JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 8, 2021

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Dec. 8, 2021

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Eric Hansen

2:02

What do you mean "kidding aside?" Free drinks is nothing to kid about. ... So there's some similarities to having to face Wisconsin. I think Baylor did a great job, especially early, of throwing safe passes and completing them. That opened up the run, then Okie State adjusted in the second half. Oklahoma put up 33 points, mostly safe passes but they took some shots. Quarterback Caleb Williams had 95 yards on 19 carries, and that helped open up the traditional running game for Kennedy Brooks. So my conclusions. Tyler Buchner's going to have to be part of the game plan, not just mopping up/playing late. ND needs to get some quick passes out to the perimeter. They can't abandon the run, but need some misdirection mixed in. And occasionally take some deep shots. The Irish defense is going to have to help out by forcing turnovers and creating short fields for the offense.

Bert from Windermere

1:50

Hi Eric I Hope we run across each other during my next visit to ND. I will gladly pay for a few rounds of drinks to exchange stories and experiences with Tyler and you! Kidding aside my question is what offensive plan would you suggest for the bowl game given OSU’s ability to stop the run and our line’s inability to run block for our good runners. Have a blessed Christmas.

Eric Hansen

1:49

Hi Marie. Thanks. One of my sons is getting married Saturday, so I better be awake for that. For the next week, Marcus' main focus really needs to be finishing off his recruiting class, and there was a lot of damage control to do. Once he turns his attention to the Fiesta Bowl, it will be about elevating some GAs, analysts to give himself a full staff and then carefully delegating. He also will have to figure out what his game-day role needs to be. Then he's got some time to put together a game plan for an Oklahoma State team that's better than anyone else ND played in 2021 except for Cincinnati. As far as the UNLV game moving, ND would have to get a waiver from the NCAA to move that game to "Week Zero." It has not been on my radar, to be honest with you.

Marie from Atlanta

1:44

Hi Eric, What a week. You must be exhausted. Thanks for all the amazing coverage. What will be the biggest adjustments as head coach that MF will need to make prior to the Fiesta bowl? Also any concern that he would leave ND for Ohio State if the job opened up in the next couple of years? Finally, have you heard anything credible about the UNLV game being moved to the week before the Ohio State game next year, or is that just internet rumor? Thanks for all your great work, glad you will be going to a fun destination for the bowl game.

Eric Hansen

1:44

Buddy, there are other questions in the chat that have the same tone as yours. Expect the worse. After three post-Holtz regimes that didn't end well, I can understand your pessimistic attitude. But college football is filled with successful head coaches whose expertise is on one side of the ball. Nick Saban is one of them. He was a defensive back at Kent State and either coached linebackers or DBs before his first coordinator job -- on defense. But Nick hires great people and he listens to them and lets them do their jobs. He also learned a lot about offenses but knowing how to attack them. So no, I do not see a pattern. As far as what he could or should have said. I think if he spoke to the important points about how to build upon what's already here. I'd expect him to have answers and comments that go into greater detail once he's given it time and thought.

Buddy from Oakland, CA

1:34

A marching band, perky cheerleaders, a full football team, sportswriters galore, a picture perfect family, a proud mom and dad, and stirring speeches...what a press conference! Everything seemed perfect to me until Marcus Freeman was asked about what offense he would run and then for me all the energy went poof. He said something about deferring to Tommy Rees. What a letdown. I wanted to hear about strengthening the O-line, shoring up the receiver corps, bringing in elite quarterbacks, and figuring out how to attack elite defenses. Then a thought struck me - Weis was an offensive coordinator who knew nothing of defense and it showed! Davie was a defensive coordinator who knew nothing of offense and it showed! Eric, please tell me this pattern will not continue with Freeman because I have a really bad feeling.

Eric Hansen

1:34

Listen, I know I’ve been labeled as a player’s coach, and I’m proud to wear that badge. But I’ll be honest, I think there’s a misconception about a player’s coach, that Oh, the players like him — he’s their buddy. And my players know this: just because I don’t walk around like I have to put fear in their hearts, that doesn’t mean the demands aren’t going to be extremely high. I’ve always been a believer that being a coach doesn’t mean there has to be some constant level of discomfort for kids to reach their goals. You can be very demanding, and still make people feel good and still make people feel important — as long as they believe that you have their best interest at heart.
That’s the coach I’ve always been, and I’m going to stay true to that. These kids today are so smart. They’re so intelligent, and they know what’s real and what’s phony. If you’re not authentic they’ll see right through you.

