Respect for Marcus Freeman

[Chew Dawg]

I haven't paid close attention to ND since he took over, but I'm completely sold on that man as a coach after last night:

Strong game plan, put his guys in position, inspired them to play 60 mins, and out-coached us while thinking on his feet in the final moments.

But the sticking point was watching his body language and demeanor throughout the contest and in the handful of in-game interviews. You can tell that guy has a strong, sharp mind, and a fiery competitive edge that infects his team.

I've got nothing but confidence in Kirby going forward, but Freeman is #2 on my list of college coaches now. Impressive.

Congrats!

 

[banmate6]

I capitulated after the NIU loss that he was in over his head and would learn on the job for years. I however always supported keeping him and trusting in the long term process, even if I considered hiring a former coordinator a failed gambit.

But he gradually recovered. With a learning curve exceeding what I thought possible. As I posted elsewhere, most importantly he seemed to impart the right amount of authoritarianism. Yet still commanding loyalty and inspiration.

Not seen this since Holtz.

 

[tbonesays]

For a man put in over his head Freeman is surely making the best of it. We just beat the SEC champion in the Sugar Bowl.

 

[christophero]

What's not to like. He's young, likeable and winning a lot of games. Keeping the DC around is a must.

 

[Golson5]

For a man put in over his head Freeman is surely making the best of it. We just beat the SEC champion in the Sugar Bowl.

He was never in over his head

 

[Drinking The Green Koolaid]

I haven't paid close attention to ND since he took over, but I'm completely sold on that man as a coach after last night:

Strong game plan, put his guys in position, inspired them to play 60 mins, and out-coached us while thinking on his feet in the final moments.

But the sticking point was watching his body language and demeanor throughout the contest and in the handful of in-game interviews. You can tell that guy has a strong, sharp mind, and a fiery competitive edge that infects his team.

I've got nothing but confidence in Kirby going forward, but Freeman is #2 on my list of college coaches now. Impressive.

Congrats!

I have been all in on Marcus Freeman since Day 1. Many here were not, but he has done a wonderful job of convincing even the most diehard skeptics. Not all, mind you, but most. There was a large contingent of ND fans that thought it was a huge mistake hiring a young coach with no previous head coaching experience of any kind, let alone college head coaching experience. Many feared it would be Gerry Faust Act II--a nice guy in over his head.

For me, there was something intangible about Freeman that just resonated with me from the very beginning. His likeability, for lack of a better term. His authentic nature, which is rooted in humility. His work ethic. How the team embraced him when he was announced as the new HC. How important his parents and family are to him. How he understands Notre Dame and doesn't complain about its challenges, but instead welcomes those challenges, and indeed embraces them. This has given rise to his mantra, "choose hard." How he has sought out former players and brought them back to campus after previous coaching regimes didn't give those players the time of day. Joe Montana--a legend at Notre Dame--hadn't stepped foot on campus for years. Why was that? But Montana has spoken in glowing terms about MF and has since been a regular figure at many big ND games. How MF has sought out current and former coaches for advice, including beloved figures like Lou Holtz. How he has shown up to support other ND sports programs and coaches--he has been a regular figure at WBB games and for the last 2 men's lacrosse championships, and I imagine there are many other athletic programs he has supported. How he has become a part of the fabric of the university and become such an important spokesman and representative. You listen to MF give interviews, and he just oozes class. Indeed, Marcus Freeman is almost too good to be true.

I think maybe what I like most about Marcus Freeman is that he isn't afraid of failure and is confident and secure enough about himself to know what he doesn't know. I don't think Freeman is necessarily a brilliant X's and O's guy, but he has become a much better game day coach and has surrounded himself with excellent coordinators and assistant coaches who are also good men. Freeman knows how to motivate his team, and this year has certainly proven that. It would have been easy to throw in the towel after the disaster of NIU and all the season ending injuries we have experienced, but here we are in the CFB semifinals. We have gotten here because Marcus Freeman is a leader of men that his team wants to follow and to go into battle for. Those kinds of coaches don't come around very often.

