Bottom line is this, Jack has put his job in Kelly's hands

[Zorich 88]

Jack went to the university last year and convinced them to give Kelly a ridiculous extension. He also allowed Kelly's agent to put in a HUGE buyout if Kelly is fired. There was no way Jack had the balls to now go to those same University heads and say um, you know that ridiculous contract I convinced you to give Kelly? I was wrong, we have to fire the guy. The response would have been, ok maybe you guys can share a moving truck. If Kelly sucks next year, which my guess is he will, Jack will also be shown the door.

 

[perseverare]

well it ignores the poor character factor that acerbates the situation that the guy is a lousy coach, a lousy leader, unreliable, unbelievable and a flat out louse!

 

[Birks31]

It would be a terrible decision to accept all the damage another awful year would do just to save Swarbrick. I think they should fire them both and start repairing the damage they've done, although some of that damage can never be undone.

 

[Howard Hall 74]

Jack went to the university last year and convinced them to give Kelly a ridiculous extension. He also allowed Kelly's agent to put in a HUGE buyout if Kelly is fired. There was no way Jack had the balls to now go to those same University heads and say um, you know that ridiculous contract I convinced you to give Kelly? I was wrong, we have to fire the guy. The response would have been, ok maybe you guys can share a moving truck. If Kelly sucks next year, which my guess is he will, Jack will also be shown the door.

You are so right about the two-for next year. Swarbrick has committed a colossal executive management mistake. He compounded his first mistake, the evaluation of Kelly's performance (which lead to a ridiculously stupid extension when one wasn't needed) with his shocking, cowardly unwillingness to execute his fiduciary responsibility as Athletic Director and request a termination of Kelly. This terrible decision, built on Swarbrick's ego and fear of demonstrating his incompetence, has turned the entire football program into disarray. This is not over, not now, not in the off season or next year as the tension and anger builds over Kelly's tenure. Swarbrick should be, and hopefully will be held accountable by the Board of Directors for the position he has placed everyone in. Next year - both will go. Nice job Jack.

 

[perseverare]

the 2 partners in crime will cry all the way to the bank: couple of squaters!

 

[Harpo Marxist]

Jack went to the university last year and convinced them to give Kelly a ridiculous extension. He also allowed Kelly's agent to put in a HUGE buyout if Kelly is fired. There was no way Jack had the balls to now go to those same University heads and say um, you know that ridiculous contract I convinced you to give Kelly? I was wrong, we have to fire the guy. The response would have been, ok maybe you guys can share a moving truck. If Kelly sucks next year, which my guess is he will, Jack will also be shown the door.

I'm not so sure about this...At Notre Dame , as is the case at a select few other destinations where football is the driver and the cash cow...the AD is somewhat an extension of the BOT and the administration. I think the sole discretion for the AD may apply to women's basketball....or the swim team for example...but not for the football program. Swarbrick cannot and will not "act alone" on Kelly....so he can't necessarily "put his job in Kelly's hands" either. Swarbrick ain't stupid....he knows which cards he can and should play. He also knows who all the other players at the card table are too.
This is business to these people....and its a business decision....not a sports decision. What we as fans are seeing is apples to oranges.

 

[tkirish]

Jack went to the university last year and convinced them to give Kelly a ridiculous extension. He also allowed Kelly's agent to put in a HUGE buyout if Kelly is fired. There was no way Jack had the balls to now go to those same University heads and say um, you know that ridiculous contract I convinced you to give Kelly? I was wrong, we have to fire the guy. The response would have been, ok maybe you guys can share a moving truck. If Kelly sucks next year, which my guess is he will, Jack will also be shown the door.

Zorich I pretty much agree that the contract is the reason Kelly is still here. However, I may be in the minority but I believe they will be much better next year with a 9 or 10 win season. Sure, there are some issues at certain positions. If you look at the schedule ND still has more talent than all teams except 2 or 3. Getting a great defensive coordinator is paramount. Also, getting the offensive line to play up to their potential is vital. This year was one of those years. " Murphy's Law" , whatever could go wrong did go wrong. Kelly has a lot of pride. I believe the players do to. My gut tells me this team will come out next year and play with a huge chip on their shoulders. We as fans hate when they lose. The coach and players feel even worse. It's easy to pounce when things go bad. I don't think waving a magic wand will make some of the issues go away. But I do think as bad as it was this year, it will motivate e ereryone involed to not let it happen again.

 

[Howard Hall 74]

I'm not so sure about this...At Notre Dame , as is the case at a select few other destinations where football is the driver and the cash cow...the AD is somewhat an extension of the BOT and the administration. I think the sole discretion for the AD may apply to women's basketball....or the swim team for example...but not for the football program. Swarbrick cannot and will not "act alone" on Kelly....so he can't necessarily "put his job in Kelly's hands" either. Swarbrick ain't stupid....he knows which cards he can and should play. He also knows who all the other players at the card table are too.
This is business to these people....and its a business decision....not a sports decision. What we as fans are seeing is apples to oranges.

