A Scary Thought

[NotreDame du Lac]

This years ND team was a play or two or a motivating coach or two away from being 11-1. Can you imagine the beat down they'd have faced if they were in the playoff!?

On a similar note, I have been very negative lately about the HC and the direction of this team. Maybe it's the holiday jeer or something, but I'm beginning to think this team has some real potential assuming some growth in leadership, skill development, and assistant changes. Combined, those improvements could elevate this team to 11-1 next season and a playoff run.

Low expectations from the experts and hurt pride is the chip on the shoulder this team needs headed into spring. Coaching pride is hurt and you know BK hates his current national reputation. Feelings about him aside, the guy is used to winning seasons and he's not ready to end his coaching career on this note.

A solid recruiting class could lead to some young talent that makes the field. The return of DK would be huge. An older group in all positions is always a positive. This was a young group that barely lost a lot of games. Outside of USC, they were there.

I know it's hard to see the positive, but at 9-1 or 10-0 next season the haters will come back around. Including myself as I am a big hater at the moment.

If they get off to a big start next year with wins against two very solid teams to start the year it could lift them into the second half off the season, which is a much more manageable schedule. Don't be shocked at a 12-0 or 11-1 Notre Dame in December. 8-4 is my prediction, but I hope I'm a bit underestimating their work from now until September.

 

[wicker]

so you're saying they'd go 11-1 with a better coach, then bring Kelly back for CFP. If they were motivated/talented/lucky enough to go 11-1 they'd not gag against Washington.

You seem to be gagging on your arguments, which at least in this case, make no sense

 

[Telx1]

That's the reason for so much animosity directed at Kelly. We didn't have the same elite level of talent as Alabama or Ohio St, but we generally had more talent than nearly every team we played, and coaching, or lack thereof killed us. We also had equal or superior talent to the likes of Penn St and Wisconsin and Washington. I believe we will suffer the same results unless Kelly goes outside and hires a proven successful defensive coordinator who has authority to retain or hire his position coaches. Do this and make a change at ST, and designate either Depenbrock or Sanford ( my preference ) as OC with all play calling responsibilities, and I agree, we have enough talent for a ten win season.

 

[stu4don]

Except for one or two games in his 7 year career (oh, 'bama), Kelly's teams are very competitive. Thought we were right with USC two weeks ago, our very young team was there physically and in the skill positions, if not for terrible special teams play, it was a one score game. Certainly not a beat down. Would have been interesting to play Washington or Penn State or Whisky.

Like 2012 we could be returning 18-19 starters.

 

[T-bob75]

I believe Kelly can still be successful at ND. However, he's going to have to take a hard look in the mirror and make some major changes.

#1. Get a top DC outside his coaching tree. I like that it was said the new DC would have a hand in who his assistants are. The key here is getting a top DC. Kelly did a good job evaluating Diaco but an extremely poor one with BVG. He can't afford to make another poor decision.

#2. Special Teams. I'm not sure how much blame falls on Booker's shoulders in this one. Kelly has gone on record saying "he doesn't have time to coach special teams." With the complexity of Kelly's offense and BVG's defense how much did Kelly really invest in special teams? My guess is very little. His philosophy on special teams has to do a 180. I still think he needs a different coach but I think the dedication to special teams is the key.

"A lot of teams take special teams for granted. Here, it's a privilege to play on the kickoff team or the punt return team. That's why you eat first on Friday night (before games). It's a big deal. He rewards guys who do good on special teams. It's not just overlooked like it is at some places. That's why they play so hard." - Urban Meyer

#3. Strength & Conditioning. Time to part ways with Longo. Kelly needs to realize this. Alabama pays their S&C coach 525k a year and is worth every penny.
Scott Cochran
This guy is a little off his rocker but I can see how college aged kids could really relate to this type of coach. At the beginning of the 2013 Championship game it was noted Notre Dame was doomed. Alabama looked like an NFL team. They passed the eye test and it wasn't even close.

#4. I would like to see an overhaul on the offensive strategy going forward. Only way that happens is if Kelly turns the keys of the offense over. I just don't see that happening. Kelly believes he's the smartest offensive mind in the room at all times. Good thing is if the above is done ND can still win with a Kelly led offense.

#5. KSS. Kelly needs to manage his managers and let them do their jobs. Take a step back and become the CEO of the team. Focus on all aspects of the job, not just the qbs.