Faith is believing in someone or something when you don't have a concrete reason to do so. I am happy to say, Marcus Freeman has fully rewarded my faith in him. I am now in my seventh decade, and could not be more excited about where I see the Notre Dame football program going. It was a dark day for many ND fans--but certainly not for all--when Brian Kelly chose to leave ND for LSU, but what a remarkable turn of events has transpired since then.

Go Irish!

 

[Chew Dawg]

For me, there was something intangible about Freeman that just resonated with me from the very beginning. His likeability, for lack of a better term. His authentic nature, which is rooted in humility. His work ethic. How the team embraced him when he was announced as the new HC.

This tracks with my assessment. To be honest, I'm more of an SEC guy than a CFB guy. My exposure to non-SEC teams comes around bowl season every year and scattered highlights during the season, so I typically don't form strong opinions until at least paying attention to a whole game...

But one of my key assessments lies in watching a guy as a communicator. Does he handle himself with confidence or flash signs of insecurity? Does he speak clearly and sharply or stutter through basic responses? This stuff matters when you're trying to lead a group of 85 hard asses. Was very impressed with his demeanor, confidence, and sideline presence throughout.

I'd contrast this with someone like Ryan Day who I think is a total dope, but who has NIL funds deeper than anyone but maybe Texas and can buy talent every year. Politics and money aside, Freeman strikes me as a great coach.

 

[DOMER1964]

I have been all in on Marcus Freeman since Day 1. Many here were not, but he has done a wonderful job of convincing even the most diehard skeptics. Not all, mind you, but most. There was a large contingent of ND fans that thought it was a huge mistake hiring a young coach with no previous head coaching experience of any kind, let alone college head coaching experience. Many feared it would be Gerry Faust Act II--a nice guy in over his head.

For me, there was something intangible about Freeman that just resonated with me from the very beginning. His likeability, for lack of a better term. His authentic nature, which is rooted in humility. His work ethic. How the team embraced him when he was announced as the new HC. How important his parents and family are to him. How he understands Notre Dame and doesn't complain about its challenges, but instead welcomes those challenges, and indeed embraces them. This has given rise to his mantra, "choose hard." How he has sought out former players and brought them back to campus after previous coaching regimes didn't give those players the time of day. Joe Montana--a legend at Notre Dame--hadn't stepped foot on campus for years. Why was that? But Montana has spoken in glowing terms about MF and has since been a regular figure at many big ND games. How MF has sought out current and former coaches for advice, including beloved figures like Lou Holtz. How he has shown up to support other ND sports programs and coaches--he has been a regular figure at WBB games and for the last 2 men's lacrosse championships, and I imagine there are many other athletic programs he has supported. How he has become a part of the fabric of the university and become such an important spokesman and representative. You listen to MF give interviews, and he just oozes class. Indeed, Marcus Freeman is almost too good to be true.

I think maybe what I like most about Marcus Freeman is that he isn't afraid of failure and is confident and secure enough about himself to know what he doesn't know. I don't think Freeman is necessarily a brilliant X's and O's guy, but he has become a much better game day coach and has surrounded himself with excellent coordinators and assistant coaches who are also good men. Freeman knows how to motivate his team, and this year has certainly proven that. It would have been easy to throw in the towel after the disaster of NIU and all the season ending injuries we have experienced, but here we are in the CFB semifinals. We have gotten here because Marcus Freeman is a leader of men that his team wants to follow and to go into battle for. Those kinds of coaches don't come around very often.

Faith is believing in someone or something when you don't have a concrete reason to do so. I am happy to say, Marcus Freeman has fully rewarded my faith in him. I am now in my seventh decade, and could not be more excited about where I see the Notre Dame football program going. It was a dark day for many ND fans--but certainly not for all--when Brian Kelly chose to leave ND for LSU, but what a remarkable turn of events has transpired since then.

Go Irish!

I love this post!!! Go Irish!!!

