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.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
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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
Clausen and Tate take their Games to Sundays
Clausen and Tate take their Games to Sundays
By John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer
Midwest/Northeast Correspondent
Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate sat before the media hearts thumping and their emotions heavy. In between them former coach Charlie Weis was all smiles. With the flashing bulbs illuminating over their life size posters, both declared for the NFL draft during a Monday news conference.
They had talked about their intentions with fired Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis on Friday. Jimmy Clausen decided took his next step towards childhood aspirations.
"Growing up as a kid, one of my lifelong dreams has been to play in the NFL and with that being said, with the support of my family and coaches I will be forgoing my senior year and entering the 2010 NFL draft," Clausen said in a release handed out by the school before his news conference.
The decision was much harder for Tate. His relationships on the gridon and the diamond made it even tougher.
"But after talking with my family and coach Weis, I am going to pursue my dream and enter next year's NFL draft," he said.
Clausen came to Notre Dame from Westlake, California in 2007 and enrolled early. He was most-hyped Notre Dame quarterback since Ron Powlus back in 1993. Clausen was known for infamously announcing his decision to attend Notre Dame at the College Football Hall of Fame, arriving in a Hummer limo and flashing three high school championship rings. He came to South Bend claiming he would add 4 national title rings to his collection.
His career was one of high aspirations unfulfilled. Clausen never directed the Irish to a single Bowl Championship Series game. He did help the Irish break their 9 game bowl losing streak with a 49-21 victory in the Hawaii bowl in which he was the MVP.
He made 34 starts for the Irish compiling a 16-18 record. He finished 2009 ranked second in the country in pass efficiency behind Boise State's Kellen Moore. Clausen threw for 3,722 yards and 28 touchdowns this year. He only threw 4 picks, which was his biggest problem and averaged 310 yards a game passing.
Tate on the other hand was never thought to leave this early after barely finding the field as a freshman. Tate came in to South Bend as a running back and struggled to adapt to the precise route running necessary for Charlie Weis’s scheme. He only had six catches for 131 yards that season.
Last season he was the most improved player on the roster, leading the Irish in all-purpose yards with 1,754. He snagged 58 passes for 1,080 yards, an averaged 18.9 yards a catch. But he came of age this season becoming more of a well-rounded receiver and made highlight reel catches. After the Michael Floyd injury he repeatedly beat zone coverage’s, ran the ball from the wildcat, and increased his production game to game.
Tate was even talked about as a possible Heisman Trophy contender until the Irish lost their last four games.
The 5-11, 195-pound junior from Hendersonville, Tenn., finished the 2009 campaign with 93 catches for 1,496 yards and 15 touchdown receptions. He also added two scores on the ground and one on a punt return for a touchdown. He finished third in the nation in receiving yards per game (124.67), seventh catches per game (7.75), and is a Blinkoff Finalist for the nations best receiver.
According to most draft experts Clausen and Tate are top 15 picks. In the eyes of the Fro Tate is easily the best receiving prospect while Clausen presents mixed feelings towards his ranking.
By John Kelly
Football Reporters Online
Senior Writer
Midwest/Northeast Correspondent
Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate sat before the media hearts thumping and their emotions heavy. In between them former coach Charlie Weis was all smiles. With the flashing bulbs illuminating over their life size posters, both declared for the NFL draft during a Monday news conference.
They had talked about their intentions with fired Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis on Friday. Jimmy Clausen decided took his next step towards childhood aspirations.
"Growing up as a kid, one of my lifelong dreams has been to play in the NFL and with that being said, with the support of my family and coaches I will be forgoing my senior year and entering the 2010 NFL draft," Clausen said in a release handed out by the school before his news conference.
The decision was much harder for Tate. His relationships on the gridon and the diamond made it even tougher.
"But after talking with my family and coach Weis, I am going to pursue my dream and enter next year's NFL draft," he said.
Clausen came to Notre Dame from Westlake, California in 2007 and enrolled early. He was most-hyped Notre Dame quarterback since Ron Powlus back in 1993. Clausen was known for infamously announcing his decision to attend Notre Dame at the College Football Hall of Fame, arriving in a Hummer limo and flashing three high school championship rings. He came to South Bend claiming he would add 4 national title rings to his collection.
His career was one of high aspirations unfulfilled. Clausen never directed the Irish to a single Bowl Championship Series game. He did help the Irish break their 9 game bowl losing streak with a 49-21 victory in the Hawaii bowl in which he was the MVP.
He made 34 starts for the Irish compiling a 16-18 record. He finished 2009 ranked second in the country in pass efficiency behind Boise State's Kellen Moore. Clausen threw for 3,722 yards and 28 touchdowns this year. He only threw 4 picks, which was his biggest problem and averaged 310 yards a game passing.
Tate on the other hand was never thought to leave this early after barely finding the field as a freshman. Tate came in to South Bend as a running back and struggled to adapt to the precise route running necessary for Charlie Weis’s scheme. He only had six catches for 131 yards that season.
Last season he was the most improved player on the roster, leading the Irish in all-purpose yards with 1,754. He snagged 58 passes for 1,080 yards, an averaged 18.9 yards a catch. But he came of age this season becoming more of a well-rounded receiver and made highlight reel catches. After the Michael Floyd injury he repeatedly beat zone coverage’s, ran the ball from the wildcat, and increased his production game to game.
Tate was even talked about as a possible Heisman Trophy contender until the Irish lost their last four games.
The 5-11, 195-pound junior from Hendersonville, Tenn., finished the 2009 campaign with 93 catches for 1,496 yards and 15 touchdown receptions. He also added two scores on the ground and one on a punt return for a touchdown. He finished third in the nation in receiving yards per game (124.67), seventh catches per game (7.75), and is a Blinkoff Finalist for the nations best receiver.
According to most draft experts Clausen and Tate are top 15 picks. In the eyes of the Fro Tate is easily the best receiving prospect while Clausen presents mixed feelings towards his ranking.
