Smart Football on Brian Kelly

Submitted by van on

http://smartfootball.com/grab-bag/thoughts-on-brian-kelly-as-notre-dame…

Raises the key question (and one that Michigan has quasi-grappled with*):

"Which brings us to probably the scariest similarity with Weis: Kelly needs to find a good defensive coordinator, and I’m not sure who that will be."

*Quasi because numbers/experience clearly played a key role.

Blue_Bull_Run

December 11th, 2009 at 11:50 AM ^

What about Jon Tenuta? Wasn't he supposed to be Charlie's other half? (Or in this case, "Other tenth?")

And now, for my second point - I'm sick and tired of Brian Kelly already.

West Texas Blue

December 11th, 2009 at 11:56 AM ^

Eh, Tenuta's D are pretty high risk, high reward due to his aggressive playcalling and blitzing. Didn't work out too well for ND's defense as they got torched all season long. I was never sold on the guy.

Magnus

December 11th, 2009 at 11:56 AM ^

Tenuta is a good defensive coordinator. Just like any DC, he needs time to install his system. And while Notre Dame has done great at pulling in offensive recruits in the past few years, the defensive recruiting hasn't been great.

BlueRaines

December 11th, 2009 at 12:23 PM ^

This year ND has recruited (according to Rivals) equal numbers on the Offensive and Defensive side of the ball.
9 offense / 9 defense.

2009: they recruited only 5 defensive players (4 linebackers).
13 offense / 5 defense.

2008: 10 defensive recruits, including another 4 linebackers.
13 offense / 10 defense.

2007: Another very weak defensive recruiting class.
13 offense / 5 defense.

I had never actually looked at the numbers before but it's pretty easy to see that Charlie neglected the defense at a pretty alarming rate. I can not see their defense getting any better (except the linebackers) until they start recruiting that side of the ball with more regularity.

JPQ

December 11th, 2009 at 12:21 PM ^

Bo Pelini wasted little time turning the Nebraska defense around. It shouldn't take long for Gerg to install his system if indeed he is a great defensive mind. I have faith.