JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 20, 2021

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Jan. 20, 2021

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Eric Hansen

3:12

I'm out of time. Thanks for all the great questions and for joining on a day where there's a lot more important things going on in the world. Let's continue to do this weekly at last for another week or two. So next Wednesday at noon ET. Thanks again.

3:11

Happy New Year, Ken. I'm not projecting ND to be a playoff team in 2021, but it they were, we'd see elite play at the quarterback and wide receiver positions.

Ken - Pensacola

3:10

Eric- New Year, new hopes. What is the greatest need for ND to return to the College Playoffs this coming year. Thanks for all of your GREAT work on the chats and football stories.

Eric Hansen

3:10

Megat, I wouldn't say radical. I think there's a natural growth pattern and elements you'd want to keep ... like a really godo running game (which Alabama also had).

Megat Muzaffar, KL, Malaysia

3:09

Hi Eric, do we need to reinvent and introduce a radical BK Offense 2.0 in 2021?

Eric Hansen

3:07

I need to circle back to him. We exchanged text New Year's Eve, but I need to get back to him. Yes, I do keep in contact with a lot of them. Not on a weekly basis, but periodically. Some are Facebook friends. And a lot of them come on our podcast, so that's a great way to catch up.

Mark, Orange County CA

3:06

Hi Eric, have you heard anything further on how Louis Nix is doing? Do you stay in contact with many ND football player alumni?

Eric Hansen

3:05

Jack Swarbrick told me in an interview a little over a year ago that head coaching experience wouldn't necessarily be a prerequisite this time, because the program is in a different place. And I like Elston's potential as a head coach somewhere. But I still think the preferred path is having head coaching experience elsewhere. And whether it's Swarbrick or his successor making that decision, that's where I'd expect that search to finish ... with an experienced head coach.

Gabriel Weiss from North Liberty

3:03

Hello Mr. Hansen, thanks for your time and insight. Do you think if Kelly retires in the next few years, and Elston is still here he would be considered for the head coach position or would it be only coaches with OC or DC experience? I am a big fan of his and also think he is a great recruiter.

Eric Hansen

3:03

Circling back to Clara's and Cole's questions. Notre Dame didn't have the roster to get to the playoff with Alabama's formula. They did have a roster to get to the playoff with a ball-control model. The referendum at the playoff level is that model isn't going to win games on that stage without a perfect game from ND and some really bad bounces for the favored team. Given ND's roster composition next year and recruiting priorities, my expectation is that they'll try to push toward a more explosive/dynamic offense to pair with a top defense.

3:00

Because maybe EJ Williams adapted to the overall college experience more easily than Jordan Johnson did. I understand why you ask the question, though. You look at an ND team without a guy likely to be picked in the first two days of the draft and wonder why a five-star talent can't get on the field. If ND was thriving at that position and if JJ couldn't offer a different skill set, then maybe the question is moot. I'll put it this way. This is a big year for wide receiver and offensive development. A lot of eyes will be on DelVaughn Alexander and Tommy Rees.

Mike IN

2:55

Why can Clemson find a way to get EJ Williams, rated lower than Jordan Johnson, on the field but Kelly can’t? Seems like if you get a 5 star commit you should be finding packages to get your talented guys on the field, no?

Eric Hansen

2:53

Cole, quit peeking at Clara's paper.

Cole from WA

2:53

Will Kelly learn in year 12 that he needs to adapt his offense to the landscape of CFB in 2021? Saban won titles and then realized he needed to completely overhaul his offensive system to keep up with the way the game is changing. Will Kelly do the same? He hasn’t shown the ability to do so because that would require him not having some control over his offense that’s why I’m wondering.

Eric Hansen

2:53

Clara, being an elite coach and team is about evolving, because football is constantly changing. What worked 12 years ago doesn't work today. Notre Dame's vaunted 2012 defense wouldn't function well in today's football, and that wasn't that long ago. So no, I don't expect ND's offense to remain static. I do thank you for your question. I did a big piece on just this subject just ahead of the CFP semifinal if you'd like to read more:

Analysis: Notre Dame, the gap between the Irish and playoff ogres, and the chase

Clara from IN

2:49

what changes do you think Kelly makes to the offense? Or do you think he’ll just stick to what he’s done in 12 years and keep trying to chase 2012 offenses?