 

[BGI User 756]

For a man put in over his head Freeman is surely making the best of it. We just beat the SEC champion in the Sugar Bowl.

Over his head? Jack actually made an astute decision

 

[BGI User 756]

I have been all in on Marcus Freeman since Day 1. Many here were not, but he has done a wonderful job of convincing even the most diehard skeptics. Not all, mind you, but most. There was a large contingent of ND fans that thought it was a huge mistake hiring a young coach with no previous head coaching experience of any kind, let alone college head coaching experience. Many feared it would be Gerry Faust Act II--a nice guy in over his head.

For me, there was something intangible about Freeman that just resonated with me from the very beginning. His likeability, for lack of a better term. His authentic nature, which is rooted in humility. His work ethic. How the team embraced him when he was announced as the new HC. How important his parents and family are to him. How he understands Notre Dame and doesn't complain about its challenges, but instead welcomes those challenges, and indeed embraces them. This has given rise to his mantra, "choose hard." How he has sought out former players and brought them back to campus after previous coaching regimes didn't give those players the time of day. Joe Montana--a legend at Notre Dame--hadn't stepped foot on campus for years. Why was that? But Montana has spoken in glowing terms about MF and has since been a regular figure at many big ND games. How MF has sought out current and former coaches for advice, including beloved figures like Lou Holtz. How he has shown up to support other ND sports programs and coaches--he has been a regular figure at WBB games and for the last 2 men's lacrosse championships, and I imagine there are many other athletic programs he has supported. How he has become a part of the fabric of the university and become such an important spokesman and representative. You listen to MF give interviews, and he just oozes class. Indeed, Marcus Freeman is almost too good to be true.

I think maybe what I like most about Marcus Freeman is that he isn't afraid of failure and is confident and secure enough about himself to know what he doesn't know. I don't think Freeman is necessarily a brilliant X's and O's guy, but he has become a much better game day coach and has surrounded himself with excellent coordinators and assistant coaches who are also good men. Freeman knows how to motivate his team, and this year has certainly proven that. It would have been easy to throw in the towel after the disaster of NIU and all the season ending injuries we have experienced, but here we are in the CFB semifinals. We have gotten here because Marcus Freeman is a leader of men that his team wants to follow and to go into battle for. Those kinds of coaches don't come around very often.

Faith is believing in someone or something when you don't have a concrete reason to do so. I am happy to say, Marcus Freeman has fully rewarded my faith in him. I am now in my seventh decade, and could not be more excited about where I see the Notre Dame football program going. It was a dark day for many ND fans--but certainly not for all--when Brian Kelly chose to leave ND for LSU, but what a remarkable turn of events has transpired since then.

Go Irish!

Nice post

 

[christophero]

It was a high risk, high reward hire. Hiring someone with no head coaching experience does not work out more than it works out. Glad it did work out.

 

[savvyandsassier]

I capitulated after the NIU loss that he was in over his head and would learn on the job for years. I however always supported keeping him and trusting in the long term process, even if I considered hiring a former coordinator a failed gambit.

But he gradually recovered. With a learning curve exceeding what I thought possible. As I posted elsewhere, most importantly he seemed to impart the right amount of authoritarianism. Yet still commanding loyalty and inspiration.

Not seen this since Holtz.

Dude, you were down on the dude, just like a few weeks ago. Pretty much all season, and he had so much to prove, like one of his most consistent, grudging detractors, and he just hadn't shown you enough. And now you're gushing and rhapsodizing. I guess he passed the test with you, huh? No offense to this UGA fan, but this was a pretty mediocre UGA team by recent standards. And fortune was very kind to us as far as the way we manufactured points and got our margin of victory. I think MF's awesome, and he couldn't be any more ideal for ND, but I don't really know what to say because our defense carries the team and I tend to put more/most of that on Al Golden, who truly was an inspired hire IMO and we look like an NFL defense. But as far as like, 'crowning' him or something, I guess I'll leave that to you.

In any case, the worm has turned for you it appears. MF is officially the bee's knees.....

