Wharton70

The above is the sensible strategic explanation - with which I agree - add to that Brady was more comfortable with Am, Ed, Hogan and Mitchell (i.e. more game experience with all), so when they were more ready than when MF was signed, they suited up (and all performed well) leaving no room on the bus for Mike. I think that another team or teams will offer and he will move, on, but for him, that would be a shame. There is a future for him in NE, and tough love BB (whatever else you want to say about him) would give him the 'life' guidance that MF needs. JMO

...or as Sundance would say

Arm Stength & 40 time have little to do with the ability to coach or manage - For every Wooden, Lombardi, or Landry, there is one (actually there are more) Alston, Dressen, (showing my age) Belichick, Francona, Maddon, and yes, Saben and Meyer who were less than all americans.... give the guy a chance, he may not have met your expectations as a player, but he bled for the team, so why rag on him before he has started coasching? Plus he kicked a cop in the goolies - that's got to count for something, right?

How is this different from meatchicken hiring Paramus Catholic's HC and still recruiting there? Or is it that the rule is 'impending'?

Faith - good analysis - I had been thinking the same way, but your comparing this OC & DC to Martin & Diaco is very apt, and the comment " being forced to try this again" is probably spot on. Let's hope that Jack keeps a firm hand on the tiller.

Thanks for all the good posts & guidance.

As Usual Faith - U Da Man - just what I had in mind, thanks for posting them.

It is off season, and a chance to check out the videos they have on the late 40s (Leahy era), and the 60's 70's under Ara. (suggestions the '66 Purdue game - the debut of fling & cling & '66 MSU (POTS)) - also some of the great Lou era games. This will give you an idea of why some of us favor the Page, Lynch & Hart era players. (see Hawaii's list among others) None of that will explain my choice of Father Corby (channeling John Goodman) as a KR, other than the fact that the school that I went to is the one that they tore down to build the old school. )

in the mid 60's (like Sorin) St Eds was a 'cool guys' hall - Lyons was the high GPA hall, but great location - Keenan, Stanford, Fisher and Pangbang were newer, with less tradition, Badin also had a cool cache, right by the bookstore, Gilberts and the basketball courts.

KR Rocket, Tim, and FCC (Fair Catch Corby)

Ends Leon Hart, Jack Snow, Jungle Jim Martin OL George Connor, George Kunz FB Nick Pietrosante HB Nick Eddy LB Manti, Jaylon, Jimmy Lynch DL Alan Page, Tommy Regner (So. & Jr year) Zorich QB Joe

Jersey - Absence of Malice with Paul Newman.

Jack is polishing a turd.

You really connected some dots, and parts of this never occurred to me - thanks for the insight. As Sundance would say, "You keep doin' the thinkin' Butch..."

Seems to have done a good job in 3 cases that occur to me...

I hope that he focuses on ST instead (and has learned from Shaw & Hairball) He can be an effective rhythm guitar to Mike's lead. I hope that his ego does not get in the way. Kelly is on a very short leash, so there is not a lot of time to screw around. Keep It Simple Stupid. It is about blocking and tackling, not egos, politics, and players (e.g. Redfield) focused on making a highlight film that will get them "into the league". Excuse the rant.

Add to that very poor schemes and coaches (mostly from his 'bush') - van goiter, booker, molnar - and their inability to develop what have been good players from a strength, skill, and execution standpoint.

me neither (me C- in English comp) Vegas, well written and comprehensive - thanks for the hard work.

It echoed Golson's behavior - which I thought was Whitfield (his private QB coach) inspired, but I now think that Kelly blaming, yelling, bogus competition - all control freak signs is the issue - I think that a constant diet of this is why QBs 'regress' after year 1 - if you noticed - after Kizer walked away from Kelly, Denbrock walked with him, and put his arm around his shoulders, he was talking to him - almost like"he doesn't mean it - you are OK..." Rees was the only guy to 'stay' with him and Kelly with him - but the lack of arm strength and mobility gave Kelly an 'out' - also Rees is a coaches kid - so he probably was better able to let the BS roll off his back. I think that Lou (and Ara) would have loved to have Kizer (or Zaire) play for them, 'developed' the heck out of them, and had a great relationship with them.

I had not thought it through that way, but it makes more sense than most of the other scenarios - thanks. Your lips to God's ear.

Dead on! No momentum / swagger built with the schizo 'scheme' shifting and pi** poor play calling - this also undermines the confidence of the skill position players, including the qb - who is directed to run a lame play then screamed at when it flops. I think that HH is the best line coach since Joe Moore, but his people are not developed from a strength and explosiveness standpoint. Watch how much better most become when they get to the NFL. Gilmore is also hurt by lack of S&C development. This is on Longo, and on Kelly. Time to clean house - keep Sanford, Elston, Denbrock, HH, Lyght, Denson, and Gilmore (if they fit with a new HC) - Kelly, Longo, and Booker - out.

Great call - super contributor, and even keel, yet passionate guy. (see title ) - Long may he reign!

Like the names, like the order - would only add Mark D from M$U (at #2 or #3). That is a very long shot - he is wired in there, and would probably not want leave with this year's record. But wouldn't it be some crazy karma? the Cinci / ND successions? I have come to believe that purple face did so well at Cinci on Mark's coat tails - and perhaps skipping that step (success on his own merits) set him up to fail (as he has done) on the even bigger stage at ND. CBK has done some good things, for which we should be grateful, but it is time to move on.

Agreed - not to get political, but it reminded me of hrc trying to 'dance' (which she attempted on a talk show) or rock a southern accent. Painful.

Perhaps send Booker to uncle nico-land? When have ST not cost us since he has been in charge? You teach BEFORE the mistake, don't wait until after one has occurred - watching a kick off while the Miami player jumped on it? That ND player was a HS star last year and probably never played in that role - that is on Booker - he has them at least in the class room for parts of the week. Ditto Pride & Boykin getting brushed by a punt. It is an iceberg Captain Titanic - plan around it! That said, very happy for the players.