Chat Transcript: Cleaning up the Stuckey purging aftermath at Notre Dame
Eric Hansen: Welcome to the waiting-for-the-bowl-assignment version of Notre Dame Football Live Chat, brought to you by J&R Solutions.
Some quick programming notes:
► If you missed the last episode of our aspiring-to-be-viral Notre Dame Football YouTube show, Football Never Sleeps, it keeps its shelf life long after the live presentation, which is Monday nights at 7 ET. And we’ll roll right through bowl season on a weekly basis. Remember, if you miss the live show, you can catch up anytime on YouTube. Tyler James and I are also doing a live postgame show of our takeaways after every game. Here’s what last week’s show looked like. We’re also partnering with WSBT-TV this season, including collaborating on highlights and analysis. We’ll have some collaborative content with them next week after the bowl announcement.
► On this week’s Inside ND Sports Podcast, Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney joined us to discuss the transfer portal wave coming up and Notre Dame football recruiting. Among the topics Gorney discussed with Tyler James and me, how the retention of offensive coordinator Gerad Parker and the play of Sam Hartman will play in the recruiting cycle nationally, the incoming transfer QB market for the Irish, on the interest Zeke Correll/Chris Tyree should command in transfer portal, lessons in ranking portal players, how NIL factors into the portal process, the high school senior seasons of Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Logan Saldate, Bodie Kahoun, CJ Carr and much more. The podcast can be listened to via SoundCloud or on your preferred podcast platform including: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Podbean and Pocket Casts.
► Finally, we’re rolling into bowl season at WSBT radio season, as I have rejoined Darin Pritchett as a co-host on Weekday SportsBeat (960 AM, live streaming at wsbtradio.com) on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the 2023 Notre Dame Football season and during bowl prep. I'm also co-hosting the pregame shows with Darin and Tyler Horka (which is not a clever stage name for Tyler James). The weekday shows run from 5-6 p.m. ET. This next pregame show will be on the day of Notre Dame’s TBD bowl game. You can download episodes as podcasts.
As far as this week’s chat, please include your NAME and HOMETOWN along with your question(s).
Here are the rules:
Off we go …
Ron from Dover, Del.: Hi Eric. I expect you will be very busy between the transfer portal and now what appears to be coaching changes. I read different opinions about coach Chansi Stuckey’s performance, but it seems strange that MF spoke about retaining the staff when he must have had some concerns over coach Stuckey’s. Do you think he was the fall guy for OC Parker’s mediocre performance?
Eric Hansen: Hi Ron. December coverage has definitely taken on a new dynamic in recent years with the new transfer portal timeline and dynamics and coaching changes around the country being accelerated because of that timeline and the earlier signing period. ... The Chansi Stuckey firing Tuesday is a coming theme among the questions in the queue today. We'll explore that fully through your questions, trying to hit different aspects as well as getting to all the other intriguing topics. To your question specifically, Ron …
I wouldn't characterize Chansi Stuckey's dismissal as being a fall guy for offensive coordinator Gerad Parker's perceived shortcomings. And I'll add that while Parker should be on staff through the bowl game, my expectation is that all staff positions, including Parker's, could (and should) be re-evaluated after the bowl game. So why did Marcus Freeman say he'd like to have everyone back on Monday, then fire Stuckey on Tuesday?
That was a fumble on Marcus Freeman's part. From a source, the Zoom was scheduled when Freeman was not through his evaluations, and instead of saying what he did, he should have said he was in the midst of that process. Given how well Stuckey had recruited, Freeman must have felt the development issues were significant. Because recruiting and retention had been a problem prior to Stuckey's arrival. There was not a new precipitating incident after the Monday 12:30 ET Zoom with the media that changed the trajectory of Stuckey's future.
Joe H from Williams Bay, Wis.: Hi Eric. Thanks again for all your insight this roller coaster season After hearing Coach Freeman’s remarks it seems like he wants to retain Gerard Parker as his OC My questions are One Do you believe he deserves to come back after this year’s performance and secondly if he’s retained do you think we’ll add anyone to the staff to help our offensive performance I feel adding someone like Skip Holtz as an advisor of sorts would help us tremendously. Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Hi Joe. Here's is my thinking when it comes to retaining Gerad Parker as offensive coordinator at Notre Dame. And I'm not going to preface it by saying he's a nice guy (he is, though) or any other qualifiers, because it comes down to this: If he is not one of the 10-12 best offensive coordinators in college football, is there evidence that he has that potential in 2024? That's different than, say, if Al Golden left and an inexperienced Mike Mickens took over. Mickens has a track record with the ND program and with this defensive system. He also has a backstop in that Marcus Freeman is a former DC.
Parker doesn't have that kind of backstop, even though QBs coach Gino Guidugli and O-line coach Joe Rudolph have offensive coordinator experience. Your concept of bringing in someone like a Skip Holtz as an analyst (not necessarily Skip) makes a lot of sense if Parker is going to be retained for the long term and gives that decision a much better chance of being a successful one.
Mark from Orange County, Calif.: Hi Eric. Thanks for these chats. I didn't participate that much this season, but I always read the transcript. What conclusions are you drawing as to the state of the ND football program and its future from what you observed this season? Trending up. Regressing. A top 20 program but not a top 10 program or maybe a future playoff contender?
