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?
From NCAA
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08/04/2006
By PAUL NEWBERRY
AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) - The first game is still a month away. Georgia Tech can hardly wait.
The Yellow Jackets opened preseason practice Thursday, a sweltering afternoon that was better suited for a trip to the pool than suiting up in helmets and pads. But everyone was eager to get on the field - even in the midst of a heat wave - because each practice brings them a little closer to that Sept. 2 opener against Notre Dame.
``That's the first challenge, and it's our biggest challenge,'' cornerback Kenny Scott said. ``It definitely pushes us to prepare to the best of our ability.''
The Fighting Irish, who figure to be one of the top-ranked teams in the country, will be in Atlanta for a nationally televised night game that provides the Yellow Jackets with a chance to break free from the sense of ordinariness that has settled over this program.
Four years running, Georgia Tech has finished with seven wins and either five or six losses. From a positive viewpoint, that's allowed the school to stretch its streak of bowl appearances to nine in a row. Then again, no one is satisfied with wrapping up the each year at the Emerald Bowl or some other minor postseason bash.
If the Yellow Jackets can open the season with an upset of Notre Dame, they could likely get off to a strong start. The Fighting Irish are the first of four straight home games, followed by Division I-AA Samford, Troy and Virginia.
``This game has got to be one of the biggest games I've ever played in,'' junior running back Tashard Choice said. ``We all understand that. We know what kind of team we're facing, what kind of tradition they have. We've been ready for this game since January.''
Much of the focus during the preseason will be on a secondary that is breaking in three new starters and will certainly be under the gun against Brady Quinn, who set several Notre Dame passing records last season.
Scott, a senior, is the only returnee who has started a college game. Juniors Djay Jones and Jamal Lewis are expected to take over at the safety positions, while there's a spirited battle at the other corner: Avery Robertson was listed on the first team coming out of spring practice, but he'll be challenged by converted receiver Pat Clark and sophomore Tony Clark.
``I've got to be the leader in the secondary,'' said Scott, who has 23 career starts. ``No matter what we do, I feel it's going to be a reflection on me.''
Over the years, Georgia Tech has shown a willingness to begin the season with tough opposition and not just settle for an automatic victory. In 2005, the Yellow Jackets opened with a road game at Auburn, which was coming off a perfect season, and pulled off a shocking 23-14 upset.
But there's something a little different about facing Notre Dame, perhaps the most magical name in all of college football. After a few down years, the Fighting Irish have reclaimed their place among the nation's elite, going 9-3 and finishing with a No. 9 ranking in coach Charlie Weis' first season.
``This is much more a national game,'' Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey said. ``Auburn-Georgia Tech was more of a regional game. Sure, it was a big game for everyone down here. But on a national level, this ballgame is bigger.''
The game has been a sellout for months, and the Yellow Jackets hope to use the home-field advantage to overcome a team that probably has superior talent.
``It's probably not as big for them as it is for us,'' Gailey said. ``They don't look at us as a big intersectional rival because they do it all the time. We don't. We stay in our region most of the time.''
Gailey has turned over the play calling to offensive coordinator Patrick Nix, who warned against putting too much emphasis on one game - especially the first game of the season.
``I don't think the goal is just to beat Notre Dame,'' Nix said. ``Our goals are much bigger than that. What if we beat Notre Dame but lose the rest of them? What have we done then? Notre Dame is just a step in the process.''
He's got a point. Last year, the Yellow Jackets got off to a 3-0 start and moved up to No. 15 in the rankings, but they couldn't keep it going.
Georgia Tech dropped five of its last nine games, including a 51-7 blowout at Virginia Tech, a fifth straight loss to rival Georgia and an embarrassing performance against Utah in the Emerald Bowl after getting passed over for a more prestigious postseason game.
``If we're only worried about Notre Dame, we're going to be in trouble,'' Nix said. ``We play a very tough schedule. We can't focus too much on one team.''
Senior quarterback Reggie Ball plans to follow his coach's advice, though he acknowledges that it will be difficult to get everyone on the same page.
``I'm sure the younger guys will be more excited than old hands like myself,'' Ball said. ``I expect to be on ABC every week. I expect (ESPN) GameDay to be here every week. I know it's not going to happen, but you've got to expect it if you want to be successful.''