What plausible explanation is there

[Telx1]

for keeping the fan base twisting in the wind, putting the recruitment class at risk, and leaving Kelly to spin things his way? The University can put a stop to all the conjecture and all the media stories, and give recruits a sense of stability by simply announcing that Kelly is returning. Jack's announcement of this several weeks ago has no cache based on events since then. I admit I am often amazed at the speed or lack thereof that ND moves on personnel issues, whether it be hiring assistants or disciplining players, etc... but this lack of communication is hurting the program. An announcement that Kelly is the HC next year would be a simple easy thing to do, even for ND. So, what other explanations are there? I don't want to believe that this information void is caused by the administration and Kelly haggling over money and that this might dictate whether Kelly returns or not. I prefer to think a decision has been made that Kelly will not return, and the timing of the announcement is being driven by:
1. Jack allowing Kelly to exit gracefully and under the appearance of a mutual parting as he has some opportunity he wishes to pursue.
2. Jack wanting to announce the new coach shortly thereafter but waiting for conference championship games to be played to do so, assuming the new hire coaches for a team in one of these.
3. Jack waiting for the face to face with Kelly which I have read is tomorrow, as Kelly stayed out West, which is contrary to what I thought Kelly announced after the USC game where he suggested he wanted to get back asap to SB for exit interviews.
I know I must be missing something here, so what other plausible explanations are there?

 

[twalsh]

for keeping the fan base twisting in the wind, putting the recruitment class at risk, and leaving Kelly to spin things his way? The University can put a stop to all the conjecture and all the media stories, and give recruits a sense of stability by simply announcing that Kelly is returning. Jack's announcement of this several weeks ago has no cache based on events since then. I admit I am often amazed at the speed or lack thereof that ND moves on personnel issues, whether it be hiring assistants or disciplining players, etc... but this lack of communication is hurting the program. An announcement that Kelly is the HC next year would be a simple easy thing to do, even for ND. So, what other explanations are there? I don't want to believe that this information void is caused by the administration and Kelly haggling over money and that this might dictate whether Kelly returns or not. I prefer to think a decision has been made that Kelly will not return, and the timing of the announcement is being driven by:
1. Jack allowing Kelly to exit gracefully and under the appearance of a mutual parting as he has some opportunity he wishes to pursue.
2. Jack wanting to announce the new coach shortly thereafter but waiting for conference championship games to be played to do so, assuming the new hire coaches for a team in one of these.
3. Jack waiting for the face to face with Kelly which I have read is tomorrow, as Kelly stayed out West, which is contrary to what I thought Kelly announced after the USC game where he suggested he wanted to get back asap to SB for exit interviews.
I know I must be missing something here, so what other plausible explanations are there?

If you fire Kelly now, then have to stay silent on his replacement for an extended period of time, is that any better? I am not saying I know the answer, but it's not obvious that it's a good idea. Right now we have a coach, do we want to be coach-less for a period of time, maybe as long as to early January?

 

[Bumpdaddy]

for keeping the fan base twisting in the wind, putting the recruitment class at risk, and leaving Kelly to spin things his way? The University can put a stop to all the conjecture and all the media stories, and give recruits a sense of stability by simply announcing that Kelly is returning. Jack's announcement of this several weeks ago has no cache based on events since then. I admit I am often amazed at the speed or lack thereof that ND moves on personnel issues, whether it be hiring assistants or disciplining players, etc... but this lack of communication is hurting the program. An announcement that Kelly is the HC next year would be a simple easy thing to do, even for ND. So, what other explanations are there? I don't want to believe that this information void is caused by the administration and Kelly haggling over money and that this might dictate whether Kelly returns or not. I prefer to think a decision has been made that Kelly will not return, and the timing of the announcement is being driven by:
1. Jack allowing Kelly to exit gracefully and under the appearance of a mutual parting as he has some opportunity he wishes to pursue.
2. Jack wanting to announce the new coach shortly thereafter but waiting for conference championship games to be played to do so, assuming the new hire coaches for a team in one of these.
3. Jack waiting for the face to face with Kelly which I have read is tomorrow, as Kelly stayed out West, which is contrary to what I thought Kelly announced after the USC game where he suggested he wanted to get back asap to SB for exit interviews.
I know I must be missing something here, so what other plausible explanations are there?