Wrong! Do not agree at all with your last conclusion. If this were only a business decision, Kelly would be gone. Any capable manager, at this level, recognizes when they have made a mistake and corrects it. That's management 101 and professional responsibility. Regardless of cost, in this case the cost is small compared to the programs capacity to generate income. Swarbrick has compounded an evaluation mistake into a face saving carry forward "business as usual" strategic blunder. The consequences and multiple levels of damage to the school, football program and reputation of the University transcend the stupidity of Swarbrick's error. This is bad today, and will be worse next year. And for this error in recognition he should be terminated with Kelly next year.

 

[perseverare]

tk

you damned well better be ready to suit up on DL! hell, you will probably be on IIO's 2 deep and get a scholarship by the 1st game

 

[tkirish]

tk

you damned well better be ready to suit up on DL! hell, you will probably be on IIO's 2 deep and get a scholarship by the 1st game

Lol, I'm ready.

 

[perseverare]

wear body armour, Just in case there is a backward bus in your future!

 

[Telx1]

Tkirish, somewhat in agreement with you. I want Kelly gone for many of the reasons discussed here relentlessly for months. He has earned this! That said, assuming he stays, I will not be surprised to see a 9 win team emerge next season. The key in my mind is who Kelly hires for a DC. There are some great ones out there, but none with past experience with Kelly, and it will be telling whether Kelly goes outside his coaching tree to make the best hire, or whether he sticks with the familiar. I think this decision will largely dictate whether we see a 9 win team, or a repeat of this year's debacle.

 

[Howard Hall 74]

Tkirish, somewhat in agreement with you. I want Kelly gone for many of the reasons discussed here relentlessly for months. He has earned this! That said, assuming he stays, I will not be surprised to see a 9 win team emerge next season. The key in my mind is who Kelly hires for a DC. There are some great ones out there, but none with past experience with Kelly, and it will be telling whether Kelly goes outside his coaching tree to make the best hire, or whether he sticks with the familiar. I think this decision will largely dictate whether we see a 9 win team, or a repeat of this year's debacle.

Question? What makes you think any quality DC would want to tarnish his resume by coming here and very probably just staying one year? The coaching industry sees the problems and knows this is a terrible situation. And if Kizer leaves, you have an unproven QB next season with several questionable recruiting classes the last 2 years with little defensive talent to work with. Get use to Hudson.

 

[Harpo Marxist]

Wrong! Do not agree at all with your last conclusion. If this were only a business decision, Kelly would be gone. Any capable manager, at this level, recognizes when they have made a mistake and corrects it. That's management 101 and professional responsibility. Regardless of cost, in this case the cost is small compared to the programs capacity to generate income. Swarbrick has compounded an evaluation mistake into a face saving carry forward "business as usual" strategic blunder. The consequences and multiple levels of damage to the school, football program and reputation of the University transcend the stupidity of Swarbrick's error. This is bad today, and will be worse next year. And for this error in recognition he should be terminated with Kelly next year.

Howard......didn't say it was a business decision that the majority of fans agree with....if there is an explanation for Kelly's return that isn't defined in dollars and cents...I'd like to hear it. It can't be performance...nor can it be Swarbrick's personal admiration for Kelly, in spite of the bromance so many here want to tout. Swarbrick has been down this road before. ND was paying Weis while paying Kelly too...

 

[rgc7]

. Assuming that some of you are correct that Kelly has a good 10 win season next year, which I doubt,
it does not change the fact that Kelly is still at best an average to some hat above average coach.
That makes ND football no better than a lot of " Also ran teams" .
If The administration really wants ND to be a title contender on a consistent basis, They bite the bullet,
fire Kelly, and bring in a proven fundamentally sound coach and coaching staff.
However, I guess, as long as the seats are filled every game, win or lose, We are stuck with Kelly.
As far as his leaving for another coaching job, who would want him ?

 

[Howard Hall 74]

Howard......didn't say it was a business decision that the majority of fans agree with....if there is an explanation for Kelly's return that isn't defined in dollars and cents...I'd like to hear it. It can't be performance...nor can it be Swarbrick's personal admiration for Kelly, in spite of the bromance so many here want to tout. Swarbrick has been down this road before. ND was paying Weis while paying Kelly too...

Agreed. That's the problem - Swarbrick's mis-evaluation on Kelly and his inability to pull the trigger and release him. It will be a very painful mistake for everyone.

 

[IrishBlessings]

Wrong! Do not agree at all with your last conclusion. If this were only a business decision, Kelly would be gone. Any capable manager, at this level, recognizes when they have made a mistake and corrects it. That's management 101 and professional responsibility. Regardless of cost, in this case the cost is small compared to the programs capacity to generate income. Swarbrick has compounded an evaluation mistake into a face saving carry forward "business as usual" strategic blunder. The consequences and multiple levels of damage to the school, football program and reputation of the University transcend the stupidity of Swarbrick's error. This is bad today, and will be worse next year. And for this error in recognition he should be terminated with Kelly next year.

Have to agree - this next season is as much on Sawbrick as it i on BK. Their both on the hot seat.

 

[Harpo Marxist]

Have to agree - this next season is as much on Sawbrick as it i on BK. Their both on the hot seat.