1:32

Thanks, Michael. I think the most important thing for a coach to do is be true to himself. There are many coaches in the Hall of Fame, and they didn't all use the same template. The ability to adapt and evolve as the game changes around you is paramount as well. Marcus also addressed this in the Players' Tribune article. Here's what he said: (more)

Michael from Galesburg, IL

1:30

Eric, great work on the kelly/Freeman news frenzy! Leo Durocher's old adage that "nice guys finish last" works double for a physical and dangerous game like football. Every coach needs to instill some level of fear in his players for motivation. Nick Saban is famous for his temper and hard edge. Does Marcus Freeman have that hard edge from what you have seen and heard as a reporter?

Eric Hansen

1:30

The longer I’m in this profession, the more it’s become really obvious what it means for a man that looks like me to be elevated in this industry.
I’m a part of the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches started by Coach Locksley. He’s doing an unbelievable job of trying to open up doors for minority coaches. And being a part of this coalition has been an important reminder that: Hey, you are a representation of a lot of people. And that’s what I want to be. I want to be a representation, but also more than that I want to be a demonstration. I want to be a demonstration of what someone can do, and the level they can do it at, if they are given the OPPORTUNITY. Because that’s what is needed: opportunity. We need more minorities to get the opportunity to interview — and we need more minorities to get the opportunity to do a job that they can have success in.

1:29

I'm going to share with you this excerpt from Marcus' self-written article in the Players' Tribune. (more)

1:26

Hi Brianna. I appreciate your question and took it, not because I have a great answer, but because I think these are conversations we shouldn't be afraid to have and need to have. And part of having a great conversation is both sides listening respectfully and trying to understand each other. I think this has potential implications in the Asian-American community as well. Marcus' mom is a South Korea native. QB Tyler Buchner, S Kyle Hamilton and DE Jordan Botelho all have Korean ancestry. In these discussion, I think opportunity and fairness are the key points. That's what I would focus on from your comments and your question. (more).

Brianna from L.A.

1:18

Eric, you did great work this past week. Thank you. President Emeritus Monk Malloy has indicated that the firing of Tyrone Willingham was a very low point for the University of Notre Dame. Willingham was not given the same 5 year proving period that other ND coaches have benefited from. The obvious implication is that racial bias was a factor. In fact racial bias seems to be an issue for all of college football in that only 12 Division 1 schools have African American head coaches. Contrast this with the fact that well over 65% of college football players are African American. It's really a national disgrace. Does the hiring of Marcus Freeman signal a new era for fairness and diversity in college football or is it an outlier with very little national influence?

Eric Hansen

1:18

Well Phil, thanks, I think LOL. I would assume Ramon will be fine. I was able to sneak in one injury question to Marcus so far, and that wasn't easy. We don't have a postseason media schedule yet, but I'd assume our next chance to chat with him will be on signing day, next Wednesday. If there's a window to ask about bowl game details then, I'll make sure to ask. If not, I'm sure soon after, we'll have a chance to catch up on all those details.

Phil from Foster City, CA

1:14

Eric, it was good to see what you look like when you stood up to ask your questions at Monday's Marcus Freeman Introduction Press Conference. You look even smarter than you write! LOL. Question for you about Ramon Henderson and his pulled hamstring suffered early in the Stanford rout. Any news about his health/availability for the Fiesta Bowl? The guy looked like an absolute natural at Free Safety prior to the injury. Assuming (and I hope I'm wrong) that Kyle Hamilton will not play in the Fiesta, I'd feel better about Irish chances if Henderson is ready to go. Thanks.

Eric Hansen

1:14

Well, Alan, as you know it's not just the quarterback ... but that is a position where Notre Dame needs to be elite if it is going to win a national title. So let me rephrase your question a bit. I think Tyler Buchner has that kind of potential. But you need to have more than one of those guys on your roster. That's why the Irish have aimed so high in the 2023 and 2024 classes, extending offers to and pursuing the most elite QB prospects in those classes. No you have to land one.

Alan from Whiteland, Indiana

1:11

Eric, in your opinion, is there any quarterback on the current roster that can lead Notre Dame to wins against schools like Alabama and Georgia or is this a position that needs to be upgraded in future recruiting classes? Thank you.

