JotCast | Notre Dame Football Live Chat Nov. 29, 2023 | 11/29/2023

Notre Dame Football Live Chat Nov. 29, 2023

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Eric Hansen

3:13

OK, have reporting to do on the WR coaching front and radio coming up at WSBT so off I go. Great questions this week, and sorry for the ones I did not get to. Pending a conflict with player/coach availability, which I do not anticipate, we'll be back to do this all over again next Wednesday at noon ET. And if there is a conflict, we'll find another time slot next week.

3:12

Hi Matt, Quickly ... Jayden Thomas, Jaden Greathouse, Rick Flores with a deep rotation and wouldn't rule out a lot of other potential starters, including incoming freshman Cam Williams. 2. Yes on the breakout season for Sneed in 2024. Feel very good about a bunch of the young LBs, including incoming freshman Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. 3. Great teacher, great recruiter, great chemistry. 4. He showed significant growth and deserves credit for that. 5. There are people who claim they are never surprised. I am not going to play that card. There are surprises every year and there will be this year.

Matt (KC)

Quickfire Five (cont). I hit enter to soon, ha! 3. What are the coaching traits MF looks for in his staff, what does he prioritize? 4. What have you thought of Tommy Rees at Alabama this year? 5. Last time you were truly surprised by a transfer, coaching change, or draft entry?

3:07

Quickfire five: 1. Who is your guess at the starting WRs next year if no one else transfers or commits? 2. Do you think Jaylon Sneed has a breakout next season?

Eric Hansen

That's George from El Segundo.

3:07

George, I appreciate your question. Email me, and I'd be happy to discuss it further.

3:04

Thanks, Beav.

The Beaver. Grand Rapids

3:03

Eric: We are in agreement that MF botched the news regarding retention of his assistant coaches Monday. But I don’t think you’re updated information regarding incomplete evaluations explains or justifies MF’s comments in any way. If we are taking about providing accurate information, and the presser occurred before evaluations were done, how hard is it to say that or to say that all positions will be evaluated at the end of the season. It’s an easy answer and totally acceptable given the season concluded two day’s earlier. The answer was not incomplete. It was deliberately misinforming and contrary to MF’s record. Curious. Regardless, thank you for the reporting and the continuing information behind the public comments. It is appreciated.

Eric Hansen

3:03

I think there would be opt-outs on both sides, maybe fewer ND opt outs, though I haven't really thought that through. I think most of BK's players respected what he did from the program and most thought he absolutely butchered the way he left the program.

Sean, Portland OR

3:01

if we play vs. BK in the reliaquest bowl... do you think anybody that would otherwise sit out the bowl game would actually decide to suit up and play? i'd love to see Alt/Estime have one more game just to stick it to him. do players have any animosity towards him?

Eric Hansen

2:57

Hi Doug. I agree it really did work out for ND, although I think Will Shipley is really good too. As is Logan at LSU now. It's a tough read with Audric. He has a cousin ,who's like a brother to him who played in the NFL, Terrence Fede, who is very savvy on football business. My guess is he does not play in the bowl.

Doug from Sunny Florida

2:50

Eric, I remember when ND recruiting put all their eggs into the Will Shipley basket and didn't get him. Then, they had to 'settle' for stealing Logan Diggs out of LSU's back yard and trying to flip Audric Estime from MSU. Seems like it worked out all around but ND certainly got the better deal. Do you think Estime will play in the bowl game or opt out pending entering the draft?

Eric Hansen

2:50

Hi Tom. If that isn't a huge priority this offseason (and I did include that in my list on Marie's questions), it SHOULD BE.

Tom in Evanston

2:49

Eric, I know Freeman juggled the prep for the players on away games. Did he juggle the prep for the coaching staff for away games? Should he have? The 3 road losses had similar patterns...

Eric Hansen

2:48

Just a tip on formulating question. I don't mind a little opinion, venting mixed in. It's when there's so much of it that it overwhelms the question, I just can't prioritize it -- especially if I need to address clear misinformation or an opinion I would NEVER co-sign on. It just takes away from the actual questions. ... ok back to the chat.

2:46

If and how Parker works out or doesn't will greatly affect the way Marcus Freeman is perceived. It already does. We had Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney on the Inside ND Sports podcast this week. He said teams are and will use Parker's offense against ND in recruiting. Now, if Marcus can defend it, not a problem. ... And if Parker works out and Marcus is right, that should reflect on him as well, to be fair.