 

[NDAyers]

This years ND team was a play or two or a motivating coach or two away from being 11-1. Can you imagine the beat down they'd have faced if they were in the playoff!?

On a similar note, I have been very negative lately about the HC and the direction of this team. Maybe it's the holiday jeer or something, but I'm beginning to think this team has some real potential assuming some growth in leadership, skill development, and assistant changes. Combined, those improvements could elevate this team to 11-1 next season and a playoff run.

Low expectations from the experts and hurt pride is the chip on the shoulder this team needs headed into spring. Coaching pride is hurt and you know BK hates his current national reputation. Feelings about him aside, the guy is used to winning seasons and he's not ready to end his coaching career on this note.

A solid recruiting class could lead to some young talent that makes the field. The return of DK would be huge. An older group in all positions is always a positive. This was a young group that barely lost a lot of games. Outside of USC, they were there.

I know it's hard to see the positive, but at 9-1 or 10-0 next season the haters will come back around. Including myself as I am a big hater at the moment.

If they get off to a big start next year with wins against two very solid teams to start the year it could lift them into the second half off the season, which is a much more manageable schedule. Don't be shocked at a 12-0 or 11-1 Notre Dame in December. 8-4 is my prediction, but I hope I'm a bit underestimating their work from now until September.

It's impossible. The sunshine pumpers don't have any vision. They can't see that the egomaniac head coach is unwilling to get better as a coach at this level. He thinks he's gods gift to the coaching world.

 

[NotreDame du Lac]

It's impossible. The sunshine pumpers don't have any vision. They can't see that the egomaniac head coach is unwilling to get better as a coach at this level. He thinks he's gods gift to the coaching world.

The same could be said about the negative Nacy's. They can't see that the egomaniac coach was the first one to take us to a national championship in decades. I'm no Kelly fan at the moment. In fact, I was rooting for his firing and the hiring of Fleck. I still think BK is washed up, but he's the coach regardless of what the cry babies say. He's got one more shot and being a true ND fan, I'm rooting for his success. To say for certain that a coach with his level of past successes cannot repeat in 2017 is just as idiotic as suggesting he shouldn't have been fired for this pathetic season. The results of 2017 are yet to be seen. I will say this: he could win 10 to 12 games with the 2017 schedule. There are no great teams on the schedule. If we were in every game this year with a young team, we can certainly be in every game next season. As others have stated, if we get a new DC, with his own staff, and ST coach, and if BK gives the OC more power, we could be really great. This is a lot of IF's. The ego is the enemy.

BK needs to read the book: "Ego is the Enemy." A truly amazing book that could change his life. Lots of football references in that book as well. Anyone want to send it to him for Christmas?

 

[chitown sot]

That's the reason for so much animosity directed at Kelly. We didn't have the same elite level of talent as Alabama or Ohio St, but we generally had more talent than nearly every team we played, and coaching, or lack thereof killed us. We also had equal or superior talent to the likes of Penn St and Wisconsin and Washington. I believe we will suffer the same results unless Kelly goes outside and hires a proven successful defensive coordinator who has authority to retain or hire his position coaches. Do this and make a change at ST, and designate either Depenbrock or Sanford ( my preference ) as OC with all play calling responsibilities, and I agree, we have enough talent for a ten win season.

Sanford is the OC and he needs to call the damn plays.....period. If I were him, I tell bk I'm calling plays or I'm gone.

 

[chitown sot]

Except for one or two games in his 7 year career (oh, 'bama), Kelly's teams are very competitive. Thought we were right with USC two weeks ago, our very young team was there physically and in the skill positions, if not for terrible special teams play, it was a one score game. Certainly not a beat down. Would have been interesting to play Washington or Penn State or Whisky.

Like 2012 we could be returning 18-19 starters.

Keep drinking the bk kool aide, do you like red or purple? bk teams can't beat good teams period, do your homework. Last time I checked competitive doesn't equal wins.

 

[chitown sot]

2. Special Teams. I'm not sure how much blame falls on Booker's shoulders in this one. Kelly has gone on record saying "he doesn't have time to coach special teams." With the complexity of Kelly's offense and BVG's defense how much did Kelly really invest in special teams? My guess is very little. His philosophy on special teams has to do a 180. I still think he needs a different coach but I think the dedication to special teams is the key.