I disagree with your premise that enough has happened since JS made his announcement to warrant yet another announcement. When JS made his announcement we were already a dismal 2-5 and he didn't include any qualifiers. He said BK will lead the team out of the tunnel in 2017. Since then BK has twice assertively said he absolutely will be back in 2017. I wish things were different but right now it is pretty clear that, unless something crazy does happen before spring, BK will get at least 1 more season. In the long run this actually may not be a bad situation to be in. It looks like this year there will be a lot less big time coaching changes compared to most years. The biggest name out there, Tom Herman, has already signed on with Texas. It doesn't look like there are a lot of big fish out there that are looking to make a major move. If PJ Fleck truly is a name to consider it's unlikely he moves on to a major program after this year, unless he goes to Oregon, which I don't think is a good fit, assuming Helfrich is fired anyway, or Baylor, which still has sanctions looming. It wouldn't surprise me if he took the Purdue job but, if he does, I don't believe he will consider that a destination school. I think he'll be smart enough to sign a contract that has easy out clauses. Most of the candidates that are a possibility this year are likely to be candidates next year, and with the likelihood there will be more coaching changes next year, there might be more candidates that we haven't even considered. In the end this might work out better for us if we end up with a great coach after 2017 that wasn't a possibility this year.

Of course, BK could make dramatic changes this off-season and have a rebound year. That could prolong things even more, but if that is the case then so be it. I hope we have a great year next year no matter what.

 

[Shakin' Down the Thunder]

I suspect the delay may be in Kelly figuring out his next move. If they fire him, before he gets a new job, it's my understanding ND has to continue to pay him. I also think like others have posted, Swarbrick is waiting for conference championship games to finish and start interviewing coaches.

However, the lack of communication and progress is concerning. ND usually fires a coach Monday morning after they coach the last game of the season.

 

[T-bob75]

To keep the hits coming! I kid, but seriously I have visited various ND sites more in the last couple days than I ever have/had. I'm wishful/hopeful/desperate to see that glorious thread entitled "ND to hold press conference at ****AM/PM".

 

[Gimmea10wincoach]

Amen t-bob

 

[Gimmea10wincoach]

It will leak before then i'm sure

 

[Java65]

I disagree with your premise that enough has happened since JS made his announcement to warrant yet another announcement. When JS made his announcement we were already a dismal 2-5 and he didn't include any qualifiers. He said BK will lead the team out of the tunnel in 2017. Since then BK has twice assertively said he absolutely will be back in 2017. I wish things were different but right now it is pretty clear that, unless something crazy does happen before spring, BK will get at least 1 more season. In the long run this actually may not be a bad situation to be in. It looks like this year there will be a lot less big time coaching changes compared to most years. The biggest name out there, Tom Herman, has already signed on with Texas. It doesn't look like there are a lot of big fish out there that are looking to make a major move. If PJ Fleck truly is a name to consider it's unlikely he moves on to a major program after this year, unless he goes to Oregon, which I don't think is a good fit, assuming Helfrich is fired anyway, or Baylor, which still has sanctions looming. It wouldn't surprise me if he took the Purdue job but, if he does, I don't believe he will consider that a destination school. I think he'll be smart enough to sign a contract that has easy out clauses. Most of the candidates that are a possibility this year are likely to be candidates next year, and with the likelihood there will be more coaching changes next year, there might be more candidates that we haven't even considered. In the end this might work out better for us if we end up with a great coach after 2017 that wasn't a possibility this year.

Of course, BK could make dramatic changes this off-season and have a rebound year. That could prolong things even more, but if that is the case then so be it. I hope we have a great year next year no matter what.

The problem is while Jack did say that several weeks ago outsiders didn't believe it then and they don't believe it now. If he is going to be the coach Swarbrick should have reiterated that immediately after the game. There is no harm it putting an exclamation point on it, if true.

Heck, if he does plan to brink Kelly back Jack could make that statement every day to pound that fact in. No matter what happens this was once again handled in typical ND slipshod manner.

 

[Java65]

My guess is that Swarbrick and Kelly have talked and Kelly is looking for a new gig. He gets to quit (not fired) and ND doesn't have to pay him as much, if anything at all.

Jack and Kelly both get to save face, ND saves a few million and the recruiting class goes in the toilet. Win-win for everyone.. except ND football.

 

[South Bender]

I believe that the only explanation is that there are no changes, hence no announcement.
Kelly will be the coach at ND in 2017.