Eric Hansen

1:11

Chuck, thanks for the intro and for staying under the 17-part question limit ... barely. 1. He puts his family first and he loves Notre Dame. ... and he believe in Marcus Freeman. 2. Marcus has his own vibe. Wouldn't compare him to any of those you mentioned. 3. I don't think so. I think there was good give and take. Moving forward, I think Tommy feels ready and able to spread his wings a little bit. I think Tommy's play-calling will improve largely because he's learning, not so much because BK is gone. 4. Not in the doghouse. He plays the same position as Isaiah Foskey. He's learning to play some rover. I think he's had a good year, with the chance to be special in 2022.

CHUCK from CLEVELAND

1:06

From the city that gave you Polish Boy street food, the Cleveland Clinic, Drew Carey and the star of the Dan Patrick Show, our own Eric Hansen! Nice to participate on the FIRST CHAT post Freeman Era. Thank you Eric for your round the clock efforts! Questions: 1) Why did Mike Elston stay after he had been with BK for sooo long? He is a valuable asset. 2) Would you agree that Marcus' Head Coaching style will be more like Dabo Swinney than other successful Coaches, e.g., Saban, Mack Brown, Mel Tucker, Lincoln Riley? 3) Was Tommy Rees "handcuffed" a bit by BK and do you expect better critical-game-moments play calling? Lastly,4) Was Botelho in the dog house of BK, Marcus, both or none, just beat out by better players? Would hope that he stays and contributes greatly in 2022. Pls keep up the fine work!

Eric Hansen

1:05

Stosh. I think if you accept the job as head coach at Notre Dame, handling those kinds of expectations and pressures is a big part of the job. If you're not up to those challenges, go coach at UConn.

Stosh from Canton

1:03

Eric, the expectations and the hype for ND football have gone through the roof. I'm just not sure that's a good thing. Imagine the pressure it puts on the back of a first time Head Coach. What are your thoughts, Eric, about what Charles Dickens would call...Great Expectations?

Eric Hansen

1:03

I think there are fans who are on both sides of that debate.

1:02

Hi Mark. I appreciate you being part of the chat. Part of your question is actually a math problem. So, all FBS programs get 10 assistants. If you are going to have Tommy Rees just be the offensive coordinator and not also the QBs coach, then what position group are you going to sacrifice? Combine wide receivers and tight ends? Combine tight ends and O-Line. Drop the special teams coach and split those duties among other assistants? So that's an issue. Jeff Quinn (who may or may not stay) and John McNulty have both been offensive coordinators. Both have lots of experience. Lance Taylor, though less experienced that those two, is a guy ready to be a coordinator. He's that skilled. Del, if he stays, is experienced as well. I think I get the gist of what you're getting at. With Marcus' expertise on the defensive side of the ball, is it wise to turn the offense over completely to a 29-year-old? If you believe he has the talent, maturity and resilience, and that he's earned it, then yes. (more)

Mark, Orange County CA

12:52

Hi Eric, appreciate you hosting these chats. Hope you have been able to get some rest. So last chat I said that I really wanted ND to hire an experienced HC. Somehow FR. Jensen and Jack Swarbick ignored my request. Coach Freeman does seem to have many of the qualities needed to succeed, excluding offensive experience, and game day experience making HC calls like clock management, penalties... Coach Reese has 2 years OC experience all under BK. Is there room for ND to bring in an experienced quarterback coach?, I would be thrilled for coach Freeman to take the program to the next level but I am concerned with the lack of coaching experience on the offensive side. Your thoughts on this: Thanks

Eric Hansen

12:51

Hi Lorraine. I think it can be a win/win. I'm not sure LSU plays to Brian strengths more than ND did, but we'll see. He introduced himself to his new team and talked about winning a national title. He hasn't done that at the Division I level. Many of those players have, in 2019. So much about coaching success is fit. We'll see if Brian fits in the SEC. I do think you made some good points about the talent in Louisiana and not having to do as much cross-country travel to recruit. And I do think Marcus understands Notre Dame and its demands better than a lot of coaches I've seen walking in the door.

Lorraine of South Bend

12:46

Eric, as an SMC alumna and ND football fan, I think the past week has been a win/win for BK and for ND. BK gets to take over a program that plays much more to his strengths than ND. At LSU, BK has a home state recruiting market filled with 4 and 5 star players. He doesn't have to recruit nationally. He also can focus on developing football players rather than student athletes. ND wins because it gets a much needed boost of energy from a rising young coach who welcomes the challenge of recruiting nationally and who takes great satisfaction in developing all aspects of the student athlete. Freeman, unlike Kelly, understands how ND's unique culture can be a strength rather than a limitation. Do you agree with this win/win assessment?