All the blame falls on bookers shoulders for how pathetic the special teams were. bk has a complex offense? are you fricking kidding me, I can call 85% of the plays based on how they line up. bk is the head coach and needs to act like a head coach, something his arrogant ass hasn't figured out yet. Hire the right coaches and you don't have to micro manage them, Period.

 

[Telx1]

Stu...there have certainly been more than two beat downs...Alabama Ohio st USC two years ago and Navy several years ago come to mind. That said, I agree our teams under Kelly are mostly competitive, but that ignores the fact his teams usually play down to the competition and have lost several games they should have clearly won if not for terrible in game decisions by Kelly. Thus the frustration and anger mosity directed at Kelly.

 

[goose3960]

This years ND team was a play or two or a motivating coach or two away from being 11-1. Can you imagine the beat down they'd have faced if they were in the playoff!?

On a similar note, I have been very negative lately about the HC and the direction of this team. Maybe it's the holiday jeer or something, but I'm beginning to think this team has some real potential assuming some growth in leadership, skill development, and assistant changes. Combined, those improvements could elevate this team to 11-1 next season and a playoff run.

Low expectations from the experts and hurt pride is the chip on the shoulder this team needs headed into spring. Coaching pride is hurt and you know BK hates his current national reputation. Feelings about him aside, the guy is used to winning seasons and he's not ready to end his coaching career on this note.

A solid recruiting class could lead to some young talent that makes the field. The return of DK would be huge. An older group in all positions is always a positive. This was a young group that barely lost a lot of games. Outside of USC, they were there.

I know it's hard to see the positive, but at 9-1 or 10-0 next season the haters will come back around. Including myself as I am a big hater at the moment.

If they get off to a big start next year with wins against two very solid teams to start the year it could lift them into the second half off the season, which is a much more manageable schedule. Don't be shocked at a 12-0 or 11-1 Notre Dame in December. 8-4 is my prediction, but I hope I'm a bit underestimating their work from now until September.

Won't happen. Will still play passionless football with bad special teams, poor tackling, poor clock management, bad adjustments (ok, none) predictable play calling, poor use of time outs.

 

[goose3960]

2. Special Teams. I'm not sure how much blame falls on Booker's shoulders in this one. Kelly has gone on record saying "he doesn't have time to coach special teams." With the complexity of Kelly's offense and BVG's defense how much did Kelly really invest in special teams? My guess is very little. His philosophy on special teams has to do a 180. I still think he needs a different coach but I think the dedication to special teams is the key.


All the blame falls on bookers shoulders for how pathetic the special teams were. bk has a complex offense? are you fricking kidding me, I can call 85% of the plays based on how they line up. bk is the head coach and needs to act like a head coach, something his arrogant ass hasn't figured out yet. Hire the right coaches and you don't have to micro manage them, Period.

Lou always had great special teams. Good coaches do, bad coaches don't. Quit making excuses for Kelly. He's a mediocre coach and too arrogant to change.

 

[goose3960]

Except for one or two games in his 7 year career (oh, 'bama), Kelly's teams are very competitive. Thought we were right with USC two weeks ago, our very young team was there physically and in the skill positions, if not for terrible special teams play, it was a one score game. Certainly not a beat down. Would have been interesting to play Washington or Penn State or Whisky.

Like 2012 we could be returning 18-19 starters.

Stu4don...denial ain't just a river in Egypt. You seem to have lots of excuses for Kelly. We got smoked by USC. Kelly's special teams always suck - ALWAYs

I believe Kelly can still be successful at ND. However, he's going to have to take a hard look in the mirror and make some major changes.

#1. Get a top DC outside his coaching tree. I like that it was said the new DC would have a hand in who his assistants are. The key here is getting a top DC. Kelly did a good job evaluating Diaco but an extremely poor one with BVG. He can't afford to make another poor decision.

#2. Special Teams. I'm not sure how much blame falls on Booker's shoulders in this one. Kelly has gone on record saying "he doesn't have time to coach special teams." With the complexity of Kelly's offense and BVG's defense how much did Kelly really invest in special teams? My guess is very little. His philosophy on special teams has to do a 180. I still think he needs a different coach but I think the dedication to special teams is the key.