 

[savvyandsassier]

I haven't paid close attention to ND since he took over, but I'm completely sold on that man as a coach after last night:

Strong game plan, put his guys in position, inspired them to play 60 mins, and out-coached us while thinking on his feet in the final moments.

But the sticking point was watching his body language and demeanor throughout the contest and in the handful of in-game interviews. You can tell that guy has a strong, sharp mind, and a fiery competitive edge that infects his team.

I've got nothing but confidence in Kirby going forward, but Freeman is #2 on my list of college coaches now. Impressive.

Congrats!

Really? So in your book he's now #2 in the country behind Kirby Smart? Wow, that's rarefied air. Select company. And what a thrill for MF, I hope he sees this thread. He'd be very flattered...

 

[Chitown11]

I have been all in on Marcus Freeman since Day 1. Many here were not, but he has done a wonderful job of convincing even the most diehard skeptics. Not all, mind you, but most. There was a large contingent of ND fans that thought it was a huge mistake hiring a young coach with no previous head coaching experience of any kind, let alone college head coaching experience. Many feared it would be Gerry Faust Act II--a nice guy in over his head.

For me, there was something intangible about Freeman that just resonated with me from the very beginning. His likeability, for lack of a better term. His authentic nature, which is rooted in humility. His work ethic. How the team embraced him when he was announced as the new HC. How important his parents and family are to him. How he understands Notre Dame and doesn't complain about its challenges, but instead welcomes those challenges, and indeed embraces them. This has given rise to his mantra, "choose hard." How he has sought out former players and brought them back to campus after previous coaching regimes didn't give those players the time of day. Joe Montana--a legend at Notre Dame--hadn't stepped foot on campus for years. Why was that? But Montana has spoken in glowing terms about MF and has since been a regular figure at many big ND games. How MF has sought out current and former coaches for advice, including beloved figures like Lou Holtz. How he has shown up to support other ND sports programs and coaches--he has been a regular figure at WBB games and for the last 2 men's lacrosse championships, and I imagine there are many other athletic programs he has supported. How he has become a part of the fabric of the university and become such an important spokesman and representative. You listen to MF give interviews, and he just oozes class. Indeed, Marcus Freeman is almost too good to be true.

I think maybe what I like most about Marcus Freeman is that he isn't afraid of failure and is confident and secure enough about himself to know what he doesn't know. I don't think Freeman is necessarily a brilliant X's and O's guy, but he has become a much better game day coach and has surrounded himself with excellent coordinators and assistant coaches who are also good men. Freeman knows how to motivate his team, and this year has certainly proven that. It would have been easy to throw in the towel after the disaster of NIU and all the season ending injuries we have experienced, but here we are in the CFB semifinals. We have gotten here because Marcus Freeman is a leader of men that his team wants to follow and to go into battle for. Those kinds of coaches don't come around very often.

Faith is believing in someone or something when you don't have a concrete reason to do so. I am happy to say, Marcus Freeman has fully rewarded my faith in him. I am now in my seventh decade, and could not be more excited about where I see the Notre Dame football program going. It was a dark day for many ND fans--but certainly not for all--when Brian Kelly chose to leave ND for LSU, but what a remarkable turn of events has transpired since then.

Go Irish!

It was a great day when the arrogant BK d-bag left ND! Marcus is doing a wonderful job, great post Green Koolaide

 

[Harpo Marxist]

With Al Golden and Mike Denbrock...Marcus Freeman has been catapulted into the higher echelon. Had he not had these two guys....he may eventually get to where ND is.....but not as quickly. His shrewd personnel skills are what I am highlighting as a head coach. And, he lets them do their job...something Kelly struggled with. Kelly wrestled for control...then shifted blame when things didn't go well.

 

[Chitown11]

This tracks with my assessment. To be honest, I'm more of an SEC guy than a CFB guy. My exposure to non-SEC teams comes around bowl season every year and scattered highlights during the season, so I typically don't form strong opinions until at least paying attention to a whole game...