Irish Mike, Altoona, PA

2:43

Hi Eric! Thanks for the chats! One day after Marcus saying that if it is up him his entire staff will return. Twenty four hours later Chansi Stuckey is fired! Was that Freeman’s decision or Swarbrick’s? In all honesty I think the wrong guy got fired. If Parker doesn’t work out next year will he and Freeman be on the chopping block?

Eric Hansen

2:43

I'm not sure what bringing in someone to be co-offensive coordinator would accomplish unless you are taking away play-calling responsibilities, In which case, is it really co-offensive coordinator? What bowl? Are you kidding? ReliaQuest vs. LSU and Brian Kelly. The press conferences alone would be worth charging for. I don't care of the Pop-Tarts bowl has an edible mascot. ND vs. LSU!

2:40

Hi Marie. I saved your question for a little later in the chat since there are so many elements to it that require more than just off-the-top-of-my-head reactions. So I've been pondering this for much of the chat. I think I'm ready now. So let's start with your five things: 1. If Parker is staying long term, put the best supports in place, grad assistants and analysts, to make that work. And if Freeman changes course, go get the best who fits ND. 2. Have a succession plan in place in case Al Golden is lured away and hire someone who can be ready in January at the latest. 3. Do an exhaustive review of game-day operations, especially on the road. 4. Hire the best strength coach available. 5. Hire the best WRs coach available. ,,, so obviously, the list should go beyond five. (more)

Marie from Atlanta

2:35

Hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great week. It’s hard to believe the regular season is over. It all went so fast. I think most fans feel this year was disappointing, and I think people feel that last year was disappointing as well. Though I’m a big Freeman supporter, I think it is very important that he has a good year in his third year. I think most fans would feel that if Notre Dame cannot make the 12 team playoff next year, that would be extremely disappointing. What 5 things do do you think it is the most important for Freeman to do in the off-season to make sure he has a successful third year as head coach? Also, with regards to Parker, if he is still on staff as opposed to just bringing in an analyst, do you think there is any chance if they could find the right coach and he was willing to come that they would bring in someone and make them a co-offensive coordinator? Finally, what bowl match up do you most want for ND? Thanks for hosting the chat and all your insights!

Eric Hansen

2:35

HI Gerald. Tyler James has been working on that and has put together some names to know. If you're a subscriber, you can access it here:

Gerald from Madera

2:33

Who is the frontrunner to replace Chansi Stucky as Receiver coach and how will it impact recruiting?

Eric Hansen

2:31

Hi Paul. It is Marcus Freeman's expectation that he will and he's more than hinted at it, but it has not yet been verified 100 percent, and we'll likely have that answer officially on Sunday after the bowl destination and opponent has been announced.

Paul From FL

2:29

It would seem to me that It would be advantageous for Sam to play in our Bowl Game--certainly for ND. What do you think? Will he play?

Eric Hansen

2:29

Based on Marcus Freeman's track record, I understand your skepticism completely. I do have what I consider a reliable source on it who has yet to steer me in the wrong direction, so I am going to embrace that information.

rich d Melbourne Fl

2:28

I realize this is unfounded speculation but I'm struggling with Marcus just "fumbled" in the course of 24 hours.

Eric Hansen

2:28

Hi Dave. They've turned it into an in-house thing, no longer inviting the media and the public and really not publicizing the award winners. If that changes back, I will let you know.

Dave from DC

2:27

Do you know if the team will have an end of season awards ceremony? I don't recall hearing about one last year.

Eric Hansen

2:26

Hi Don. There was a lot to like about this season, but I think it's fair to label it as a missed opportunity. The evolution of the defense made it possible, and then the offense fell down in key moments. It should have been 11-1. And that is the perfect amount of rant. If I could fix only one thing, it would be to have an elite offensive coordinator, whether that's Gerad Parker 2.0, as Marcus is suggesting at this point, or one of the guys I mentioned in an earlier question, that is where I'd put my attention ... bringing a dynamic offense to ND that will stand up in the big games. And thank you.