"A lot of teams take special teams for granted. Here, it's a privilege to play on the kickoff team or the punt return team. That's why you eat first on Friday night (before games). It's a big deal. He rewards guys who do good on special teams. It's not just overlooked like it is at some places. That's why they play so hard." - Urban Meyer

#3. Strength & Conditioning. Time to part ways with Longo. Kelly needs to realize this. Alabama pays their S&C coach 525k a year and is worth every penny.
Scott Cochran

View embedded media

This guy is a little off his rocker but I can see how college aged kids could really relate to this type of coach. At the beginning of the 2013 Championship game it was noted Notre Dame was doomed. Alabama looked like an NFL team. They passed the eye test and it wasn't even close.

#4. I would like to see an overhaul on the offensive strategy going forward. Only way that happens is if Kelly turns the keys of the offense over. I just don't see that happening. Kelly believes he's the smartest offensive mind in the room at all times. Good thing is if the above is done ND can still win with a Kelly led offense.

#5. KSS. Kelly needs to manage his managers and let them do their jobs. Take a step back and become the CEO of the team. Focus on all aspects of the job, not just the qbs.[/QUOTGreat points especially strength and conditioning. The problem is Kelly - he's impossible to cheer for.

 

[goose3960]

The same could be said about the negative Nacy's. They can't see that the egomaniac coach was the first one to take us to a national championship in decades. I'm no Kelly fan at the moment. In fact, I was rooting for his firing and the hiring of Fleck. I still think BK is washed up, but he's the coach regardless of what the cry babies say. He's got one more shot and being a true ND fan, I'm rooting for his success. To say for certain that a coach with his level of past successes cannot repeat in 2017 is just as idiotic as suggesting he shouldn't have been fired for this pathetic season. The results of 2017 are yet to be seen. I will say this: he could win 10 to 12 games with the 2017 schedule. There are no great teams on the schedule. If we were in every game this year with a young team, we can certainly be in every game next season. As others have stated, if we get a new DC, with his own staff, and ST coach, and if BK gives the OC more power, we could be really great. This is a lot of IF's. The ego is the enemy.

BK needs to read the book: "Ego is the Enemy." A truly amazing book that could change his life. Lots of football references in that book as well. Anyone want to send it to him for Christmas?

This program needs energy and Kelly can't bring it. Hire Fleck while you have the chance!

 

[jpstax]

This years ND team was a play or two or a motivating coach or two away from being 11-1. Can you imagine the beat down they'd have faced if they were in the playoff!?

On a similar note, I have been very negative lately about the HC and the direction of this team. Maybe it's the holiday jeer or something, but I'm beginning to think this team has some real potential assuming some growth in leadership, skill development, and assistant changes. Combined, those improvements could elevate this team to 11-1 next season and a playoff run.

Low expectations from the experts and hurt pride is the chip on the shoulder this team needs headed into spring. Coaching pride is hurt and you know BK hates his current national reputation. Feelings about him aside, the guy is used to winning seasons and he's not ready to end his coaching career on this note.

A solid recruiting class could lead to some young talent that makes the field. The return of DK would be huge. An older group in all positions is always a positive. This was a young group that barely lost a lot of games. Outside of USC, they were there.

I know it's hard to see the positive, but at 9-1 or 10-0 next season the haters will come back around. Including myself as I am a big hater at the moment.

If they get off to a big start next year with wins against two very solid teams to start the year it could lift them into the second half off the season, which is a much more manageable schedule. Don't be shocked at a 12-0 or 11-1 Notre Dame in December. 8-4 is my prediction, but I hope I'm a bit underestimating their work from now until September.

As I said in a previous thread, a buddy of mine calculated the average point differential of their 8 losses. Turns out it was about 7 points. I checked it out, and he was right. That said, it would appear that Kelly either had a string of bad luck, was out-coached, or his players lost confidence in him during those games.

 

[NotreDame du Lac]

As I said in a previous thread, a buddy of mine calculated the average point differential of their 8 losses. Turns out it was about 7 points. I checked it out, and he was right. That said, it would appear that Kelly either had a string of bad luck, was out-coached, or his players lost confidence in him during those games.

Yeah, this is very interesting. I think you hit the 3 possibilities and its most likely a combination. Given wins against Stanford, V Teach, Navy, Duke, and Texas this is a totally different season and a ranked team. The only teams up big on us were MSU and USC so you could throw NC State in there as a win too. MSU was darn near a comeback win and we looked the better team in that game. It's mind boggling how a team that looked better in all of those games lost. This is the best 4 win team in the country.