But one of my key assessments lies in watching a guy as a communicator. Does he handle himself with confidence or flash signs of insecurity? Does he speak clearly and sharply or stutter through basic responses? This stuff matters when you're trying to lead a group of 85 hard asses. Was very impressed with his demeanor, confidence, and sideline presence throughout.

I'd contrast this with someone like Ryan Day who I think is a total dope, but who has NIL funds deeper than anyone but maybe Texas and can buy talent every year. Politics and money aside, Freeman strikes me as a great coach.

Id love to play for a coach like Markus. Ryan Day.....not so much

 

[Chitown11]

With Al Golden and Mike Denbrock...Marcus Freeman has been catapulted into the higher echelon. Had he not had these two guys....he may eventually get to where ND is.....but not as quickly. His shrewd personnel skills are what I am highlighting as a head coach. And, he lets them do their job...something Kelly struggled with. Kelly wrestled for control...then shifted blame when things didn't go well.

Golden YES, not a fan of Denbrock. His playcalling against GA was baffling. Never attacked the perimeter like he should have, every outside run had 5-7 yards but he continued to run the F ing ball up middle. Did he even watch the GA Tech-GA game?

 

[banmate6]

Dude, you were down on the dude, just like a few weeks ago. Pretty much all season, and he had so much to prove, like one of his most consistent, grudging detractors, and he just hadn't shown you enough. And now you're gushing and rhapsodizing. I guess he passed the test with you, huh? No offense to this UGA fan, but this was a pretty mediocre UGA team by recent standards. And fortune was very kind to us as far as the way we manufactured points and got our margin of victory. I think MF's awesome, and he couldn't be any more ideal for ND, but I don't really know what to say because our defense carries the team and I tend to put more/most of that on Al Golden, who truly was an inspired hire IMO and we look like an NFL defense. But as far as like, 'crowning' him or something, I guess I'll leave that to you.

In any case, the worm has turned for you it appears. MF is officially the bee's knees.....

I think you have me confused for somebody ekse. Yet again.

😀

I’ve supported MF all along. Arguing against his firing…saying it would be a 3-5 year project. Steadily discussing his progress and how I’m being proven regarding his learning curve as somebody with no head coaching experience.

I chose my words carefully. As well as backing statistics. So please cite where I was recently down on him…when I’ve been praising him.

Good luck.

😉

 

[banmate6]

It was a high risk, high reward hire. Hiring someone with no head coaching experience does not work out more than it works out. Glad it did work out.

This was my stand from the start. I recall sharing similar ideas with that 4-3-1 poster.

 

[banmate6]

With Al Golden and Mike Denbrock...Marcus Freeman has been catapulted into the higher echelon. Had he not had these two guys....he may eventually get to where ND is.....but not as quickly. His shrewd personnel skills are what I am highlighting as a head coach. And, he lets them do their job...something Kelly struggled with. Kelly wrestled for control...then shifted blame when things didn't go well.

We can game this to death but I respect the butterfly effect. Change even something slightly and you never know what you get.

MF is the right coach at the right time for ND. As is his staff. And this roster. He’s no doubt a good coach by now…a rather quick evolutionary process, defying my expectations.

I’m confident he and ND will long term keep getting better. I’m hoping short term ND wins the NC. This outfit is capable of it.

 

[Chitown11]

I think you have me confused for somebody ekse. Yet again.

😀

I’ve supported MF all along. Arguing against his firing…saying it would be a 3-5 year project. Steadily discussing his progress and how I’m being proven regarding his learning curve as somebody with no head coaching experience.

I chose my words carefully. As well as backing statistics. So please cite where I was recently down on him…when I’ve been praising him.

Good luck.

😉

Savy isn't always savy. Havent figured out this guy yet. Some of his posts are right on and others are baffling

 

[banmate6]

Savy isn't always savy. Havent figured out this guy yet. Some of his posts are right on and others are baffling

I like him and everybody on this board. We socialize about Notre Dame, a team we love.

But I have to admit…Saavy is out there with his ideas on politics!