Eric Hansen

2:49

Danny, I'll be honest with you. This kind of question ticks me off. First of all, let's assume no one has asked Kelly about his influence on the offense (which is absolutely false), what will be gained by asking him. ... or what do you hope will be gained. That he'll say, "Gee, since I'm being asked about this, maybe I should just shut up and do some yoga?" He's been asked ZILLIONS of times, though perhaps not with the intent you'd have. And the answer has changed over the years. But if you're the head coach and have offensive expertise, why wouldn't you want to be part of the solution rather than a bystander? As far as Georgia, look how much better they were once they went with J.T. Daniels at quarterback. And I'm not sure Kirby Smart has proven to be an elite in-game strategist. So it's not just talent. It' s not just coaching. It's not just play-calling, it's being really good at all of that stuff.

Danny from MA

2:43

Yes they need more talent on offense but the bigger issue is actually the system! Look at UGA - 5 stars all over the field and their offense is also mediocre because of the system. Do you agree and if so why does no media member ask Kelly about why he still has his fingerprints over the offense?

Eric Hansen

2:42

Wow Stephen, that means a lot. Thank YOU.

Stephen from Toledo OH

2:42

No questions come to mind for the first time in forever. That being said I just wanted to thank you for your awesome insights and opinions. They really made the year feel a little more normal during this pandemic and it was one of the few bright spots. Hope we have another great year ahead even with all the question marks. I’m curious to see what Kelly can do with the team this upcoming season and think it is a big moment to see if he’s really an elite coach or one that builds up to certain years of relevance instead of reloading. Thanks again Eric!

Eric Hansen

2:42

There was a tremendous talent drain from California pre-pandemic that has gone the other way during it. So not only has ND lost out on some elite California talent, so have others such as Clemson, etc. Once players can start taking in-person visits again, that could turn right back around, especially if USC has a bad year on the field. Notre Dame did take five players from California in the 2021 cycle, which now has that state leaping over Ohio and into second place for the most recruits of the Kelly Era. Florida is No. 1. Georgia and Missouri are surging. I think a fair evaluation will be once assistant coaches can get back out into those schools you mentioned and players can take paid official visits to ND.

Jeff from Phoenix

2:34

Hey Eric, my concerns and question are on recruiting. I have read the excellent columns from you, Tyler, and Carter on the challenges of upgrading the talent to reach a championship. But, California recruiting seems to have slipped, and USC has a stated goal to 'take back the west' in recruiting the local talent. The Rivals 2022 list includes 10 recruits in the top 100 from CA, and the vast majority (9 of 10) are from Catholic schools like Mater Dei/Servite/Bosco/Serra/St Bernard/Bishop Alemany that have a legacy of sending solid student athletes to ND. What is the gap in recruiting - perception of ND by recruits, lack of effort/deprioritization by BK staff, or something else? Much thanks for your insights-

Eric Hansen

2:34

OK, I'll play along. I'll take Ole Miss' offense. They were third in total offense in 2020, pretty balance and put up 48 points against Alabama this season. Given Ole Miss had the second-worst defense in the FBS, I think ND can improve upon the 63-48 final score. Not sure if ND's defense/Ole Miss' offense wins (and Bama's defense improved as the year went on), but I think it's a game where both teams score in the 40s if the offense plays fast tempo.

Jacob, Hobart

2:31

You can pick any 2020 college offense to pair with ND's defense to take on Alabama. Which team would you pick and what would the score be?

Eric Hansen

2:28

I like it. I'd add some clarity at buck linebacker and a strong rover candidate (and there are some good options there).

Jeff, Cleveland Irish

2:27

Eric, What do you think are this team's greatest needs going forward, specifically the 2021 season? Here's my own personal opinion on the matter. 1) One of the QB's to take ownership of the position early on and settle in to lead the team this year- I'm hoping it's Buchner (a lot to expect from a true freshman, but I'm hopeful). 2) Multiple WR's to step up and establish themselves. 3) Multiple people to step up in the secondary, beyond Kyle Hamilton. 4) And finally, although I feel there's talent on both sides of the ball, I think both the offensive and defensive lineman need to establish themselves and consistently improve throughout the season. How do you think I did? Any similar sentiments Eric?

Eric Hansen

2:27

Denis, I'm sure glad you did submit that first question ... and many more since. There are now two signing periods -- a three-day window in mid December and the traditional February signing day. Most kids sign in December. Diggs remained committed but elected to sign in February. So the earliest he can do that is Feb. 3. Recruiting is full of weirdness, so there are never absolutes, but it would be a shock if he didn't sign with the Irish. I'm not sure about his speed, but his versatility is what stands out the most ... runs with power and elusiveness and tremendous balance. Really good receiver and really good in pass protection.

