 2 years. He hit a home run hire with keeping Lea at DC and with Taylor as the RB coach. I'd like to see a home run hire as our next OC.

I get it brother - I really do.



But Rees knows what is expected not only from BK but from ND.... especially the fan base if he read one freaking thread on this site during his tenure at QB!!! LOLOL


The defense next year will be stealth (may need some help on the corners, to-be-continued)


OL should be Iron-Clad... just freeze Eichenberg's body in place until snap
WR's should be okay
RB's should be set even if TJ decides to leave
TE's - no brainer


QB - is Phil going to be able to beat out Book???



With that being said.. I do not see a problem with Rees calling plays. I watched a couple of screens that did well; saw a couple that weren't executed or could have been pretty good gainers.


IF Rees is the play caller next year, I really don't see an issue with it. Alford????? don't get that TBH.

 

[Domina Nostra]

ISU was one of the better 7-5 teams in the country, after we stripped the ball twice within 8 min. they couldn't recover.

I had no problem with the play calling.

Funny think about Ed O. is that USC could've had a really good coach and they passed on him.

As I've mentioned above- BK has a great sell for his next OC. Everyone (minus any surprise transfers) returns on offense and we have a great incoming class for the next 2 years. He hit a home run hire with keeping Lea at DC and with Taylor as the RB coach. I'd like to see a home run hire as our next OC.

Personally, I don’t buy Ed O as some great coach. I think he is a uniquely Good fit at LSU in an era of unlimited spending on coordinators.

And “Everyone” returns on offense, except the best player.

 

[Dizzyphil]

Personally, I don’t buy Ed O as some great coach. I think he is a uniquely Good fit at LSU in an era of unlimited spending on coordinators.

And “Everyone” returns on offense, except the best player.

Begins and ends at the top... Ed is doing something right.

 

[Dizzyphil]

Also I would like to point out real quick...


The Irish averaged 7 yards a play yesterday.


I know a 84 yard run helps but.... good play call.

 

[Irishman77]

Take away Claypool and we got nothing. Our scheme incorporates next to no one . We have a roster of big prospects and no production. Beating bad opponents with a great defense is hardly a resume.

Kmet, Tremble, Keys, Lenzy should have been tearing it up.

 

[IrishLax]

Take away Claypool and we got nothing. Our scheme incorporates next to no one . We have a roster of big prospects and no production. Beating bad opponents with a great defense is hardly a resume.

Kmet, Tremble, Keys, Lenzy should have been tearing it up.

So then how do you square this opinion with the fact that Ian Book had a top 5 QBR over the final 5 games with 70% of his completions going to people other than Claypool? Or the fact that Kmet was the leading receiver in 40% of those games and almost broke a 40 year old record for tight end TDs in a season at Notre Dame?

 

[Luckylucci]

This is also coming from a guy who said Claypool would be starting as a freshman/sophomore if he played at Bama and BK was somehow holding him back. Now that he’s dominating the gripe is more people aren’t involved, lol.

 

[Dizzyphil]

Take away Claypool and we got nothing. Our scheme incorporates next to no one . We have a roster of big prospects and no production. Beating bad opponents with a great defense is hardly a resume.

Kmet, Tremble, Keys, Lenzy should have been tearing it up.

You often have great posts - but this is a 'straw man' argument.


If the Irish didn't have or did have this or that, the other team would be better...



Not a good argument brother..

 

[Wingman Ray]

Take away Claypool and we got nothing. Our scheme incorporates next to no one . We have a roster of big prospects and no production. Beating bad opponents with a great defense is hardly a resume.

Kmet, Tremble, Keys, Lenzy should have been tearing it up.

Yes but oftentimes QBs have a favorite target that they just feel more comfortable going to. That target consistently bails them out and is their go to guy. When you have a QB like Book, you need all the comfort zones you can get.

Maybe he just wasn't as confident in the others so he picked who he wanted /shrug

 

[irishandy]

I get it brother - I really do.

But Rees knows what is expected not only from BK but from ND.... especially the fan base if he read one freaking thread on this site during his tenure at QB!!! LOLOL

The defense next year will be stealth (may need some help on the corners, to-be-continued)

OL should be Iron-Clad... just freeze Eichenberg's body in place until snap
WR's should be okay
RB's should be set even if TJ decides to leave
TE's - no brainer

QB - is Phil going to be able to beat out Book???

With that being said.. I do not see a problem with Rees calling plays. I watched a couple of screens that did well; saw a couple that weren't executed or could have been pretty good gainers.

IF Rees is the play caller next year, I really don't see an issue with it. Alford????? don't get that TBH.