😀

All good. I don’t take anything too much to heart on a chat board…as people can be very different in real life.

We’re all on the side of the Fighting Irish. I for one am obsessed again. 1988 haunts me.

🙏

 

[sjb75]

I like him and everybody on this board. We socialize about Notre Dame, a team we love.

But I have to admit…Saavy is out there with his ideas on politics!

😀

All good. I don’t take anything too much to heart on a chat board…as people can be very different in real life.

We’re all on the side of the Fighting Irish. I for one am obsessed again. 1988 haunts me.

🙏

There are 4 posters I do not read one word.

Savvy
4-4-3
Chaseball
ND88

 

[savvyandsassier]

I think you have me confused for somebody ekse. Yet again.

😀

I’ve supported MF all along. Arguing against his firing…saying it would be a 3-5 year project. Steadily discussing his progress and how I’m being proven regarding his learning curve as somebody with no head coaching experience.

I chose my words carefully. As well as backing statistics. So please cite where I was recently down on him…when I’ve been praising him.

Good luck.

😉

I don't think so. You were often saying MF has a long way to go, and much to prove and words to that effect, being all fussy about his various perceived shortcomings and whatnot. And now you're patting yourself on the back for not wanting him fired after the NIU loss, that's your big claim to fame. I"m pretty sure he wasn't going to get fired. But the old angry mob can get pretty feisty, so you managed to rise above that, that is a feather in your cap. And which is all fine, I think it's wonderful you now think MF can do no wrong, I just couldn't help but notice the big swing in your affections.

Anyway, ND fans hate BK, pathologically hate him far more than they like or admire MF. In fact, their hatred for BK has poisoned any genuine affection they might nurture and enjoy for MF, for reasons that should be obvious. And the wonderful success of this season is tainted by the unavoidable schadenfreude that any such success will come with, instead of just enjoying this playoff run on its own humble merits. But that's the price one pays for being a toxic hater. It's like pouring acid on your soul or something.

And I'm not going to look up random threads from throughout this season.

 

[banmate6]

There are 4 posters I do not read one word.

Savvy
4-4-3
Chaseball
ND88

I was worried I was going to make it a gang of 5 rather than 4!

😀

It’s all good. I read everybody. And try to respond…it’s the least I do for the luxury of discussing our favorite sports teams. 1st world problems.

 

[nd4life211]

I have been all in on Marcus Freeman since Day 1. Many here were not, but he has done a wonderful job of convincing even the most diehard skeptics. Not all, mind you, but most. There was a large contingent of ND fans that thought it was a huge mistake hiring a young coach with no previous head coaching experience of any kind, let alone college head coaching experience. Many feared it would be Gerry Faust Act II--a nice guy in over his head.

For me, there was something intangible about Freeman that just resonated with me from the very beginning. His likeability, for lack of a better term. His authentic nature, which is rooted in humility. His work ethic. How the team embraced him when he was announced as the new HC. How important his parents and family are to him. How he understands Notre Dame and doesn't complain about its challenges, but instead welcomes those challenges, and indeed embraces them. This has given rise to his mantra, "choose hard." How he has sought out former players and brought them back to campus after previous coaching regimes didn't give those players the time of day. Joe Montana--a legend at Notre Dame--hadn't stepped foot on campus for years. Why was that? But Montana has spoken in glowing terms about MF and has since been a regular figure at many big ND games. How MF has sought out current and former coaches for advice, including beloved figures like Lou Holtz. How he has shown up to support other ND sports programs and coaches--he has been a regular figure at WBB games and for the last 2 men's lacrosse championships, and I imagine there are many other athletic programs he has supported. How he has become a part of the fabric of the university and become such an important spokesman and representative. You listen to MF give interviews, and he just oozes class. Indeed, Marcus Freeman is almost too good to be true.

