Dooley hits recruiting ground running
New UT coach holding his own despite late start
By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing writer Football Reporters Online
Southeast Region
After Lane Kiffin abruptly left Knoxville like a villain in the middle of the night questions arose. How could Tennessee keep their highly recruited class intact? Who would do the recruiting while they searched for a new head football coach? Once the coach was hired, could he keep this class together and could he get others to come to Knoxville?
In the last few weeks Derek Dooley has answered the questions soundly. He was given three weeks to assemble a staff and then hit the recruiting trail. He has been able to keep eight kids from this class and has made strides out in the field. He may not be able to compete with Alabama or Florida yet but his no drama, respect for the game and university approach is getting some attention. It has made some take notice after the abandon ship move by Kiffin.
The approach has not worked with all recruits, as would be expected. Players such as Michael Taylor, a four-star linebacker from Westlake (Ga.) High School, have already de-committed. He will now be going to Florida. Others may follow as well.
On the other side of the coin, assistant coach Terry Joseph made a trip to Mississippi to visit with highly regarded prospects Shon Coleman and Damien Robinson. Both are offensive linemen and Robinson has gotten about 30 or so offers already. After the visit Robinson decide to visit Knoxville next weekend after his visit to Mississippi this weekend.
Dooley himself was in Florida at weeks end to visit with defensive linemen Calvin Smith and Corey Lemonier from Hialeah High. Lemonier has not yet committed but Smith has been on board since before Kiffin left. He still has other visits to the likes of Alabama, North Carolina, Florida State and Illinois too. As for Lemonier, he likes Auburn, Florida State and Miami.
So the work continues for Dooley and his staff with signing day just a few days away. He will not be expected to have a class ranked in the top 10, or to compete with Florida or Alabama right now. He will be expected to put this program back in order the way it should be. He needs to get the kids to buy into football without the media hype that Kiffin brought with him. He will need to get the kids that were here last year to believe in him and his system. If he can do that he can have a good year and then build with his own class next year.
He won’t make noise and he won’t talk when he is not supposed to. He will do it the right way, the way he was taught by his dad, the legendary Vince Dooley. He will not embarrass himself or the university, because if he does, he has a firecracker for a mom and I have a feeling she will let him have it if he tries. One thing is for sure, respect is being restored in Knoxville.
Showing posts with label New Head Coach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Head Coach. Show all posts
Saturday, February 6, 2010
0
Saturday, December 12, 2009
0
An ol’ Irishman takes the reins at Notre Dame
An ol’ Irishman takes the reins at Notre Dame
By John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer
Midwest/Northeast Correspondent
AD Jack Swarbrick accomplished something his past predecessors didn’t. He identified a top coaching target and finally closed him. Former Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly was introduced as the 29th Football coach at Notre Dame Friday.
The job was a lifelong dream and he was up to the challenge of restoring Notre Dame’s glory.
“When I refer to the challenge, it's strictly getting to that high bar that's been set at Notre Dame," he said. "We've got challenges, but we'll go to work on those right away."
He also didn’t flinch at the idea of National Championships either.
"Those aren't 8-4 years. Those are national championship years," he said. "So any time you're talking about restoring a program and the challenges, it's not about winning the conference championship, it's about winning championships and being in the BCS and being nationally prominent. That's a challenge. We've got to get to work on that."
After beginning the season unranked in 2009, Kelly led the Bearcats to a 12-0 record, a Sugar Bowl berth, and number 3 ranking in the BCS. Kelly will not coach the Bearcats in the Sugar Bowl vs. Florida.
Kelly takes over for Charlie Weis and inherits a team that didn’t fulfill the exact aspirations of his former team. Kelly also implied about the aura of Notre Dame as an institution.
"Nobody does it better than Notre Dame,'' he said. "The excellence in academics and in the athletic arena is second to none.''
Kelly has produced 18 winning seasons in his coaching careers at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, and Cincinnati compiling a 171-57-2 record. His only losing season was his first for the Chippewas.
Notre Dame’s 16-21 record the last three years hasn’t garnered the same muster as Kelly’s. Still he believes their mindsets aren’t any different from his past teams.
After weeks of rumors ranging from Bob Stoops to Brian Billick there was no doubting whom the Irish were targeting from day one. According to a local athletic department source Kelly was the only candidate Notre Dame was seriously pursuing.
“It was always Kelly,” said the source.
AD Jack Swarbrick reinterred that statement.
“Kelly was the first guy we spoke to and the only one we offered.”
"These young men want to win, and that's why I'm here at Notre Dame," he said. "I want to be around men that are committed, and we can't trade anybody. There's no waiver wire. We're going to develop our players, and they're going to play their very best for us. That to me has always been the most important principle. Let's go. Don't tell me what you don't have. I don't want to know about it. Tell me what you can do to help us win."
Kelly has got it done at his recent stops but he will have to recruit nationally to experience success in South Bend. Still, that doesn’t mean he is scared to public express his sales pitch.
“I would tell recruits that you’re coming to Notre Dame to restore the glory and develop as a football player and a person,” he said. “You ready to Go?”