He went 10-3 last year with three losses coming to teams that finished in the top five. 2016 was his mulligan. He'll be back in 2017, albeit on a very short leash, I believe.

Up until the NC State game I was an avid BK supporter. However, his arrogance and stubborn-ness have worn on me. I just don't like him anymore. But I'm a realist also, and can see that he'll be back on the sidelines for 2017.

I do think that staff changes and role adjustments need to be made, forcibly if need be.
Sanford needs to be OC. Period. No buts. Give him the keys and let him drive or crash on his own. Hire Strong as DC. Period. Go get him and pay him whatever he wants.
Gilmore and Cooks positions need to be evaluated - hard.

 

[Gimmea10wincoach]

Cooks or Booker? Cooks went to OU. Imo we should only keep Denson. The RB and receiver positions are the only semi consistent thing on the team. Aside from the drops. Do you realize our RB'S carried the rock over 300x NO FUMBLES LOST!

 

[Nocalirish]

Jack f_cked up twice and wont admit his mistakes. He should never have given a 6 year extension and he should never have endorsed Kelly before the last game. Now admin needs to step in and fire them both before any more damage is done to the program. Fire them now and hire Schiano after the playoff.

 

[impossibilityofreason1]

If we let a head coach just quit to take another job, is that unprecedented? What does that say about the ND job? Are we in the twilight zone?

 

[Extirpate 6951]

If we let a head coach just quit to take another job, is that unprecedented? What does that say about the ND job? Are we in the twilight zone?

Might not be the worst scenario in this situation.

 

[impossibilityofreason1]

Maybe not as far as most here its time for Kelly to go but has ND in their history let a coach quit to pursue another college job?

 

[Classic Irish]

Maybe not as far as most here its time for Kelly to go but has ND in their history let a coach quit to pursue another college job?

Faust resigned and then took the Akron HC gig. But I don't think that's what you're asking.

 

[impossibilityofreason1]

No. It's insult if true that Kelly would pursue the USC job, our most bitter rival and that if Swarbrick knew to allow it is inexcusable.

 

[Extirpate 6951]

No. It's insult if true that Kelly would pursue the USC job, our most bitter rival and that if Swarbrick knew to allow it is inexcusable.

To Kelly it's just business - nothing personal! His teams reflect that - they play with zero emotion in big games and the record is empirical evidence of this.

 

[hvillebill]

My guess is that Swarbrick and Kelly have talked and Kelly is looking for a new gig. He gets to quit (not fired) and ND doesn't have to pay him as much, if anything at all.

Jack and Kelly both get to save face, ND saves a few million and the recruiting class goes in the toilet. Win-win for everyone.. except ND football.

That's what I feel is happening.

 

[Howard Hall 74]

Lawyers are working out the details of the exit, and ND has reached out to another HC and working out transition to ND. These things take time with existing contracts and if someone else's team is still active and bowl eligible. Soon, very soon.

 

[Java65]

Another example of a big program taking deceive action because they care about their football. Oregon fires Mark Helfrich for one bad season in four.

Meanwhile ND sent letters via pony express to all board members to discuss the matter. I'm beginning to think the "40 year decision" is just a reference to how long it takes ND to take action on anything.

 

[DieHard_Irish]

Yes, I want Brian Kelly replaced. He's done a lot of good for ND over the 7 years, but he is clearly not the guy to take us to the next level; the level we belong on. That said, we should all just relax a bit and let it play out. For all we know, things are going on behind the scenes as we speak. I know we live in the instant gratification society of today, but I think we should all just chill a bit and let it play out.

 

[Telx1]

If Jack and Kelly meet today on campus as planned, then I think we can expect a public statement of support later today if the decision is for Kelly to return. If no statement, then I think our collective hope for a new HC becomes a reality.

 

[BGI User 1596]

They are on the clock !

 

[Java65]

Yes, I want Brian Kelly replaced. He's done a lot of good for ND over the 7 years, but he is clearly not the guy to take us to the next level; the level we belong on. That said, we should all just relax a bit and let it play out. For all we know, things are going on behind the scenes as we speak. I know we live in the instant gratification society of today, but I think we should all just chill a bit and let it play out.

The way I see it they have already done a poor job.

If they are going to keep Kelly Jack should have said so immediately following the game and he should reiterate it every chance he gets.

If they are going to replace him he should be fired already. If they they are working on things behind the scenes now they are months late, that work should have been done long ago.