I think maybe what I like most about Marcus Freeman is that he isn't afraid of failure and is confident and secure enough about himself to know what he doesn't know. I don't think Freeman is necessarily a brilliant X's and O's guy, but he has become a much better game day coach and has surrounded himself with excellent coordinators and assistant coaches who are also good men. Freeman knows how to motivate his team, and this year has certainly proven that. It would have been easy to throw in the towel after the disaster of NIU and all the season ending injuries we have experienced, but here we are in the CFB semifinals. We have gotten here because Marcus Freeman is a leader of men that his team wants to follow and to go into battle for. Those kinds of coaches don't come around very often.

Faith is believing in someone or something when you don't have a concrete reason to do so. I am happy to say, Marcus Freeman has fully rewarded my faith in him. I am now in my seventh decade, and could not be more excited about where I see the Notre Dame football program going. It was a dark day for many ND fans--but certainly not for all--when Brian Kelly chose to leave ND for LSU, but what a remarkable turn of events has transpired since then.

Go Irish!

Key word here, humility. I don’t know what the heck the NIU coach told Marcus Freeman, but kudos to him for looking out for another African American head coach. Also, props to Marcus for being humble enough to take that call and listen. I truly believe that was a turning point for Freeman and a conversation he will be referencing when being inducted into the CFB HOF.

I had doubts about Freeman, but they are gone now. I love that this man has an identity. He is aggressive, he is passionate, he is respectful and he is humble. Notre Dame hit the jackpot here. The question is not IF he wins a title, it’s when and how many.

He was bound to make mistakes. Thankfully he has learnt from them; unlike “get used to it” Brian Kelly. Freeman will have the coaching edge against anyone left in the field. It doesnt hurt that he’s extremely likeable and easy on the eyes.

 

[banmate6]

I don't think so. You were often saying MF has a long way to go, and much to prove and words to that effect, being all fussy about his various perceived shortcomings and whatnot. And now you're patting yourself on the back for not wanting him fired after the NIU loss, that's your big claim to fame. I"m pretty sure he wasn't going to get fired. But the old angry mob can get pretty feisty, so you managed to rise above that, that is a feather in your cap. And which is all fine, I think it's wonderful you now think MF can do no wrong, I just couldn't help but notice the big swing in your affections.

Anyway, ND fans hate BK, pathologically hate him far more than they like or admire MF. In fact, their hatred for BK has poisoned any genuine affection they might nurture and enjoy for MF, for reasons that should be obvious. And the wonderful success of this season is tainted by the unavoidable schadenfreude that any such success will come with, instead of just enjoying this playoff run on its own humble merits. But that's the price one pays for being a toxic hater. It's like pouring acid on your soul or something.

And I'm not going to look up random threads from throughout this season.

You are doubling down in interpreting my posts based on faulty memory. It’s no no deal, have at it.

But in the interest of good natured chat, I think it’s fair to ask: would even 1 poster agree I’ve been negative on MF? Or, to your newest claim, that I’m declaring him to be a great all time coach?

I think you’re alone on this.

 

[sjb75]

I was worried I was going to make it a gang of 5 rather than 4!

😀

It’s all good. I read everybody. And try to respond…it’s the least I do for the luxury of discussing our favorite sports teams. 1st world problems.

There are others here I disagree with. Especially regarding Brian Kelly, a head coach I respect a lot except for how he departed. That said, at least they are rational human beings. Those 4 I listed are either disingenuous trolls, or out there so far I don’t bother.

 

[savvyandsassier]

You are doubling down in interpreting my posts based on faulty memory. It’s no no deal, have at it.

But in the interest of good natured chat, I think it’s fair to ask: would even 1 poster agree I’ve been negative on MF? Or, to your newest claim, that I’m declaring him to be a great all time coach?

I think you’re alone on this.

So you resent being put on the spot like this, it sounds like. I am in absolute good faith. I do not give a shit about your opinions and sentiments towards MF, no offense at all. To each his own. That's just what I distinctly remember. You got all kinds of fussy opinions about the coaches. BK, MF, Denbrock.... and it's great, it's just a fan being a fan. It's more than your right, it's what being a fan's all about. But that's definitely what I remember. But I guess I'm just wrong, you never expressed any significant misgivings or reservations, you were wholeheartedly convinced this guy was the real deal the whole season, unabashed, unreservedly. And in light of this exciting playoff run we're on, and everyone's all fired up and exhilarated, this is no different than how you've felt all year. Okay then! If you say so....