Kelly seemed happier than a kid a Christmas standing at the podium. He gave the media respect and didn’t make a herculean promises. Kelly used his wits to tell the media and NDNation what they need to hear.
In order to be successful they will have to get work immediately. On Monday that journey truly begins.
By John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer
Midwest/Northeast Correspondent
AD Jack Swarbrick accomplished something his past predecessors didn’t. He identified a top coaching target and finally closed him. Former Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly was introduced as the 29th Football coach at Notre Dame Friday.
The job was a lifelong dream and he was up to the challenge of restoring Notre Dame’s glory.
“When I refer to the challenge, it's strictly getting to that high bar that's been set at Notre Dame," he said. "We've got challenges, but we'll go to work on those right away."
He also didn’t flinch at the idea of National Championships either.
"Those aren't 8-4 years. Those are national championship years," he said. "So any time you're talking about restoring a program and the challenges, it's not about winning the conference championship, it's about winning championships and being in the BCS and being nationally prominent. That's a challenge. We've got to get to work on that."
After beginning the season unranked in 2009, Kelly led the Bearcats to a 12-0 record, a Sugar Bowl berth, and number 3 ranking in the BCS. Kelly will not coach the Bearcats in the Sugar Bowl vs. Florida.
Kelly takes over for Charlie Weis and inherits a team that didn’t fulfill the exact aspirations of his former team. Kelly also implied about the aura of Notre Dame as an institution.
"Nobody does it better than Notre Dame,'' he said. "The excellence in academics and in the athletic arena is second to none.''
Kelly has produced 18 winning seasons in his coaching careers at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, and Cincinnati compiling a 171-57-2 record. His only losing season was his first for the Chippewas.
Notre Dame’s 16-21 record the last three years hasn’t garnered the same muster as Kelly’s. Still he believes their mindsets aren’t any different from his past teams.
After weeks of rumors ranging from Bob Stoops to Brian Billick there was no doubting whom the Irish were targeting from day one. According to a local athletic department source Kelly was the only candidate Notre Dame was seriously pursuing.
“It was always Kelly,” said the source.
AD Jack Swarbrick reinterred that statement.
“Kelly was the first guy we spoke to and the only one we offered.”
"These young men want to win, and that's why I'm here at Notre Dame," he said. "I want to be around men that are committed, and we can't trade anybody. There's no waiver wire. We're going to develop our players, and they're going to play their very best for us. That to me has always been the most important principle. Let's go. Don't tell me what you don't have. I don't want to know about it. Tell me what you can do to help us win."
Kelly has got it done at his recent stops but he will have to recruit nationally to experience success in South Bend. Still, that doesn’t mean he is scared to public express his sales pitch.
“I would tell recruits that you’re coming to Notre Dame to restore the glory and develop as a football player and a person,” he said. “You ready to Go?”
Kelly seemed happier than a kid a Christmas standing at the podium. He gave the media respect and didn’t make a herculean promises. Kelly used his wits to tell the media and NDNation what they need to hear.
In order to be successful they will have to get work immediately. On Monday that journey truly begins.
Strong heads to Louisville
By John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer
Midwest/Northeast Correspondent
Defensive Coordinator Charlie Strong was the architect of a dominant Florida defense the past 5 seasons. coordinator. Now he will channel that energy towards Louisville as their next Head Coach.
Strong was hired by Louisville Wednesday to help revitalize a program that lost its shine under former coach Steve Kragthorpe.
Strong has been one of the hottest coaches in the country the last few seasons. His defenses were energetic and terrifying for opposing foes in the SEC.
Strong will have his work cut out for him. He has to restore the luster of a nomadic fan base that mailed it in during the Kragthorpe era. The Cardinal’s struggles the last three seasons led to Kragthorpe’s dismissal on Nov. 28.
According to Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich the defining factor in Strong’s hire stemmed from the devotion and enthusiastic nature he exhibited with his players
"I've done a lot of homework with this hire, and I was amazed how well-respected and revered Charlie Strong is throughout the country," Jurich said. "He commands a lot of respect from people within the game, including ex-players and coaches around college football."
Strong's contract is not yet completed and his plans to coach in the Sugar Bowl are up in the air as well.
It funny to think that just three years ago Louisville was a team that won the Orange Bowl and finished 6th in the nation. Jurich hopes Strong can restore the program to those heights and especially bring back support that grew disenchanted. If you need anymore proof check the attendance at the season finale.
A crowd of 23,000 turned out for the Rutgers game and with Papa John’s stadium expanding to 55,000 seats they must show signs of filling up before next year's opener against rival Kentucky.
Florida’s defenses ranked top-20 national in 10 statistical categories under Strong. This same defense helped Florida capture two national titles.
The Gators have not missed a beat this fall finishing third in the nation in scoring defense and fourth in total defense.
He'll have to get work immediately as Louisville’s defense is far from dominant. It was one of the reasons the Cardinals fell from the Big East penthouse to their cellar.
Louisville ranked 67th nationally in both total defense and scoring defense this year despite significant improvements.
Jurich took his time looking for a replacement unlike back in 2007 after Petrino bolted for the NFL.
