2019 Chip Long vs 2023 Gerard Parker

[IrishExpert2288]

If Marcus Freeman wants to bring back Gerard Parker, I am sure he will reference the fact 2023 ND offensively averaged 38 points per game and scored 459 points.

Well, I went back to 2019 after the Stanford game when Brian Kelly fired Chip Long. ND in 2019 averaged 37 points per game and scored 445 points.

These situations are virtually the same. ND 2023 fattened up their points beating up on some bad football teams (Navy, Pitt, Wake, Stanford) In 2019 ND fattened up on (New Mexico, Bowling Green, Boston College, Stanford)

But they struggled to score points in the biggest games (2019 Georgia, Michigan, V-Tech) and this year (Ohio State, Duke, Louisville and Clemson)

 

[Shakin' Down the Thunder]

Parker provided mixed results, yes. The question is can he improve the offense enough to get it to an elite level? I think he's done enough to earn another year, but I would be fine moving on if they can get a seasoned/successful coordinator.

I think the offense will improve as talented reinforcements are on the way. I just don't know if it'll be enough.

 

[BGI User 1596]

Parker provided mixed results, yes. The question is can he improve the offense enough to get it to an elite level? I think he's done enough to earn another year, but I would be fine moving on if they can get a seasoned/successful coordinator.

I think the offense will improve as talented reinforcements are on the way. I just don't know if it'll be enough.

No

 

[Golson5]

I would be surprised now if he gets let go.

Getting a veteran offensive analyst might be the way it goes

 

[Telx1]

Parker provided mixed results, yes. The question is can he improve the offense enough to get it to an elite level? I think he's done enough to earn another year, but I would be fine moving on if they can get a seasoned/successful coordinator.

I think the offense will improve as talented reinforcements are on the way. I just don't know if it'll be enough.

A lot of question marks need to be answered on the OL and QB before I am comfortable thinking we’ll be more explosive on offense next year against the better teams. But I’d be really surprised if Freeman moved on from Parker after one season. I don’t think ND is where Head Coaches and Coordinators should be getting on the job training, but I think we benefit next year.

 

[Tru2Irish]

18 tds by Estime. He sometimes carried LB and DBs with him for extra yards. ND doesn't have another one of him after he leaves.

 

[Golson5]

18 tds by Estime. He sometimes carried LB and DBs with him for extra yards. ND doesn't have another one of him after he leaves.

No. They have different backs though. More explosive and speed. He will be missed. But we are set at RB

 

[raycyrx]

I don't think there is any denying that Parker's strategy and play calling cost us two games.

I'm not saying anything new here... Freeman is a defensive specialist and had an experienced DC. He needed an experienced OC to carry through Freeman's teething as a HC.

Willingham was fired after three seasons because it was clear he did not learn from his mistakes and refused to make changes. Unless Parker showed Freeman such ability to learn from mistakes, I think Freeman's job is on the line if Parker is not replaced and next year is no better.

I am rooting for Freeman to succeed because I really like him. However, he has fallen back on, "We have to get better," too many times. We agree, you have to get better. The question is no longer THAT you have to get better. The question is HOW are you going to get better.

 

[Golson5]

I don't think there is any denying that Parker's strategy and play calling cost us two games.

I'm not saying anything new here... Freeman is a defensive specialist and had an experienced DC. He needed an experienced OC to carry through Freeman's teething as a HC.

Willingham was fired after three seasons because it was clear he did not learn from his mistakes and refused to make changes. Unless Parker showed Freeman such ability to learn from mistakes, I think Freeman's job is on the line if Parker is not replaced and next year is no better.

I am rooting for Freeman to succeed because I really like him. However, he has fallen back on, "We have to get better," too many times. We agree, you have to get better. The question is no longer THAT you have to get better. The question is HOW are you going to get better.

His job won't be on the line anytime soon

 

[IrishExpert2288]

I don't think there is any denying that Parker's strategy and play calling cost us two games.

I'm not saying anything new here... Freeman is a defensive specialist and had an experienced DC. He needed an experienced OC to carry through Freeman's teething as a HC.

Willingham was fired after three seasons because it was clear he did not learn from his mistakes and refused to make changes. Unless Parker showed Freeman such ability to learn from mistakes, I think Freeman's job is on the line if Parker is not replaced and next year is no better.

I am rooting for Freeman to succeed because I really like him. However, he has fallen back on, "We have to get better," too many times. We agree, you have to get better. The question is no longer THAT you have to get better. The question is HOW are you going to get better.

He talks about reaching full potential, but at ND, you need to WIN ugly games as you go about the process of reaching your full potential.

