It seems like Notre Dame football is at a major crossroads, with significant changes happening after an impressive 14-2 season. Despite the success, it's clear that the program's staff turnover is creating some big challenges for head coach Marcus Freeman. But it also looks like Freeman is working diligently to navigate these changes by bringing in some strong new hires.
Chris Ash replaces Al Golden
The decision to replace Al Golden with Chris Ash seems strategic, especially considering Ash's background with defensive backs and his leadership beside Luke Fickell. Golden's style was clearly popular, so it'll be interesting to see if Ash’s fiery approach can maintain that same level of success. His expertise should complement the strong defensive talent already present, but the transition could still have its bumps.
Ja’Juan Seider is a big get
With the talented trio of Jerimiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and Aneyas Williams at running back, having someone with Seider’s track record will certainly keep that position as a strength. His experience with developing 1,000-yard rushers at Penn State is a major win for the Irish.
A new GM (Mike Martin)
The search for a new General Manager is definitely an intriguing one. The evolving nature of college football’s rules around recruiting, the transfer portal, and NIL demands a savvy, experienced leader. Mike Martin seems like an excellent choice to help navigate this new era, and building out a robust scouting department could help the Irish gain an edge on the competition, especially with such a complex landscape.
Building for Long-Term Success
All in all, Marcus Freeman is making moves to stay ahead of the curve, and while there are inevitable challenges, these hires could help position Notre Dame for continued success. It's exciting to see how these changes will unfold and if they'll pay off in the long run. What do you think of these moves? Does the future of Notre Dame football look bright to you?
How can BSPN think we won't be more than two games better next year. We will be better at every position:
QB, HB, TE, WR #1, WR #2, RT, RG, C, LG, K, P, all return on offense. They all will benefit from another year experience. At the very least, ESPN must admit they won't be worse.
Kamara, DWalker, or Goodman should all be upgrades over Grimes @ WR #3.
Aldridge will be an upgrade over Asaph @ FB.
And, at least from the run game standpoint, Duncan will be an upgrade over Turk @ LT.
Plus we replaced Latina with Verducci which, based on the last Irish Eyes drills I saw, seems to be an upgrade.
Weis also replaces Hayward as the play caller which has to be an upgrade.
On defense, we return our middle Linebacker (B Smith) and three Defensive lineman (I Williams, Kerry Neal, and E Johnson), two safeties (if you include H Smith - plus K McCarthy), and two CB (if you include Walls and McNeil).
I also believe KLM will be an upgrade over Justin Brown, Hafis Williams and Newman will be an upgrade over Kuntz, and either Filer, T'eo, or Fleming will be upgrades over H Smith and Crum.
The secondary will be awesome with the safeties as H Smith, Sergio, and Kyle with the younger McCarthy providing additional depth. Plus the cornerbacks of Walls, McNeil, Blanton, Gray, and Slaughter absolutely kick ass!
Plus Tenuta will be calling the plays which, as much as I love Corwin, should be an upgrade.
I just don't get it?