Notre Dame Footbal: Winds of Change Blowing for Fighting Irish
Notre Dame football fans have been collectively holding their breath for the last couple of months regarding Al Golden and his Irish contract extension from the Irish. Rumors of a contract offered but not yet signed were abound. An eerily similar dynamic to the one that ended with Mike Denbrock heading back to South Bend from LSU. Much to Notre Dame fans’ delight, the speculation has ended as Golden has agreed to terms on a 4-year deal with Notre Dame.
As Marcus Freeman enters his 3rd year, the staff is led by two of the best coordinators in the country and recruiting is going very well. Notre Dame feels to be at the end and the beginning of something. This is the end of the beginning of the Freeman era. After a rocky couple of years to start, things have leveled out. Locking Golden long-term in has initiated the beginning of the next phase for the Irish.
Winning.
And winning big.
Let’s discuss why the timing suggests the Irish are about to crank it up a notch and truly compete for glory in the modern CFP era.
The 2 Pillars
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better 1-2 punch at offensive and defensive coordinator than Mike Denbrock and Al Golden. Both coaches have decades of proven high-level experience, are winding down their careers not looking to use Notre Dame as a stepping stone, and have simultaneous 4-year deals.
This is the exact kind of stability a young coach like Freeman needs. It’s a beautiful dynamic that allows everyone to thrive. Having such proven commodities on each side of the ball provides a level of stability that is worth its weight in a leprechaun’s gold. This is how you support a young head coach.
Freeman Year 3
It feels like just yesterday Marcus Freeman was just beginning his journey as head man for the Irish. Time has flown by as we now set up for season 3 of this modern Irish regime. Freeman is more experienced, he’s learned from mistakes and is finding his comfort level and footing at Notre Dame.
There will and should be increased pressure on Freeman to deliver from now on. Any old excuses, even legitimate ones about the roster or staff are going away. Freeman’s DNA is all over this program now. The Irish faithful are ready to start seeing the rewards after a challenging first 2 years.
Roster Improving
Notre Dame’s roster is turning over and improving rapidly. They are gaining more athleticism, length, and speed through recruiting and the portal with each chance they have to do so. It’s not a finished championship-level product at this moment, but the arrow is pointing up in a way it hasn’t in literally decades regarding pure talent.
The roster is being shaped more and more in Freeman’s vision. Will it pay off? Irish fans certainly hope so. This staff recruits hard. They grind consistently and deserve a ton of credit for their energy level and creativity. Will these groups of players be the ones that bring national elite credibility respect back to South Bend?
Administrative Support
I have been one of the loudest critics of the Notre Dame administration when I’ve felt they haven’t properly supported the football operation over the decades. That being said, I always try to be fair. This group deserves a ton of credit lately.
The Irish administration has spent elite-level money for both coordinators in the last couple of months and will be revealing plans for a football building renovation / and or build soon. They have also made great advancements in NIL and their transfer and recruiting processes. All of these support moves show football buy-in at a level I’m not used to seeing from the powers that be at Notre Dame. It warms my Irish soul to see.
For more Irish news & notes follow John on Twitter @alwaysirishINC, Always Irish on Youtube and or your preferred audio podcast provider.