This has to be maddening for the players and coaches. As bad as it is for us fans, imagine the frustration the players felt.

With next seasons schedule this team has a great shot at 11-1 or 10-2. Maturity, coaching changes, sos, and hurt pride should elevate this team. Low media expectations often leads to success. Hopefully the media continues to feed the fire.

 

[Kelso86]

I believe Kelly can still be successful at ND. However, he's going to have to take a hard look in the mirror and make some major changes.

#1. Get a top DC outside his coaching tree. I like that it was said the new DC would have a hand in who his assistants are. The key here is getting a top DC. Kelly did a good job evaluating Diaco but an extremely poor one with BVG. He can't afford to make another poor decision.

#2. Special Teams. I'm not sure how much blame falls on Booker's shoulders in this one. Kelly has gone on record saying "he doesn't have time to coach special teams." With the complexity of Kelly's offense and BVG's defense how much did Kelly really invest in special teams? My guess is very little. His philosophy on special teams has to do a 180. I still think he needs a different coach but I think the dedication to special teams is the key.

"A lot of teams take special teams for granted. Here, it's a privilege to play on the kickoff team or the punt return team. That's why you eat first on Friday night (before games). It's a big deal. He rewards guys who do good on special teams. It's not just overlooked like it is at some places. That's why they play so hard." - Urban Meyer"

#3. Strength & Conditioning. Time to part ways with Longo. Kelly needs to realize this. Alabama pays their S&C coach 525k a year and is worth every penny.
Scott Cochran

View embedded media

This guy is a little off his rocker but I can see how college aged kids could really relate to this type of coach. At the beginning of the 2013 Championship game it was noted Notre Dame was doomed. Alabama looked like an NFL team. They passed the eye test and it wasn't even close.

#4. I would like to see an overhaul on the offensive strategy going forward. Only way that happens is if Kelly turns the keys of the offense over. I just don't see that happening. Kelly believes he's the smartest offensive mind in the room at all times. Good thing is if the above is done ND can still win with a Kelly led offense.

#5. KSS. Kelly needs to manage his managers and let them do their jobs. Take a step back and become the CEO of the team. Focus on all aspects of the job, not just the qbs.

"A lot of teams take special teams for granted. Here, it's a privilege to play on the kickoff team or the punt return team. That's why you eat first on Friday night (before games). It's a big deal. He rewards guys who do good on special teams. It's not just overlooked like it is at some places. That's why they play so hard." - Urban Meyer"

I have seen OSU practice on many occasions (they use local NCAA officials) and have had the opportunity to see special teams sessions -- it is a BIG deal for them and they practice this extremely hard - and you see the results on the field (they dominated ND in the Fiesta Bowl last year in this area).

To say that ND does not take it seriously may be a stretch, but they could use a tutorial from OSU on how to conduct its practices.

 

[T-bob75]

"All the blame falls on bookers shoulders for how pathetic the special teams were. bk has a complex offense? are you fricking kidding me, I can call 85% of the plays based on how they line up. bk is the head coach and needs to act like a head coach, something his arrogant ass hasn't figured out yet. Hire the right coaches and you don't have to micro manage them, Period."

What I was getting at is that some of the blame falls on Kelly, its not all on Booker. Kelly doesn't stress special teams like most good coaches. He'd rather practice fades. You could hire Frank Beamer to coach special teams but it probably wouldn't matter. What difference is a good coach going to make if he doesn't get the time to actually coach?

 

[tkirish]

Defense wins championships. Always has and always will.

 

[twalsh]

As I said in a previous thread, a buddy of mine calculated the average point differential of their 8 losses. Turns out it was about 7 points. I checked it out, and he was right. That said, it would appear that Kelly either had a string of bad luck, was out-coached, or his players lost confidence in him during those games.

We were in 8 close "last possession" games and we went 1-7 in those games. You'd almost have to try to do that. Of course maybe this was payback from 2012 when we managed to win a bunch of close games.

 

[mmboys07]

One of the major complaints against ND is they don't have an identity. This is false. They do have an identity.
Just be patient; keep playing your game, and the Irish will somehow, someway, find a way to give it to us. They will choke in the end. This is the message every opposing head coach gives to their players. And, it is accurate. How will that change next year? Or, any year going forward?