(See the 2021 team, which was not very good the first half of the season but they squeaked out ugly wins vs FSU, Toledo and V-Tech, kept improving and then peaked the 2nd half of the season ending up 11-1 and just missing the CFP by one spot.

Taking 3+ Ls a year as you reach your potential is no longer good enough and should not be accepted by anyone. No matter how much we like Freeman the man.

 

[NDgreatestofalltime!]

I don’t like ridiculing others and their work in their profession. Parker seems like a good man from what I’ve read and seen about him.

However, I don’t think he was/is really ready to be an OC. Not at a major program anyways. ND scored tons of points against bad teams because the talent level was simply far greater IMO. Against other good teams/coaching staffs ND couldn’t do a darn thing for long stretches of game play.

In the 3 losses ND averaged 19 points, and 2.6 turnovers, and approx 320 yards which isn’t horrible against a good team but isn’t great either.

On the other hand, ND had far more yards against OSU then PSU did and also more than Michigan as well.

As Golson stated above, if he stays, I hope they bring in some sort of consultant to assist Parker.

 

[mrwigglesby21]

I don’t like ridiculing others and their work in their profession. Parker seems like a good man from what I’ve read and seen about him.

However, I don’t think he was/is really ready to be an OC. Not at a major program anyways. ND scored tons of points against bad teams because the talent level was simply far greater IMO. Against other good teams/coaching staffs ND couldn’t do a darn thing for long stretches of game play.

In the 3 losses ND averaged 19 points, and 2.6 turnovers, and approx 320 yards which isn’t horrible against a good team but isn’t great either.

On the other hand, ND had far more yards against OSU then PSU did and also more than Michigan as well.

As Golson stated above, if he stays, I hope they bring in some sort of consultant to assist Parker.

I hear everything you're saying, but the most outstanding stat you posted was 2.6 turnovers per game average in our 3 losses. At some point, especially against good teams, that means a loss.

Not every OC is putting up 50 against bad teams either.

We had OSU beat but the HC lost the game. Louisville in hindsight looks damn good this year and Brohm appears to be a great coach. Caught Clemson after Tyler from SC called in, HOF coach, talented team. Finished 8-4 and would probably beat FSU or Louisville if playing this weekend.

It doesn't feel like a disappointing season given a 2nd yr HC and 1st yr OC. Also feels like we left some wins on the table - we should be 11-1 with a loss to Louisville.

Bring back Parker for another year considering he just finished his rookie season and there should be good growth b/w yr 1 and 2. But he doesn't have a 6th yr qb to lean on.

Pay Al Golden and keep him. If we have to let Freeman go after year 4, Golden could step in for a year or two and do well, might even become THE coach for us.

 

[savvyandsassier]

Well, we had another dominant performance against an easy opponent. But nevertheless, the numbers are adding up. I guess I was wrong about him. But I would still say that when Parker got the job, or at least I would like to surmise, that it was just in a caretaker role. He didn't win the job, in a coaching search, he just got it by default. And only if he performed particularly admirably, would he get to get keep it.

So I guess he can always stay on on ad hoc basis. And if we don't beat any of the good teams next year... then we can get a good OC next time.

 

[mirer03]

Pretty sure it could go either way. At the end of the day if MF is confident that another year similar to this one won't get him fired I bet he stays. With a new AD I'm not sure how long. Leash MF has right now.

 

[NDinNJ]

I would be surprised now if he gets let go.

Getting a veteran offensive analyst might be the way it goes

lol You know nothing. You pretend to know what you don't know.

 

[notredamerises23]

If Marcus Freeman wants to bring back Gerard Parker, I am sure he will reference the fact 2023 ND offensively averaged 38 points per game and scored 459 points.

Well, I went back to 2019 after the Stanford game when Brian Kelly fired Chip Long. ND in 2019 averaged 37 points per game and scored 445 points.

These situations are virtually the same. ND 2023 fattened up their points beating up on some bad football teams (Navy, Pitt, Wake, Stanford) In 2019 ND fattened up on (New Mexico, Bowling Green, Boston College, Stanford)

But they struggled to score points in the biggest games (2019 Georgia, Michigan, V-Tech) and this year (Ohio State, Duke, Louisville and Clemson)

A better measure than points scored or yards gained is offensive efficiency because it takes into account opponent strength, field position provided by the defense, garbage time points/yards, etc., etc. Note this takes into account every single play run vs. every single opponent tsking into account all opponents’ opponents.

2023 Offensive efficiency: 13th in the nation
2019 Offensive efficiency: 26th in the nation

OF+ which gets a bit more granular, will have us around 17th-19th in both seasons.