I get your argument too and you make valid points. However IMO I didn't see improvement at the QB position. Take away the Georgia and Michigan game and the schedule is a 10 win season. I still don't think Book has the "it" factor to lead ND to a NC. I think the OC hire is important for Kelly, I'd keep Rees as a QB coach, and the things I'd look for as the next OC is experience and someone who can recruit. I trust BK will hire the best OC fit for the team. The Alford suggestion may have been a stretch, but how do we know if he's had a hand or not in OSU's play-calling.
Either way we ended this season on a high note and I can't wait until 2020.
I'd like to know your thoughts about Jurkovec if he stays or not if Book stays for another year?
Go Irish!

 

[Irishman77]

This is also coming from a guy who said Claypool would be starting as a freshman/sophomore if he played at Bama and BK was somehow holding him back. Now that he’s dominating the gripe is more people aren’t involved, lol.

I love that Claypool is dominating. I just wish more of our players had production. We got some really good players .

 

[Irishman77]

So then how do you square this opinion with the fact that Ian Book had a top 5 QBR over the final 5 games with 70% of his completions going to people other than Claypool? Or the fact that Kmet was the leading receiver in 40% of those games and almost broke a 40 year old record for tight end TDs in a season at Notre Dame?

Good points. Why does the game plan look so great for Kmet against Georgia then barely get a look in the following weeks. Why don’t we throw deep to Lenzy 2-3 times a game. Finke is a great kid but Keys is getting the shaft.

We Have so much talent that so few become one year wonders. I just want a system and a qb that can distribute the ball

 

[Irishize]

watch the game again.... Kmet's blocking, 2 catches for 16yds each, and his blitz chipping was excellent

And one of the few thinks the ISU defense did was keep a man on kmet seemingly the entire game. They drew up plenty of plays for Cole, but when Book looked his way, it was covered up. ISU didn’t have the Jimmys & Joes to execute but they had the Xs & Os drawn up.

 

[Irishize]

I really do not understand Tony Jones at all.

Sometimes, he has decent burst and straight line speed. Not great, but he certainly isn't slow.

Then other times, it's like he's running with cinderblocks attached to his feet.

You probably see more of the former when ND faces average to below average defenses and you see more of the latter when ND faced an above average defense.

 

[stlnd01]

A few potentially interesting names here if BK wants to look beyond Rees, and to the NFL...

https://theathletic.com/1494180/201...-move-to-being-college-football-coordinators/

George - brother to Davie-era ND quarterback Gary - Godsey, now an assistant with the Bills.
Shane Waldron, a former ND assistant (grad assistant?), now with the Rams.
Jake Peetz, a former Bama assistant who looks to have successfully succeeded Lance Taylor with the Carolina Panthers.

 

[BobbyMac]

Yes but oftentimes QBs have a favorite target that they just feel more comfortable going to. That target consistently bails them out and is their go to guy. When you have a QB like Book, you need all the comfort zones you can get.

Maybe he just wasn't as confident in the others so he picked who he wanted /shrug

This. On the TD to Claypool, Book had an easy TD to Kmet over the middle (see below) and instead went to his bread and butter... jump ball to Claypool for the circus catch. Reminds me of the way Tommy floated jump balls to Eifert. Not surprising it's his QB Coach.

Question for next year is, can Micah Jones jump?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chase Claypool TD!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotreDame</a> 10<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iowastate?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iowastate</a> 0<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/gTzLIReyXs">pic.twitter.com/gTzLIReyXs</a></p>— Rick Ramirez (@Rick_Ramirex) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rick_Ramirex/status/1210978380067328001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Irish#1]

I thought Rees called a solid game today. I'd try to find a homerun hire first but I wouldn't be upset if he got the promotion.

Great opportunity for Tommy but I was not a fan of the play calling. Maybe it was the nature of the game, the lackluster opponent, or something else but it just felt boring... How many jet sweeps to the boundary are acceptable? I counted at least 3 in the first half. If BK wants to be this run and pound team then I guess it was a success but that's not how college football is played today. It just felt very uninspiring and consciously conservative... I don't see this kind of offense putting up 30 plus points consistently so that means a lot of pressure will fall on the shoulders of the defense. I say go after the best and get them on campus tomorrow.

I hope coach is still looking...

Not sure what everyone was expecting, but if it was a change like night and day you were plowing the wrong field. This was TR's first game and he was going to use the same set of plays the team has run all year. For a first game, I give him a B+. He put up 33 points against a vaunted ISU team who everyone had annointed as the best 7-5 in the country that was a whisker away from being undefeated.

He should get better with more experience. Besides, do you want the team learning a totally new offense when we are very close?

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

I get it brother - I really do.



But Rees knows what is expected not only from BK but from ND.... especially the fan base if he read one freaking thread on this site during his tenure at QB!!! LOLOL


The defense next year will be stealth (may need some help on the corners, to-be-continued)


OL should be Iron-Clad... just freeze Eichenberg's body in place until snap
WR's should be okay
RB's should be set even if TJ decides to leave
TE's - no brainer


QB - is Phil going to be able to beat out Book???