And I think I'm alone on many, many things on this message board. That's definitely for sure.

 

[christophero]

All of the 3 other coaches have yet to prove they can win the big game.

 

[Drinking The Green Koolaid]

It was a high risk, high reward hire. Hiring someone with no head coaching experience does not work out more than it works out. Glad it did work out.

That is a fair assessment. Something about Freeman, though, made me believe from the beginning that it was going to end up as a great hire. He has an aura about him, and innate leadership qualities that you don't see too often.

Truth be told, we pretty much lucked into the Marcus Freeman hire. Nobody, including Swarbrick I believe, expected Kelly to leave in such an abrupt fashion. At the time Swarbrick stated he wasn't surprised, but I think that was just posturing. Was it surprising Kelly left? Probably not. He had flirted before with looking for greener pastures, most famously in 2012 as ND prepped for the BCS championship game. But I don't think Swarbrick was expecting Kelly to leave in 2021. So I do think Kelly's announcement caught Swarbrick by surprise, even though he said otherwise.

I do give Swarbrick props for swinging for the fences with the Freeman hire. It could have ended up badly, but it is sure looking like an astute move right now.

 

[HDK]

I like Freeman plenty, but if we don't look good going forward this year and midway through next year, you can bet there will be plenty of people calling for his head.

 

[sjb75]

I like Freeman plenty, but if we don't look good going forward this year and midway through next year, you can bet there will be plenty of people calling for his head.

Bullshit.

 

[NotreDomer1]

Really? So in your book he's now #2 in the country behind Kirby Smart? Wow, that's rarefied air. Select company. And what a thrill for MF, I hope he sees this thread. He'd be very flattered...

What a dick. Guy comes to say something nice and you become your normal condescending sarcastic jackass self. Nice work!

 

[HDK]

Bullshit.

Oh really? Just go back and read the posts during the first half in the game thread.

 

[christophero]

We all know how quick narratives can change. Just look at Ryan Day. They were ready to run him out of town last month.

 

[Drinking The Green Koolaid]

I haven't paid close attention to ND since he took over, but I'm completely sold on that man as a coach after last night:

Strong game plan, put his guys in position, inspired them to play 60 mins, and out-coached us while thinking on his feet in the final moments.

But the sticking point was watching his body language and demeanor throughout the contest and in the handful of in-game interviews. You can tell that guy has a strong, sharp mind, and a fiery competitive edge that infects his team.

I've got nothing but confidence in Kirby going forward, but Freeman is #2 on my list of college coaches now. Impressive.

Congrats!

Chew Dawg, thanks for stopping by here after the game. Always appreciate reasoned discussions with fans of other teams, because it often provides insights we don't have.

And condolences to Coach Smart and the Dawg Nation on the passing of Kirby's father. It is one thing to lose a football game--there will plenty more of those to win in the future. But you only have one dad. I expect the support of his family, his team, and the University of Georgia and its many good fans will carry him through this.

RIP.

 

[HDK]

We all know how quick narratives can change. Just look at Ryan Day. They were ready to run him out of town last month.

Exactly.

 

[sjb75]

Oh really? Just go back and read the posts during the first half in the game thread.

I was here in 2016 when 80% of the fan base wanted Brian Kelly fired after going 4-8. Pete Bevacqua doesn’t give a shit what a handful of random fans feel about Marcus Freeman.

 

[Drinking The Green Koolaid]

B

I was here in 2016 when 80% of the fan base wanted Brian Kelly fired after going 4-8. Pete Bevacqua doesn’t give a shit what a handful of random fans feel about Marcus Freeman.

Brings to mind Marv Levy's famous quote about coaching: "If you start listening to the fans, soon you're going to be sitting with them."