Tommy Rees - Offensive Coordinator

[PutuporShutup]

Keep pretzeling, sport. You said "who and how" not "who." The how, of necessity, includes the Head Coach in the coaching, development, and calling of the offense. That is especially true when your post concludes with the statement that it is not the responsibility of the OC alone.

Never stated that parker would be the OC in 2024, stated it's not parker alone which clearly means he wouldn't be the sole OC.

Yes Freeman should have a say in the type of offense he wants to run to compliment the team as a whole, then the OC creates it, develops and coaches the crap out of it, and calls great plays towards it. A head coach should be involved in all aspects of the team including the how. But the HC isn't the one coaching a center how to snap the ball (unless he's really good coach at that), or throwing tech (unless really good at that), or route running skills, etc etc etc. Also the HC isn't responsible for the plans of each position group to be aligned with the OC. That's the OC's job.

I'm extremely critical of freeman and ultimately the blame goes to him for this years offense due to him promoting parker. But even i realize, the fix for that wasn't firing freeman, it was hiring someone like Denbrock. With what we have on paper heading into next year, if something catastrophic doesn't happen, and we go worse than 10-2, Freeman should be on the hot seat significantly. We will probably be favored in every game we play.

We have 2 great coordinators, so a bad season, clearly would show there's an issue with whatever freeman is doing during the game day weeks behind the scenes. I was bullish going into 2023 and predicted 11-1, but parker ruined that. I'm even more bullish in 2024.

 

[NDFAN420]

Wow, never would thought that a Tommy Rees coached offense would be mentally weak and unprepared to handle its business in a big game against a good opponent. The BK coaching tree is a shrub.

 

[forkbeard3777]

By your rational OC doesn't even matter. You are what you are, and every coach develops, coaches, and calls the game the same.

You do realize the job of the offensive coordinator is to develop and coach the entire offense. Just like ND 2022, bama this year had major major execution issues, that looks like poor coaching to me. The OC is in charge of that.

yes freeman got blame for 2022 not going portal for QB, but we're talking this year. There's a reason geraldine parka hat had his own thread all season. Freeman gets almost all the blame for promoting him (Jack some too), just like he gets praise for hiring denbrock.

Parker had no clue how to coach, develop, scheme, and call plays, and it showed. Rees is slightly better, but still struggles mightily, I think mostly with coaching and then a full game of play calling.

Parker’s offense was so confusing and had little identity. Like someone blindly playing darts…occasionally hit the bullseye and others, you’re not even hitting the dart board. Just all over the place.

They were typically good coming out the gate (which are typically scripted plays), and would then fizzle out.

 

[PutuporShutup]

Parker’s offense was so confusing and had little identity. Like someone blindly playing darts…occasionally hit the bullseye and others, you’re not even hitting the dart board. Just all over the place.

They were typically good coming out the gate (which are typically scripted plays), and would then fizzle out.

Agree. There were some really complex play calls in the run game, when executed perfectly by all 11 looked unreal, but 9 times out of 10 got stuffed for short gain. You saw a lot of the same concepts vs oregon state, and I hope denbrock changes them, especially short yardage slow developing runs that involve multiple players pulling.

Freeman/Gino said they weren't going to change what they do for the bowl, they just called it better since it's the plays the teams knows.

Example, some plays where Jagusah and Coogan would pull right and craig would have to kick out a free releasing DE left just before it got to the RB has too much risk of getting blown up (happened a few times vs oregon state). Craig got there a bunch of times just right before DE got to the RB. It's really hard to have so many players needing to execute vs a loaded box. But when you do and back sees the right hole you have huge runs.

 

[Old Man Mike]

This is just another shallowly arrived at opinion by me, but I believe that Milroe is so much like the characterization in post 5505 above that both Saban and Rees realize that at this stage of his career he cannot deal with large portions of the playbook. Maybe that will markedly improve, but I think that the offense was severely limited by what Milroe could and could not do at the high percentage needed to win against a certain type of defense. I am also guessing that Michigan's DC used all that extra time he had to analyze tape and discovered the smaller fragment of offense that Milroe COULD do well, and sculpted his defense against that set of packages. That is the sort of thing/analysis that Saban was famous for when given three weeks. I suggest that this scenario might be useful when critiquing how the OC/DC "dance" went that game ... and even how the last play went.