Eric Hansen

12:45

Jack showed patience and support to Kelly in that process. I'm sure there was collaboration on a lot of key points. That's what really good organizations do. Saying he forced Kelly into the changes makes it sound like he'd get sent to his room without supper if he resisted. I don't think that's an accurate characterization of what happened. But again Swarbrick did play a key role. Time will let us know whether Marcus was the right hire. As I wrote last week, hiring him was a gamble. Not hiring him was a bigger gamble.

12:42

Hi Leo, and thanks for the compliment. To your two questions. The 2016 turnaround had a lot of layers to it. A big part of that were players like Mike McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson. They not only gave Brian Kelly an unfiltered an unapologetic earful about what was wrong with HIM and the program, they stayed around in 2017 to help see the changes through and provide leadership to make sure the other players bought in. Kelly had to be open to hearing that and not only willing to make changes, but able to make the right ones. (more)

Leo from Auburn, NY

12:34

Eric, over the years you have done some very insightful interviews with Mr. Swarbrick. You probably know him as well as anyone reporting on ND football. Can you give us some insights into the man? I was a bit surprised that he has showed no bitterness toward BK for abandoning ship on the cusp of a possible CFP game. I was also shocked that he moved so quickly on the Freeman hire. I feel good about the hire because I trust Swarbrick's judgment. Eric, isn't Swarbrick the one who saved ND football in 2016 when he forced BK to make some fundamental changes? Do you agree that with the Freeman promotion Jack has now saved the program twice?

Eric Hansen

12:33

Hi Ruth. This is pretty common in the coaching profession, where assistants get elevated to head coaching positions and position coaches get elevated to coordinators. That doesn't mean that it is without its challenges that must be met. I think that coaching is such s collaborative business helps. I also think Marcus Freeman's people skills and what he was able to accomplish in his first 11 months buys him the respect that this promotion was earned. I think if there were resistance from the other assistants, they would have already been eating crawfish and wearing purple down in Baton Rouge.

Ruth from Jordan, NY

12:29

Eric,as a graduate of the Mendoza School of Business, I am interested in the Freeman hire from a managerial perspective. Coach Freeman will now have to manage and direct a staff with whom he has been a co-equal colleague and partner. He will have to become their boss. My business experience tells me that can be an incredibly difficult transition for both sides to deal with: You are no longer my friend and partner; you are now my boss. Eric, how do you see this transition working out with staff and with Freeman?

Eric Hansen

12:28

Gerry, I don't think it makes a hill of beans difference whether the fan base is complacent about Oklahoma State and its prowess and how that might play into the outcome of the game. Now it it were the players and coaches — and they're not complacent — that would be a different dynamic all together.

Gerry from Sherman Oaks CA

12:20

ND hasn’t played a team with a winning record since Cincinnati. With all the excitement over the team’s performance in the last 4-6 games and over Freeman’s hiring, do you sense the fan base is complacent about the challenge posed by Oklahoma State?

Eric Hansen

12:17

Hi Mike. Thanks for the good thoughts about catching up on sleep. There are a lot of questions in the queue about O-line coach Jeff Quinn and WR coach Del Alexander. They are the two assistant coaches that are not yet confirmed where they will be coaching in 2022. As you mentioned, special teams coach Brian Polian is off to LSU. The others are confirmed staying at Notre Dame. What I'm hearing is that those two would like to stay beyond the bowl. There's a chance they could, but there are no guarantees. As far as access under Marcus Freeman, I'm not sure what that will look like yet. I would hope we'd have more access to the assistant coaches. Beyond that, I think access in the lingering pandemic was pretty good for us this year.

Mike in Rochester NY

12:07

Hi, Eric, hopefully you got a chance to catch up on the sleep you lost last week. I saw Brian Polian is leaving, as somewhat expected, and sorry to see him go. I thought he’d done a good job improving special teams and reopened the recruiting channel to Hawaii. Any word on the status of Jeff Quinn and Del Alexander? I expected Quinn would be going to LSU but maybe not? Any indications yet on whether you and the rest of the media will have more access to coaches, players, and practices? Kelly seemed to really limit that in his tenure at ND and it seemed to make the job a lot tougher for you, Tyler, and the other reporters.

Eric Hansen

12:05

Hi Jeremy. The five-star safety is making his college announcement at 5 p.m. EST today. I do not have a future as a psychic apparently. I believe he'll choose to stay home and play for Iowa.

Jeremy from Goshen, IN

12:03

Hi Eric, at one point you were predicting Notre Dame to land Xavier Nwampka in an upset. Today is commitment day. Is that still your prediction?

Eric Hansen

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12:03

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12:02

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