Don in Scottsdale

2:23

D was mostly great. Special teams were good. All in all 9/3 could have been 11/1 but other than the OSU game, Louisville and Clemson had their number. I am still optimistic about CMF. He is a stand up guy and my belief is he will continue to grow and elevate the team and himself. Questions, if he asked you what's your counsel for the off season, spring and fall and if only one thing could be fixed what is it? Thanks again for the coverage and the somewhat rant. Based on my false expectations this was a disappointing season but again it was the expectation.

Eric Hansen

2:23

He has not, and my expectation is that he will stay at Notre Dame. That's not a slam dunk, just my expectation of what I know today.

Michael, Elkview

2:22

Did Tobias enter the portal? If not do you expect him to stay?

Eric Hansen

2:22

Hi John. Great to hear from you. I realize by putting my email here and not making you follow some digital breadcrumbs puts me at risk of winning the lottery in Ireland, having a Nigerian prince wanting to leave me a fortune if I can just provide my bank info and SSN, and all kinds of other goodies, but you're worth it ... so here it is: ehansen@insidendsports.com.

John from Scottsdale

2:20

Wanted to say “Thank you” for the clarification of an answer you gave 2 weeks ago. I appreciate sometimes brevity in this format leads to misinterpretation, which is why I asked. Keep up the great reporting. This chat is right in the middle of my workday so more often than not I have to read it in the evening. That’s the reason for the delayed response. Finally, you said to email you if I wanted further clarification. While I’ve seen you give your email I’ve never noted it and therefore don’t have it.

Eric Hansen

2:19

You're suppositions are correct as far as the players who have entered the portal so far from Notre Dame. No bowl. Yes, they want to find their new school ASAP. They also want to find out what their market is, both in terms of options and potential NIL. So keep in mind, these guys want to be able to enroll somewhere in January and play spring ball. Keep in mind, not everyone starts spring semester or winter quarter as late as ND starts its spring semester. Then, they likely will want to take visits, which takes time and needs to be worked around remaining school, final exams and the holidays.

Smitty, Tempe

2:15

Eric! Can you explain why a player would announce they're transferring prior to the bowl game? I assume once they indicate they're transferring, they would NOT play in the bowl game, and thus miss the practices / workouts. Is it a case of the player wanting to find their new school ASAP?

Eric Hansen

2:14

Hi Tom. REALLY enjoyed Thanksgiving. For me, it kind of continues this weekend -- the get-togethers, not the turkey part -- with other parts of my family. Can't wait. ... As far as Audric, I don't have issues with the volume of carries. 210 is a big number in this day and age and with the depth the Irish had. The only back in the 2000s at ND who averaged 20 carries a game or more is Darius Walker in 2005. Where I have an issue is the WHEN. Like in the final offensive drive of Ohio State ... more Audric. And in the second half of Clemson, MORE Audric. Yes to the interior D-linemen if Mills/Cross head to the NFL.

Tom Kennesaw, GA

2:07

Hi Eric, I hope that you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving!!! How do you examine what and how MF talks about his offensive coaching staff in public versus what is going on behind closed doors? I agree with your assessment that is Parker is not one of the top 10-12 OC that Freeman owes it to himself and the program to look around. I understand the value of consistency but Parker was so out of his element against Duke, Louisville and Clemson. All 3 were on the road which raises even more questions about preparation and game plans. Do you think Estime was used to his fullest potentialthis year??? Seems like DL will be a group with adding a portal player or two inside. Yes/ No ?? Go Irish!!!

Eric Hansen

2:07

Hi Mike. Matt Balis was so impactful in the program beyond strength and conditioning and sports science. He was a father figure, helped drive the culture of the program and had institutional knowledge that would have helped bridge the gap for Marcus Freeman in year two. It's VERY important to get that hiring right. Having said that, in the short term interim Fred Hale largely followed the Balis template. He will be considered for the permanent job, but there is to be a national search and that'll pick up momentum here very quickly, I would expect. So again, in the short term, would Balis' presence have helped ND win against Ohio State, Louisville or Clemson? My answer would be no. I think the shortfalls in those games came elsewhere, but again LONG TERM, he would have impacted the program positively had he stayed.

Mike from Rockville, Maryland

2:01

Thank you for the chats, Eric! How much do you think Balis leaving affected the team performance this year? Do you think they will hire someone from outside the program or keep who they have?

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