 

[PutuporShutup]

This is just another shallowly arrived at opinion by me, but I believe that Milroe is so much like the characterization in post 5505 above that both Saban and Rees realize that at this stage of his career he cannot deal with large portions of the playbook. Maybe that will markedly improve, but I think that the offense was severely limited by what Milroe could and could not do at the high percentage needed to win against a certain type of defense. I am also guessing that Michigan's DC used all that extra time he had to analyze tape and discovered the smaller fragment of offense that Milroe COULD do well, and sculpted his defense against that set of packages. That is the sort of thing/analysis that Saban was famous for when given three weeks. I suggest that this scenario might be useful when critiquing how the OC/DC "dance" went that game ... and even how the last play went.

Agree other than it seemed like Rees's initial game plan was to make Milroe some new pocket passer until he got sacked 5 times in the first half then slightly adjusted to roll outs and short bootlegs.

 

[sixstar]

Stick around to the end of the video for this gem:
"It only took 11 years, but Tommy Rees finally beat Alabama":

 

[jprue24]

Bama's offensive play calls are basically duo run (like ND last year), Milroe bomb it, or Milroe RUN!!!!

Milroe can't read a defense to save his life and lives off the long ball and scrambling. He had guys open in the flat multiple times and didn't take it waiting for something down field. He missed so many protections it's insane. He motioned out a back when they had less numbers then they were bringing. Guy is a great athlete not a qb

This is just another shallowly arrived at opinion by me, but I believe that Milroe is so much like the characterization in post 5505 above that both Saban and Rees realize that at this stage of his career he cannot deal with large portions of the playbook. Maybe that will markedly improve, but I think that the offense was severely limited by what Milroe could and could not do at the high percentage needed to win against a certain type of defense. I am also guessing that Michigan's DC used all that extra time he had to analyze tape and discovered the smaller fragment of offense that Milroe COULD do well, and sculpted his defense against that set of packages. That is the sort of thing/analysis that Saban was famous for when given three weeks. I suggest that this scenario might be useful when critiquing how the OC/DC "dance" went that game ... and even how the last play went.

......but better

 

[Circa]

Who'd a Thunk It.
Tommy probably got that Job.. in the devils lair, by saying,... "Do Your F'nnn JOB"

and he failed to do his job at beating the #1 enemy.

Irony in a nutshell

 

[forkbeard3777]

I'm not defending Rees, but from a pure offensive talent perspective, Alabama was substandard for Alabama this season.

QB: Milroe is an elite athlete; however, he's a running back or a wide receiver playing quarterback. He thrives on the deep ball and scrambling (i.e., big plays).

TB: McClellan and Williams are wholly capable backs. Nothing wrong with their play -- are they Derrick Henry, Najee Harris, Jacobs, Ingram, Gibbs, and such though?

WR: Burton and Bond were alright, but this was the worst crop they've had in a while.

OL: O-line had issues early on and then Michigan really exposed those issues again. Big, giant guys, but maybe lack technique and leverage? I don't know, that's a Harry Hiestand question.

Point being, pound for pound, this wasn't your typical Alabama team in terms of offensive talent. After winning the SEC, Saban even said as such in so many words and commended this team for what they had achieved. That said, there's still more talent on that team than 9/10 college teams - so, no need to throw Rees a pity party. However, in my opinion, they did overachieve.

 

[NDFAN420]

Who'd a Thunk It.
Tommy probably got that Job.. in the devils lair, by saying,... "Do Your F'nnn JOB"

and he failed to do his job at beating the #1 enemy.

Irony in a nutshell

Proper use of dramatic irony? Check! +100

 

[choo choo]

Proper use of dramatic irony? Check! +100

Let's face it... Michigan is very good. Son of a bitch

 

[IrishSteelhead]

I'm not defending Rees, but from a pure offensive talent perspective, Alabama was substandard for Alabama this season.

QB: Milroe is an elite athlete; however, he's a running back or a wide receiver playing quarterback. He thrives on the deep ball and scrambling (i.e., big plays).

TB: McClellan and Williams are wholly capable backs. Nothing wrong with their play -- are they Derrick Henry, Najee Harris, Jacobs, Ingram, Gibbs, and such though?

WR: Burton and Bond were alright, but this was the worst crop they've had in a while.