While it’s true that against the best teams we didn’t do as well, overall, it’s very difficult to make the argument that this wasn’t an overall good offensive season. Can it better? Yes. But a lot of that will depend on the QB we have. While Hartman may not have lived up to what many thought he could be, he was a top 20 QB—such a QB is not always a guarantee, and it’s doubtful that Angelli or Minchey will be one.

 

[Golson5]

lol You know nothing. You pretend to know what you don't know.

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I said I would be surprised if he was let go. Has he been let go?

 

[NDinNJ]

I said I would be surprised if he was let go. Has he been let go?

The fact they are looking for a replacement pretty much means they would prefer to replace him. Only way he stays is if they can't find a suitable replacement. You are an idiot.

 

[Golson5]

The fact they are looking for a replacement pretty much means they would prefer to replace him. Only way he stays is if they can't find a suitable replacement. You are an idiot.

You are an idiot lol. This is rumor season. Agents put stuff out like crazy right now. Are you going to believe everything you read on Twitter you freaking sheep boy 🤣🤣

If he gets replaced, he gets replaced. I would be surprised if it happens. And nothing right now is pointing in that direction

 

[Golson5]

The fact they are looking for a replacement pretty much means they would prefer to replace him. Only way he stays is if they can't find a suitable replacement. You are an idiot.

MF says there is zero truth to that rumor about that UNLV coach.

He said he would love all coaches to come back and wants consistency. He said he loves the Offensive staff

MF said Luke Fickell stuck with him after his first year and that defense was ranked 90th

Good job using Arkansas sources and Twitter

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

 

[Telx1]

MF says there is zero truth to that rumor about that UNLV coach.

He said he would love all coaches to come back and wants consistency. He said he loves the Offensive staff

MF said Luke Fickell stuck with him after his first year and that defense was ranked 90th

Good job using Arkansas sources and Twitter

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

He even said he doesn’t know who this person is (UNLV OC). Journalism with verified info is dead in the age of the internet. He also specifically mentioned the offense needs to be better against the better defenses, and expressed optimism that Parker is up to the task. Time will tell, but he’s keeping the staff together unless Some leave for greener pastures.

 

[Kelso86]

The fact they are looking for a replacement pretty much means they would prefer to replace him. Only way he stays is if they can't find a suitable replacement. You are an idiot.

"The fact they are looking for a replacement pretty much means they would prefer to replace him"

Where are you getting that? The rumor mill? Freeman just announced he wants ALL of his coaches back -- now, that does not include any who MAY want to leave on their own accord. But, reading between the tea leaves, Freeman is not looking for an OC -- at this point.

 

[IrishExpert2288]

The offense being run at UNLV right now is effective, especially in the Mountain West Conference. But it is Triple Option.

I can’t see Marcus Freeman running an Up Tempo Shotgun Spread Triple Option Offense at ND. You recruit 4-5 Star OL & TEs at ND to block people. Not leave them unblocked and option them.IMO

 

[raycyrx]

I hear everything you're saying, but the most outstanding stat you posted was 2.6 turnovers per game average in our 3 losses. At some point, especially against good teams, that means a loss.

Not every OC is putting up 50 against bad teams either.

We had OSU beat but the HC lost the game. Louisville in hindsight looks damn good this year and Brohm appears to be a great coach. Caught Clemson after Tyler from SC called in, HOF coach, talented team. Finished 8-4 and would probably beat FSU or Louisville if playing this weekend.

It doesn't feel like a disappointing season given a 2nd yr HC and 1st yr OC. Also feels like we left some wins on the table - we should be 11-1 with a loss to Louisville.

Bring back Parker for another year considering he just finished his rookie season and there should be good growth b/w yr 1 and 2. But he doesn't have a 6th yr qb to lean on.

Pay Al Golden and keep him. If we have to let Freeman go after year 4, Golden could step in for a year or two and do well, might even become THE coach for us.

Did Parker show any signs of growth in this season?

 

[mbd11]

Freeman announced today he'd like all the staff to return next year.

 

[Kelso86]

Did Parker show any signs of growth in this season?

He had his moments, then, he also had some, what we call -- head scratching moments as well

 

[savvyandsassier]

Did Parker show any signs of growth in this season?

What about all these big offensive outputs to end the season? Against shitty teams admittedly, but still good. Don't get me wrong, I would totally fire the guy in a heartbeat, just on principle. And then just go get the best OC we can find and be done with it!

But it was pretty impressive to end the season. I don't know if that's growth or not.

 

[IrishExpert2288]

i

Did Parker show any signs of growth in this season?

We will find out against A&M in the opener. With opt outs bowl games are hard to gauge. The last time Parker squared up against an Elko defensive structure. ND struggled pretty good. But won the ball game.