Limbo is the worst. Kids don't know if Kelly is staying or going so human nature being what it is they'll assume the worst. Even if you are going to fire him and the person(s) you want are not available until a later date at least fire Kelly, tell the kids you have a replacement that will be announced at a later day.

There is zero benefit for the way ND handles things.

 

[SALittleGiant513]

My guess is that Swarbrick and Kelly have talked and Kelly is looking for a new gig. He gets to quit (not fired) and ND doesn't have to pay him as much, if anything at all.

Jack and Kelly both get to save face, ND saves a few million and the recruiting class goes in the toilet. Win-win for everyone.. except ND football.

Why would Kelly do this?

 

[Java65]

Why would Kelly do this?

If you haven't noticed he doesn't look great and I'm sure he'd be more than happy to leave ND for another job with less pressure. If ND pays the difference in what he will make and what they owe him its a big win for Kelly. He gets a job with less pressure and he doesn't take a pay cut.

 

[SALittleGiant513]

If he gets fired the impact on the perception surrounding him isn't much different. Getting no buyout or some version of a negotiated rate on his full buyout doesn't seem to be a win.

 

[Telx1]

If he gets fired the impact on the perception surrounding him isn't much different. Getting no buyout or some version of a negotiated rate on his full buyout doesn't seem to be a win.

It's a win if Kelly lands on his feet with a new HC position, has left instead of fired on his resume, and gets his ND salary adjusted by whatever the new position pays. This would make him an inexpensive hire as well, which might facilitate his getting a new HC job quickly. ND wins by being rid of Kelly with a reduced payout, and Jack saves face from the stupid extension he negotiated.

 

[stu4don]

If you haven't noticed he doesn't look great and I'm sure he'd be more than happy to leave ND for another job with less pressure. If ND pays the difference in what he will make and what they owe him its a big win for Kelly. He gets a job with less pressure and he doesn't take a pay cut.

Less pressure and a boat load of Nike money! (And less bs ND football restrictions.) I'm thinking he's already going to Oregon. (Say what you want, with all those restrictions he took us to a Natty and he got us a few plays away from the final four last year, losing to three teams in the top five! -- many on this site seem to believe those days are over for ND football

Kelly is a CEO type head coach. Not a player's coach. He needs assistants who are player-coaches. Things went south when he lost Warner to Urbie then lost Diaco (both player coaches.) BVG was NEVER a player coach and it showed in the way the team played.

I have a feeling Kelly is going west.

(*But am not at all happy with the coaching choices out there right now.)

 

[Kelso86]

I believe that the only explanation is that there are no changes, hence no announcement.
Kelly will be the coach at ND in 2017.

He went 10-3 last year with three losses coming to teams that finished in the top five. 2016 was his mulligan. He'll be back in 2017, albeit on a very short leash, I believe.

Up until the NC State game I was an avid BK supporter. However, his arrogance and stubborn-ness have worn on me. I just don't like him anymore. But I'm a realist also, and can see that he'll be back on the sidelines for 2017.

I do think that staff changes and role adjustments need to be made, forcibly if need be.
Sanford needs to be OC. Period. No buts. Give him the keys and let him drive or crash on his own. Hire Strong as DC. Period. Go get him and pay him whatever he wants.
Gilmore and Cooks positions need to be evaluated - hard.

What about Harry H as well? The O-Line, to put it mildly, sucked big time this year.

 

[HuddleBurger]

I believe that the only explanation is that there are no changes, hence no announcement.
Kelly will be the coach at ND in 2017.

He went 10-3 last year with three losses coming to teams that finished in the top five. 2016 was his mulligan. He'll be back in 2017, albeit on a very short leash, I believe.

Up until the NC State game I was an avid BK supporter. However, his arrogance and stubborn-ness have worn on me. I just don't like him anymore. But I'm a realist also, and can see that he'll be back on the sidelines for 2017.

I do think that staff changes and role adjustments need to be made, forcibly if need be.
Sanford needs to be OC. Period. No buts. Give him the keys and let him drive or crash on his own. Hire Strong as DC. Period. Go get him and pay him whatever he wants.
Gilmore and Cooks positions need to be evaluated - hard.

If the current season ended today, Kelly would be 1-11 against Top 25 teams in his last 3 seasons. He's been trending badly for a while IMO.

 

[IrishBlessings]

If the current season ended today, Kelly would be 1-11 against Top 25 teams in his last 3 seasons. He's been trending badly for a while IMO.