With that being said.. I do not see a problem with Rees calling plays. I watched a couple of screens that did well; saw a couple that weren't executed or could have been pretty good gainers.


IF Rees is the play caller next year, I really don't see an issue with it. Alford????? don't get that TBH.

What does iron clad mean? The same 5 guys coached by the same mediocre O line coach who struggled to run against inferior opponents all year?

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

This. On the TD to Claypool, Book had an easy TD to Kmet over the middle (see below) and instead went to his bread and butter... jump ball to Claypool for the circus catch. Reminds me of the way Tommy floated jump balls to Eifert. Not surprising it's his QB Coach.

Question for next year is, can Micah Jones jump?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chase Claypool TD!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotreDame</a> 10<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iowastate?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iowastate</a> 0<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/gTzLIReyXs">pic.twitter.com/gTzLIReyXs</a></p>— Rick Ramirez (@Rick_Ramirex) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rick_Ramirex/status/1210978380067328001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He sure did. He also had the wideout open on the opposite sideline while Iowa State covered 2 receivers with five guys inside of 10 yards. Looks like a great play call to me.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

This. On the TD to Claypool, Book had an easy TD to Kmet over the middle (see below) and instead went to his bread and butter... jump ball to Claypool for the circus catch. Reminds me of the way Tommy floated jump balls to Eifert. Not surprising it's his QB Coach.

Question for next year is, can Micah Jones jump?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chase Claypool TD!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotreDame</a> 10<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iowastate?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iowastate</a> 0<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/gTzLIReyXs">pic.twitter.com/gTzLIReyXs</a></p>— Rick Ramirez (@Rick_Ramirex) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rick_Ramirex/status/1210978380067328001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

That's a bad example to a great point.
Claypool was wide open Book just over threw him a bit causing the need for the circus catch.

 

[IrishLax]

What does iron clad mean? The same 5 guys coached by the same mediocre O line coach who struggled to run against inferior opponents all year?

I personally think the OL will play better next year with a different blocking scheme. They need to be firing off the line, not dancing around like ballerinas. Two years ago I was (rightfully) very down on the offensive line. This past year they did some good things and some bad things, but were certainly good enough in pass protection despite losing their two best players.

Next year? With a shift to zone blocking I think they will be greatly improved and I am very confident in their upside.

The OC choice will be interesting, because while I think an internal hire would work I also think that ND could be looking at multiple external staff moves. The rumor that Helfrich could be interviewing for the job this week is certainly intriguing because 5 years ago that would've been considered a home run hire... but he ultimately failed to sustain post-Chip in Oregon and then was a disaster in the NFL. Still, an Oregon style spread would suit Book's skill set very well.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

I personally think the OL will play better next year with a different blocking scheme. They need to be firing off the line, not dancing around like ballerinas. Two years ago I was (rightfully) very down on the offensive line. This past year they did some good things and some bad things, but were certainly good enough in pass protection despite losing their two best players.

Next year? With a shift to zone blocking I think they will be greatly improved and I am very confident in their upside.

The OC choice will be interesting, because while I think an internal hire would work I also think that ND could be looking at multiple external staff moves. The rumor that Helfrich could be interviewing for the job this week is certainly intriguing because 5 years ago that would've been considered a home run hire... but he ultimately failed to sustain post-Chip in Oregon and then was a disaster in the NFL. Still, an Oregon style spread would suit Book's skill set very well.

That's an intriguing thought. Mariota and Book have fairly similar skill sets.

The Bears have not been great but I don't think their problems are scheme related.

One big question for me, though: can Helfrich recruit?

 

[Polish Leppy 22]

I personally think the OL will play better next year with a different blocking scheme. They need to be firing off the line, not dancing around like ballerinas. Two years ago I was (rightfully) very down on the offensive line. This past year they did some good things and some bad things, but were certainly good enough in pass protection despite losing their two best players.

Next year? With a shift to zone blocking I think they will be greatly improved and I am very confident in their upside.

The OC choice will be interesting, because while I think an internal hire would work I also think that ND could be looking at multiple external staff moves. The rumor that Helfrich could be interviewing for the job this week is certainly intriguing because 5 years ago that would've been considered a home run hire... but he ultimately failed to sustain post-Chip in Oregon and then was a disaster in the NFL. Still, an Oregon style spread would suit Book's skill set very well.

I hope you're right, or there will be plenty of pissed off ND fans next year. If the Oline doesn't play better in 2020, ND will end up in another mid tier bowl game.

Whether the offense is structured like Washington St or Air Force, a Notre Dame offensive line should be physically dominating inferior opponents and tossing them around like rag dolls. That did not happen in 2019. 3rd and 1 may as well be 3rd and 10.