Denis fron Niagara Falls,ON

2:14

Hey Eric! Logan Diggs has me confused. Sounds as if he will commit to ND but is still waiting. Do you know what the delay is like perhaps he wants to announce on his birthday, etc. Also, have heard conflicting reports on what his game is, specifically regarding his speed. What do you think his strengths are? I want to say thanks for the podcasts today. I keep expecting them to be done for the off season. So thanks for the great job. Always look forward to them. Best thing I ever did was when I decided to submit my first question and see if I would get a response.

Eric Hansen

2:14

I think the defensive coordinator has more freedom (and there are good and bad examples of how that worked out_. But there must be a meshing with what Brian Kelly's overarching philosophy and vision is for the program.

Rick Fairman - markham

2:12

Eric how much freedom do co-ordinators have in setting an offense or defense how much say/ limitations does Coach Kelly place on them.

Eric Hansen

2:12

Man, there's a lot and QB is so important, so I'll start there. A close second is wide receivers. I'm very curious to see how Lorenzo Styles Jr., Jordan Johnson, Xavier Watts and Braden Lenzy perform this spring. I don't have hopes for anyone to take a starting spot. That's not my job, but I'll have my opinions about who does end up as starters.

Joey G. Philadelphia,Pa

2:07

Hi Eric, Looking ahead to spring football what position group are you most eager to see? And who in that group are you hoping steps up and takes a starting spot?

Eric Hansen

2:07

The easy answer is 50-50, because then you're always right. So let's not play that game. I'll go 60-40 he comes back.

Joey Westernport,Md

2:05

Eric, what are the odds that Houston Griffith suits up for the Irish in 2021?

Eric Hansen

2:05

Adam, thanks for your kind words. You packed a lot into your questions. Let's start with Chad Bowden. Weird story at this point. ND has a hiring freeze university-wide when it comes to new positions. So is he filling an existing opening and rebranding that position? Is there a loophole? I think it will be next week before we get clarity. Good idea guy if it happens, but remember this is a behind-the-scenes kind of position, not getting out on the road. ... I mentioned earlier, the pandemic is keeping a lot of athletic departments from adding right now. They're trying to keep from substracting. More top 100 players? That's an attainable goal. Adding a strong recruiter, like Marcus Freeman, is one of the pieces that helps you get there. Getting to the playoff is another. As far as Tommy Rees, as the offensive coordinator, his possible impact expands. He's worth watching this cycle to see if he takes the next step as a recruiter.

Adam, (Dayton, OH)

1:57

Eric! Thank you for your fantastic coverage and running the best chat around...we appreciate this more than you could know! So, officials apparently won't confirm it, but there appears to be a new support position in the hiring of Chad Bowden. Which would be awesome. Are you hearing anything in regards to ND investing in more resources/hiring more support staff in general...to try and close the gap with the 3 elite programs right now? In your estimation, what is a tangible (and realistic) thing ND could do to try to get some more of those top 100 type players? Is it as simple as just having better recruiters on staff...which we think Marcus Freeman will be? Assuming he does what we think he can do as far as defensive recruiting, are there any reasons for optimism as far as Tommy Rees and offensive recruiting? Thank you!

Eric Hansen

1:57

Smitty, a lot of those coaches go their to resurrect their stock and to learn from a man many consider the best football coach of their lifetimes. I think it has a much more profound effect on game planning and management than it does in recruiting. Recruiting is about relationships, and at Alabama, it's also about Saban and the culture. So they recruit well more in spite of the revolving door than they do because of it.

Smitty, Tempe, AZ

1:54

Eric - I'm interested to hear your thoughts on the "coaching school" that Saban has going. It amazes me that he's able to get former college (and NFL!) head coaches to come in as position coaches and analysts. How much of an advantage do you think this allows, both in recruiting and game planning / management?

Eric Hansen

1:54

I think we'll see the safeties coach opening get momentum and clarity next week. There's a couple of internal candidates, including Kerry Cooks. Las Vegas Raiders assistant Taver Johnson is a strong outside candidate. I don't think that choice will affect Houston Griffith's decision to come back to ND. Brian Kelly and Marcus Freeman very much will affect that decision.

Paul from Chicago

1:49

Do you know anything new about the safeties coach opening? Would they consider moving Kerry Cooks to that spot? I think he is still an analyst with the program, correct? I remember him as being a solid recruiter during his first stint at ND. Would the hire at that position affect Houston Griffith?

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