Strong was considered Jurich's top candidate all along and waited until Florida was done with their regular season before they contacted him. While Strong was on the top of list other candidates received contact as well.
Jurich also talked with former Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer about the job a week ago.
Despite bringing a strong defensive mind to Louisville, Strong also carries deep recruiting ties in the South that would welcome future blue chippers to Louisville. Kragthorpe looked west for prospects instead of raiding the bluegrass and sunshine states.
Strong becomes the 11th black head coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision and the fourth one hired in the last month.
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer
Midwest/Northeast Correspondent
Defensive Coordinator Charlie Strong was the architect of a dominant Florida defense the past 5 seasons. coordinator. Now he will channel that energy towards Louisville as their next Head Coach.
Strong was hired by Louisville Wednesday to help revitalize a program that lost its shine under former coach Steve Kragthorpe.
Strong has been one of the hottest coaches in the country the last few seasons. His defenses were energetic and terrifying for opposing foes in the SEC.
Strong will have his work cut out for him. He has to restore the luster of a nomadic fan base that mailed it in during the Kragthorpe era. The Cardinal’s struggles the last three seasons led to Kragthorpe’s dismissal on Nov. 28.
According to Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich the defining factor in Strong’s hire stemmed from the devotion and enthusiastic nature he exhibited with his players
"I've done a lot of homework with this hire, and I was amazed how well-respected and revered Charlie Strong is throughout the country," Jurich said. "He commands a lot of respect from people within the game, including ex-players and coaches around college football."
Strong's contract is not yet completed and his plans to coach in the Sugar Bowl are up in the air as well.
It funny to think that just three years ago Louisville was a team that won the Orange Bowl and finished 6th in the nation. Jurich hopes Strong can restore the program to those heights and especially bring back support that grew disenchanted. If you need anymore proof check the attendance at the season finale.
A crowd of 23,000 turned out for the Rutgers game and with Papa John’s stadium expanding to 55,000 seats they must show signs of filling up before next year's opener against rival Kentucky.
Florida’s defenses ranked top-20 national in 10 statistical categories under Strong. This same defense helped Florida capture two national titles.
The Gators have not missed a beat this fall finishing third in the nation in scoring defense and fourth in total defense.
He'll have to get work immediately as Louisville’s defense is far from dominant. It was one of the reasons the Cardinals fell from the Big East penthouse to their cellar.
Louisville ranked 67th nationally in both total defense and scoring defense this year despite significant improvements.
Jurich took his time looking for a replacement unlike back in 2007 after Petrino bolted for the NFL.
Strong was considered Jurich's top candidate all along and waited until Florida was done with their regular season before they contacted him. While Strong was on the top of list other candidates received contact as well.
Jurich also talked with former Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer about the job a week ago.
Despite bringing a strong defensive mind to Louisville, Strong also carries deep recruiting ties in the South that would welcome future blue chippers to Louisville. Kragthorpe looked west for prospects instead of raiding the bluegrass and sunshine states.
Strong becomes the 11th black head coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision and the fourth one hired in the last month.
Ianello the New Boss at Akron
Ianello the New Boss at Akron
By John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer
Midwest/Northeast Correspondent
Akron turned to Notre Dame Wide Reciver coach Rob Ianello to lead their program.
The a press release was sent out late Wednesday night by the school said Ianello would be introduced as the Zips' new coach at a Thursday news conference.
Ianello replaces J.D. Brookhart, who was dismissed last week after Akron went 3-9.
Ianello, 44, spent the past three seasons working for Charlie Weis and the Fighting Irish. He coached the wide receivers and served as recruiting coordinator.
Ianello’s ability to be one of the Irish’s top recruiters will surely bring some excitement to the Akron program. He began at Notre Dame in 2005 after coaching stops at Arizona and Wisconsin
By John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer
Midwest/Northeast Correspondent
Akron turned to Notre Dame Wide Reciver coach Rob Ianello to lead their program.
The a press release was sent out late Wednesday night by the school said Ianello would be introduced as the Zips' new coach at a Thursday news conference.
Ianello replaces J.D. Brookhart, who was dismissed last week after Akron went 3-9.
Ianello, 44, spent the past three seasons working for Charlie Weis and the Fighting Irish. He coached the wide receivers and served as recruiting coordinator.
Ianello’s ability to be one of the Irish’s top recruiters will surely bring some excitement to the Akron program. He began at Notre Dame in 2005 after coaching stops at Arizona and Wisconsin
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
0
Strong to take the Helm at Louisville
Strong to take the Helm at Louisville
John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer
Midwest/Northeast Correspondent
A source close to the Louisville coaching search, said the school is on the brink of hiring and naming Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong as its new head coach
A meeting has been called on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. ET, for the personnel committee of the Louisville Athletic Association Board of Directors board to approve the hiring of Strong,
On Sunday, Strong and Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich conducted an interview in Gainesville. Louisville expects to introduce him on Wednesday.
Louisville is replacing Steve Kragthorpe, who was fired after three seasons. The Cardinals had come off an Orange Bowl berth prior to his first season.