OL: O-line had issues early on and then Michigan really exposed those issues again. Big, giant guys, but maybe lack technique and leverage? I don't know, that's a Harry Hiestand question.

Point being, pound for pound, this wasn't your typical Alabama team in terms of offensive talent. After winning the SEC, Saban even said as such in so many words and commended this team for what they had achieved. That said, there's still more talent on that team than 9/10 college teams - so, no need to throw Rees a pity party. However, in my opinion, they did overachieve.

It has been mentioned: this is the highest rated roster in CFB in terms of average recruiting stars.

Everyone knows the last two iterations of Bama were not on par with their previous 10 or so, but it is beyond asinine to powder Tommy’s butt and say he was handed a bunch of lemons.

He is living by the sword in T-Town now, and chose that life.

It is also asinine to call him a complete failure.
They lost in OT in the playoffs to what is probably a generational team.

He failed in the Rose Bowl, not completely. Some people can’t even admit that though.

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[Veritate Duce Progredi]

It has been mentioned: this is the highest rated roster in CFB in terms of average recruiting stars.

Everyone knows the last two iterations of Bama were not on par with their previous 10 or so, but it is beyond asinine to powder Tommy’s butt and say he was handed a bunch of lemons.

He is living by the sword in T-Town now, and chose that life.

It is also asinine to call him a complete failure.
They lost in OT in the playoffs to what is probably a generational team.

He failed in the Rose Bowl, not completely. Some people can’t even admit that though.

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Who said he was handed lemons?

He has a QB who'll never sniff the NFL (as a QB). Do they have a WR on the roster who'll be drafted in the first 2 rounds? After previously having multiple in a row. Do they have a RB that'll be picked in the first 3 rounds? TE?

How many of their OL will get drafted over the next 2 years?

Most of us who are 'defending Tommy' are only trying to press against the notion that Tommy failed in his first year at Alabama. That was the weakest Alabama team I've ever seen. He didn't have a hand in recruiting a single class for them so he can't be criticized for that. He had slightly under a year with them and they went from nearly losing to UCF? or USF? to barely losing to Michigan in the playoffs.

He did not have the most talented roster. Many of us thought it'd be filled first round talents because we don't follow Bama that closely, we just know they sign top-3 classes every single year. After seeing them play, they might've been top 25 in terms of talent.

Their defense was littered with studs and they had a huge number of breakdowns that resulted in chunk plays. This was, from top to bottom, one of the worst games I've seen out of an Alabama team and yet, I'd agree with Saban, this team also outperformed their talent.

Tommy gets a B for the year and they go back to the drawing board. We'll see what he can do next year, very few of Saban's coordinators stay longer than that.

 

[IrishLax]

Tommy catching strays lol

 

[ThePiombino]

Tommy catching strays lol

"It only took 11 years, but Tommy Reese finally beat Alabama." Lol

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[NDdomer2]

Most of us who are 'defending Tommy' are only trying to press against the notion that Tommy failed in his first year at Alabama. That was the weakest Alabama team I've ever seen. He didn't have a hand in recruiting a single class for them so he can't be criticized for that. He had slightly under a year with them and they went from nearly losing to UCF? or USF? to barely losing to Michigan in the playoffs.

Some here beg the differ

 

[Jiggafini19Deux]

They just signed 25 players and Rivals ranks their class third.

As long as Rees is there, the situation with Julian Sayin is going to be very interesting to watch unfold.

 

[forkbeard3777]

Let's face it... Michigan is very good. Son of a bitch

They are, but the one thing that leaves me extremely optimistic for Monday’s game is Michigan hasn’t faced a really good passing attack. Who’s the best that they’ve faced? Maryland? Ohio State? Washington’s passing game and general offensive scheme blows those two out of the water. DeBoer and Grubb’s scheme against Texas was something to see. I’ve gotta think they’ll have plenty to give Michigan fits.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Who said he was handed lemons?

He has a QB who'll never sniff the NFL (as a QB). Do they have a WR on the roster who'll be drafted in the first 2 rounds? After previously having multiple in a row. Do they have a RB that'll be picked in the first 3 rounds? TE?

How many of their OL will get drafted over the next 2 years?

Most of us who are 'defending Tommy' are only trying to press against the notion that Tommy failed in his first year at Alabama. That was the weakest Alabama team I've ever seen. He didn't have a hand in recruiting a single class for them so he can't be criticized for that. He had slightly under a year with them and they went from nearly losing to UCF? or USF? to barely losing to Michigan in the playoffs.