Exactly ! Why can't we beat teams we are not supposed to be even at a 30% clip - which might be acceptable.

BK as the head coach has underachieved in all seasons except 2 .... 2 out of 7 - that is not a quality head coach IMO.

 

[theskibro]

for keeping the fan base twisting in the wind, putting the recruitment class at risk, and leaving Kelly to spin things his way? The University can put a stop to all the conjecture and all the media stories, and give recruits a sense of stability by simply announcing that Kelly is returning. Jack's announcement of this several weeks ago has no cache based on events since then. I admit I am often amazed at the speed or lack thereof that ND moves on personnel issues, whether it be hiring assistants or disciplining players, etc... but this lack of communication is hurting the program. An announcement that Kelly is the HC next year would be a simple easy thing to do, even for ND. So, what other explanations are there? I don't want to believe that this information void is caused by the administration and Kelly haggling over money and that this might dictate whether Kelly returns or not. I prefer to think a decision has been made that Kelly will not return, and the timing of the announcement is being driven by:
1. Jack allowing Kelly to exit gracefully and under the appearance of a mutual parting as he has some opportunity he wishes to pursue.
2. Jack wanting to announce the new coach shortly thereafter but waiting for conference championship games to be played to do so, assuming the new hire coaches for a team in one of these.
3. Jack waiting for the face to face with Kelly which I have read is tomorrow, as Kelly stayed out West, which is contrary to what I thought Kelly announced after the USC game where he suggested he wanted to get back asap to SB for exit interviews.
I know I must be missing something here, so what other plausible explanations are there?

TelX

You are money on your points Have to think Kelly and Jack agreed he would issue that announcement to media - otherwise Kelly should be fired on the spot

And apparently there is no interest!!!!! at least that we know of

The pressure is on Jack right now and I sent a letter to Father Jenkins basically saying that

This is a mess !!!!

 

[Telx1]

A mess for sure, and every day that passes with no resolution just makes the hole that much deeper. I would write Father Jenkins a letter as well, but I doubt he cares what a subway alum thinks.

 

[Kelso86]

A mess for sure, and every day that passes with no resolution just makes the hole that much deeper. I would write Father Jenkins a letter as well, but I doubt he cares what a subway alum thinks.

He may not care what the subway alumni think, but if the donating alumni (and donating subway alumni as well) stop giving, then ears will perk up!

 

[Java65]

Less pressure and a boat load of Nike money! (And less bs ND football restrictions.) I'm thinking he's already going to Oregon. (Say what you want, with all those restrictions he took us to a Natty and he got us a few plays away from the final four last year, losing to three teams in the top five! -- many on this site seem to believe those days are over for ND football

Kelly is a CEO type head coach. Not a player's coach. He needs assistants who are player-coaches. Things went south when he lost Warner to Urbie then lost Diaco (both player coaches.) BVG was NEVER a player coach and it showed in the way the team played.

I have a feeling Kelly is going west.

(*But am not at all happy with the coaching choices out there right now.)

He was also a few plays away from losing 2 or 3 more games, but he didn't. He won 10 games and got humiliated in the bowl game... that's what happened. We could play the "what if" game forever.

Sure he lost to some good teams, he always loses to good teams. Hell, I could lose to top 10 teams. The only top team he has ever beaten is MSU. He beat Ok. in 2012 and they finished at #15 a good win no doubt but still not a top 10 team.

Like I have said, he is a good coach but he didn't do anything that dozen's of other good coaches would not have done at ND. Beat bad teams, lost to some very average teams and routinely lost to good teams.

 

[twalsh]

He may not care what the subway alumni think, but if the donating alumni (and donating subway alumni as well) stop giving, then ears will perk up!

Except anyone involved in ND fundraising will tell you that they don't. Very little correlation between football success and alumni and major donor giving.

 

[NotreDame du Lac]

Unfortunately my exact fear is what you mentioned. This could very well be all a bicker about money. That is very troubling considering there are many student athletes lives at stake and many future student education is at stake. Not to mention The future of the program is at stake.

I am sure it is also a case of ego from whatever powers decided Kelly was worth offering an extension to in the first place.

When power and ego are at hand there usually are poor choices made by a single individual or a handful of them. Went that is the case there is usually a lots of negativity that follows. Everyone else suffers as a result of a few.

 

[NDHHI]

No news or endorsements from jack at this point means Kelly is not leading us out of the tunnel next year