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?
Vegas DB may follow his sister to Notre Dame
by RYANO'LEARY
BlueAndGold.com Staff Writer
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Jashaad Gaines has never visited his sister Tulyah at college. That will change shortly.
In fact, he just might wind up going to school with her.
Gaines, a 6-foot, 202-pound safety from Las Vegas High School in Nevada, has been collecting scholarship offers all year long. Earlier this month, he got one from his sister's school -- the University of Notre Dame.
Tulyah is a sophomore guard on the Irish women's basketball team. Jashaad has never been up to see her, but that should change now that Notre Dame football is on his radar screen. He hasn't set a date for an official visit, but certainly plans on making one sometime this fall.
Jashaad is also considering Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Stanford and Washington -- who he became interested in because of former Notre Dame coach Tyrone Willingham.
"He met with my mom and my sister last year," Gaines said. "(They) liked him a lot...That's why I'm interested in Washington. It just turned me on to him as a coach."
The firing of Willingham did nothing to sour his interest in the Fighting Irish, however.
"It didn't turn me off to Notre Dame at all," he said.
Gaines, who missed about a month of his junior season with a partially torn ACL, hopes to squeeze in visits to each of the above colleges this fall and make a decision after that. He has already been to Stanford and Washington on unofficial trips.
Jashaad hasn't narrowed his list or hinted toward any favorites, but there is definitely one big factor working in Notre Dame's favor.
"I wouldn't mind at all going to school with my sister," he said.