He did not have the most talented roster. Many of us thought it'd be filled first round talents because we don't follow Bama that closely, we just know they sign top-3 classes every single year. After seeing them play, they might've been top 25 in terms of talent.

Their defense was littered with studs and they had a huge number of breakdowns that resulted in chunk plays. This was, from top to bottom, one of the worst games I've seen out of an Alabama team and yet, I'd agree with Saban, this team also outperformed their talent.

Tommy gets a B for the year and they go back to the drawing board. We'll see what he can do next year, very few of Saban's coordinators stay longer than that.

My post was in reference to people unable to admit he failed in the Rose Bowl. I don’t think anyone can argue he failed for the season. Your assessment of a B is probably accurate, and might even be lower than what it should be.

B+ or A- might even make sense IMO.

He sorted out a QB room that looked helpless and Milroe even got Heisman buzz nearing the close of the season , which is very commendable given the mood of that position after the USF game.


They put up 20 against the best defense in the nation despite a C that couldn’t snap a football, so there is that part, but I don’t see how anyone can say he called a great game.


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[PutuporShutup]

My post was in reference to people unable to admit he failed in the Rose Bowl. I don’t think anyone can argue he failed for the season. Your assessment of a B is probably accurate, and might even be lower than what it should be.

B+ or A- might even make sense IMO.

He sorted out a QB room that looked helpless and Milroe even got Heisman buzz nearing the close of the season , which is very commendable given the mood of that position after the USF game.


They put up 20 against the best defense in the nation despite a C that couldn’t snap a football, so there is that part, but I don’t see how anyone can say he called a great game.


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Yeah, I don't think he called a terrible game but there's a lot more to being the OC than just play calling. I think he is a solid play caller at best but struggles more coaching and leading the entire offense to be in synch. The last 2 years with Rees at ND as OC then at Bama it just seems like the offense too many times didn't know exactly what to do after the snap, like more focus was paid to coaching pre snap movement that actually what the goal of the play was. We saw that a lot with parker. A lot of times, to freemans point, he called some really good plays that were just executed so poorly. He called a lot of awful stuff to, that's what made parker so bad. He struggled coaching and play calling.

 

[irish4ever]

Let's face it... Michigan is very good. Son of a bitch

Especially since they know what the other team is going do before the snap of the ball .... fuckin' cheatin' bastards!!!

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

My post was in reference to people unable to admit he failed in the Rose Bowl. I don’t think anyone can argue he failed for the season. Your assessment of a B is probably accurate, and might even be lower than what it should be.

B+ or A- might even make sense IMO.

He sorted out a QB room that looked helpless and Milroe even got Heisman buzz nearing the close of the season , which is very commendable given the mood of that position after the USF game.


They put up 20 against the best defense in the nation despite a C that couldn’t snap a football, so there is that part, but I don’t see how anyone can say he called a great game.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Very fair. I don't think I can say whether or not he called a great game because 10 of those plays were completely blown up before they could be executed. I only wanted to push back against the hate from so many on here. I didn't love the Bama offense and I'm happy we have Denbrock.

I don't feel the need to trash a guy who was our QB, QB coach and OC, now that he's at Alabama. His next stop will likely be the NFL, where he'll accomplish more in football than everyone on this board combined and that's before he's seen his 34th birthday.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Bump

 

[Ndaccountant]

I am sure ND has an analyst role.

 

[NDRock]

I’m torn. Part of me is pissed at Tommy for failing to recruit McCarthy and losing to Michigan but I respect his ability to destroy the Saban dynasty.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I’m torn. Part of me is pissed at Tommy for failing to recruit McCarthy and losing to Michigan but I respect his ability to destroy the Saban dynasty.

McCarthy isn't good. Marginally better than Buchner. JJ is another missed Eval. Not good. Add him to Buchner, Phil, Allar, Wimbush, etc etc

 

[ShamrockOnHelmet]

News: Rees to return to Notre Dame, but not for football… 😂

 

[Katzenboyer]

Gotta figure he goes to LSU? Or has Sloan been announced as the OC?

 

[Me2SouthBend]

News: Rees to return to Notre Dame, but not for football… 😂

OC.. of Lacrosse team.