 

[sjb75]

i

We will find out against A&M in the opener. With opt outs bowl games are hard to gauge. The last time Parker squared up against an Elko defensive structure. ND struggled pretty good. But won the ball game.

The QB will have far more to do with the success of the offense, and a solid grad transfer QB is needed for 2024.

 

[raycyrx]

He had his moments, then, he also had some, what we call -- head scratching moments as well

In other words, no IMPROVEMENT.

I find it interesting that Freeman says that consistency is very important and that seemed to be the deciding factor in his decision to not seek a more experienced OC. Hasn't the identity of this team been... consistently inconsistent?

 

[raycyrx]

What about all these big offensive outputs to end the season? Against shitty teams admittedly, but still good. Don't get me wrong, I would totally fire the guy in a heartbeat, just on principle. And then just go get the best OC we can find and be done with it!

But it was pretty impressive to end the season. I don't know if that's growth or not.

Given that that is how we started the year, I would not define that as growth.

 

[NDinNJ]

"The fact they are looking for a replacement pretty much means they would prefer to replace him"

Where are you getting that? The rumor mill? Freeman just announced he wants ALL of his coaches back -- now, that does not include any who MAY want to leave on their own accord. But, reading between the tea leaves, Freeman is not looking for an OC -- at this point.

His statements were more for optics. Hence why Stuckey is gone.

 

[NDinNJ]

MF says there is zero truth to that rumor about that UNLV coach.

He said he would love all coaches to come back and wants consistency. He said he loves the Offensive staff

MF said Luke Fickell stuck with him after his first year and that defense was ranked 90th

Good job using Arkansas sources and Twitter

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Stuckey says Hi!

If you actually believe Freeman would publicly announce that he's changing up the staff, you are dumber than I originally thought you were. That was all for optics.

 

[NDinNJ]

He even said he doesn’t know who this person is (UNLV OC). Journalism with verified info is dead in the age of the internet. He also specifically mentioned the offense needs to be better against the better defenses, and expressed optimism that Parker is up to the task. Time will tell, but he’s keeping the staff together unless Some leave for greener pastures.

Stuckey says hi!!

Did actually expect Freeman to say publicly that he's going to make changes to the staff? 😂 You guys are dumber than i thought. What a bunch of morons on this site. 😂

 

[Golson5]

Stuckey says Hi!

If you actually believe Freeman would publicly announce that he's changing up the staff, you are dumber than I originally thought you were. That was all for optics.

Every coach does that. You put up a story based from an Arkansas reporter that was being talked to by Notre Dame and the HC never even heard of him.....

That was funny

 

[NDinNJ]

Every coach does that. You put up a story based from an Arkansas reporter that was being talked to by Notre Dame and the HC never even heard of him.....

That was funny

Keep trying, you stated:
"He said he would love all coaches to come back and wants consistency. He said he loves the Offensive staff"

Yet he just let go of one, lol. So much for that. 😂 you are dumb dude.

 

[Golson5]

Keep trying, you stated:
"He said he would love all coaches to come back and wants consistency. He said he loves the Offensive staff"

Yet he just let go of one, lol. So much for that. 😂 you are dumb dude.

Im still waiting for that Parker being let go headline.....🤣

 

[tbonesays]

A better measure than points scored or yards gained is offensive efficiency because it takes into account opponent strength, field position provided by the defense, garbage time points/yards, etc., etc. Note this takes into account every single play run vs. every single opponent tsking into account all opponents’ opponents.

2023 Offensive efficiency: 13th in the nation
2019 Offensive efficiency: 26th in the nation

OF+ which gets a bit more granular, will have us around 17th-19th in both seasons.

While it’s true that against the best teams we didn’t do as well, overall, it’s very difficult to make the argument that this wasn’t an overall good offensive season. Can it better? Yes. But a lot of that will depend on the QB we have. While Hartman may not have lived up to what many thought he could be, he was a top 20 QB—such a QB is not always a guarantee, and it’s doubtful that Angelli or Minchey will be one.

No I don't think so. Maybe total efficiency does. But offensive efficiency is just points per yard. A team like SC that gifts us 7 points in a 3 yard drive makes it look like the world's most efficient offense.

 

[NDinNJ]

Im still waiting for that Parker being let go headline.....🤣

As I stated, the only reason they keep Parker as OC is if they aren't able to find a suitable replacement. Freeman's playing it smart, he's keeping his cards close to his chest.

 

[Telx1]

Maybe the backstory will eventually come out. My pure GUESS is that Freeman made it clear that he expects significant improvement from the receivers, and Stuckey didn’t accept any responsibility; possibly blamed others (ie Parker), and Freeman decided to let him go. Great recruiter compared to Alexander, but develop was lacking.