I will repeat myself...in a major football university, the Athletic Director does not have autonomy over hiring and firing of the head coach. He has a seat at the table...sometimes its closer to the one on the end...sometimes it isn't. But no blue blood football program gives the AD a free hand when it comes to the head coach of the football team. When it takes a team of attorneys to draft and hammer out a very comprehensive and expensive contract...no AD can simply pull the trigger as he deems independently necessary...

 

[IrishBlessings]

I will repeat myself...in a major football university, the Athletic Director does not have autonomy over hiring and firing of the head coach. He has a seat at the table...sometimes its closer to the one on the end...sometimes it isn't. But no blue blood football program gives the AD a free hand when it comes to the head coach of the football team.

I dont disagree w/ what you say - but Jack said the BOT have no say in BK's job as HC. Then who made the decision to keep BK on for another season ? Who ok'd a 6 year ext at $22.5 million ?

 

[Harpo Marxist]

I dont disagree w/ what you say - but Jack said the BOT have no say in BK's job as HC. Then who made the decision to keep BK on for another season ? Who ok'd a 6 year ext at $22.5 million ?

Jack is perfectly comfortable guarding the smoke filled room...he's also paid to deflect issues from the BOT as the AD....and he may come in and out at will...but he does not act on his own with millions of dollars on the table. Not gonna happen.

All I am really saying is that when a head coach at a program the stature of Notre Dame is terminated....that move was blessed before it happened.

 

[monkey3960]

Agreed. That's the problem - Swarbrick's mis-evaluation on Kelly and his inability to pull the trigger and release him. It will be a very painful mistake for everyone.

Some great comments about this situation. My opinion is the damage is done and will not be reversed with Jack and Kelly at the helm. Keeping both next year just delays the inevitable. This team will not win 8-10 games next year - not a chance. 4 wins is most likely with the defensive talent. Recruiting has been bad and about to get worse.

 

[perseverare]

Have to agree - this next season is as much on Sawbrick as it i on BK. Their both on the hot seat.

Jack gives a R-A about the W/L record or even the peripheral problems. Neither give a R-A about the hot seat! they will cry all the way to the bank!

 

[Harpo Marxist]

For the same reasons I do not believe that Swarbrick holds the full autonomy with the status of the head football coach is why he in not in trouble by retaining Kelly this year.

 

[quinnts]

Zorich I pretty much agree that the contract is the reason Kelly is still here. However, I may be in the minority but I believe they will be much better next year with a 9 or 10 win season. Sure, there are some issues at certain positions. If you look at the schedule ND still has more talent than all teams except 2 or 3. Getting a great defensive coordinator is paramount. Also, getting the offensive line to play up to their potential is vital. This year was one of those years. " Murphy's Law" , whatever could go wrong did go wrong. Kelly has a lot of pride. I believe the players do to. My gut tells me this team will come out next year and play with a huge chip on their shoulders. We as fans hate when they lose. The coach and players feel even worse. It's easy to pounce when things go bad. I don't think waving a magic wand will make some of the issues go away. But I do think as bad as it was this year, it will motivate e ereryone involed to not let it happen again.

Very nice take on the situation. There will be coaching changes likely and they will be with experienced able coaches with or without regard to any affiliation with BK. I believe he understands the significance of this coming year and will right the ship.

 

[Telx1]

Howard, I think ND offers a very real opportu

Very nice take on the situation. There will be coaching changes likely and they will be with experienced able coaches with or without regard to any affiliation with BK. I believe he understands the significance of this coming year and will right the ship.

quinnts...as stated above, I think hiring a quality DC outside his coaching tree is the critical path for ND to have a good season and for Kelly to rehabilitate his reputation. If he simply juggles the existing staff and elevates one to DC, then he will be rightly criticized and his margin for error will be narrowed considerably. Based on his record, I expect him to do the later, which would give me little reason for optimism going into next season.

 

[quinnts]

Howard, I think ND offers a very real opportu

quinnts...as stated above, I think hiring a quality DC outside his coaching tree is the critical path for ND to have a good season and for Kelly to rehabilitate his reputation. If he simply juggles the existing staff and elevates one to DC, then he will be rightly criticized and his margin for error will be narrowed considerably. Based on his record, I expect him to do the later, which would give me little reason for optimism going into next season.

I think and hope he goes outside and gets quality over convenience and familiarity.
BK I believe allowed some of the notoriety and fame (especially after 2012) to inflate his ego. This may be a wake up call to get back to what he does best and focus on getting ND football back to very competitive. If he chooses to go it alone I think it will be short lived.

 

[john0gaunt]

As far as the future DC is concerned. ND appears to be trying to hire/create it's own for the coaching staff, much as the team in LA does. I would expect the next DC hire to be continuing the same. It will be someone with ND ties.

 

[quinnts]

As far as the future DC is concerned. ND appears to be trying to hire/create it's own for the coaching staff, much as the team in LA does. I would expect the next DC hire to be continuing the same. It will be someone with ND ties.

ND ties or BK ties?

 

[john0gaunt]

ND ties. Like Todd, Autry, and Greg Hudson.