Eric Hansen: Hi Mark. Thanks for lurking during the season and jumping into the question portal today. The one thing that helps me answer questions like this is I've seen a lot of successful and unsuccessful coaching regimes since I started covering college sports as a journalist in 1983 and moved into the South Bend market five years later. You can't always extrapolate past regimes because football evolves, but there are some interesting checkpoints that make it helpful. Marcus Freeman checks a lot of boxes that other coaches have struggled with and struggles with what I perceive to be more of the fixable issues. But one really bad or one really good coordinator hire here or there can take you down or make you. The Brian VanGorder hire/retention nearly broke Brian Kelly. The Matt Balis hire was a huge turning point. So was Mike Elko, which led to Clark Lea, which set the stage for Marcus Freeman. I can't emphasize how much the Gerad Parker decision now and going forward may affect Freeman's own trajectory for better or for worse.
OK, now that my word salad/prefacing has concluded, the high points Marcus has shown as a leader, the recruiting level in an NIL/transfer-portal-influenced world leave me encouraged that Notre Dame will start to ascend toward the top 10 again. THIS offseason and next season are critical. I'm not ignoring Freeman's area of needed growth. But I don't see unfixable red flags in that particular area.
Shane from White Deer, Texas: Hey Eric. Hard to believe the season is over. I was fortunate enough to be in Ireland for the first game and ended the season watching the PAC 12 network. Kind of seemed appropriate for the way the season turned out. This is kind of a “chat” question rather than a football one per se. With Notre Dame being a National brand, I was wondering during the course of the season, how many different states you may hear from? While reading the transcripts, it seems like you get questions from sea to shining sea. Thanks for the season. Way too short. Take care.
Eric Hansen: Hi Shane. I don't think there's been a state I haven't gotten a question from over the course of time. There used to be a yoga teacher in Alaska, for example, we was a regular. There was a guy from Idaho who scared the crap out of me once as I was walking to my car after player interviews. He was a regular, but he popped out of nowhere, and I thought he was going to rob me of my life savings ... all $5 of it. Them he introduced me to his wife, who popped out from behind a van. Then we had a beer later on. … Not just states, but many countries, too. I think it's trickier these days, other than Canada, to access the chats from outside the U.S. Love the Canadians.
We do market research for our advertisers and the diversity in geography is fascinating. Texas is huge in terms of who's reading our articles, though I think that's more Dallas and San Antonio than White Deer.
Zoltan from Columbus, Ohio: Hi Eric, The timing of the departures of Chris Tyree and Chansi Stuckey hints at a causal relationship of some sort. Do you believe one event prompted the other? Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Zoltan, if that is your real name, how cool are your parents? Love that name. ... I think the biggest impetus for Chris Tyree to hit the transfer portal was the opportunity to be a featured offensive player, whether WR, RB or both. This season, he was No. 2 among WRs in catches (26) and No. 1 in receiving yards (484) among all players and played only 35% of the offensive snaps. With the rise of Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison and the addition of Logan Saldate as the slot receiver position, there was almost a better chance those snaps would go down in 2024. There's definitely a market for him, either as a WR or RB. There always is when you have elite speed and a great work ethic/attitude to pair with it.
Ryan from Mars, Pa.: Good afternoon Eric what do you think About The Play of Audric And Baptiste Vs Stanford both looked Good Go Irish ☘️☘️🏈🏈
Eric Hansen: Hi Ryan, there were the guys voted players of the game and I have zero disagreements with those choices.
Mike from Phoenix: Eric, Can you give us a prediction of the starting OL and DL for 2024? And which players are 100% gone for 2024, not expecting any predictions on portal players. Sunny 70 today, stay warm. Thanks.
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike. REALLY SUNNY HERE and 70 — I mean 17. Seriously, 17 [It was actually closer to 35 … the temp indicator on my computer had frozen]. So, if I understand the second part of your question, you just want to know players with expiring eligibility. There are seven who CAN'T come back. They are QB Sam Hartman, WR Matt Salerno, S DJ Brown, Nickel Thomas Harper, K Spencer Shrader, LS Michael Vinson and DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste. So, you can see why with 23 recruits being signed and a handful of incoming transfers why ND's outgoing total of transfers/NFL early entries/medically retirees is going to be a big number. Now on to the 2024 offensive line.
Let's assume Joe Alt heads to the NFL and no one else leaves for any reason (which is not necessarily the case). I would say Blake Fisher and Aamil Wagner would be the tackles (and if that's the case, it would be hard to sell Tosh Baker on staying). Inside Billy Schrauth and Rocco Spindler at guards and either Ashton Craig or Pat Coogan at center. But keep in mind, there will be competition and someone could ascend that isn't obvious right now.
Sean from Portland, Ore.: I know the level of competition has dropped the last 2 games (WF, Stanford)... but it's the best the O-Line has looked all year in my opinion. Ashton Craig is a pleasant surprise. Is this another Joe Alt situation? Alt was the 3rd option after Fisher got injured... Craig was the 3rd option after Zeke Correll. Would Zeke have started on the line next year if he had stayed? Clearly his NFL grade didn't come back too high otherwise he would've just declared for the draft... he sometimes seemed a bit undersized and overmatched against big-time opponents.
Eric Hansen: Sean, I think the reason Zeke Correll did hit the transfer portal is because of the reasons you just stated ... there was no guarantee he would have won the job. GREAT leader, really good technician, resilient kid, but there were physical limitations and for someone who was so experienced, there were consistency issues.
J Buck from San Diego: Great work as always, I noticed the Rezac twins are coming to ND. One of them is a QB who completed 70% of his passes. Does MF still go out and get another QB? Also, do you think one of our current QB's them will enter the transfer portal if he does. In addition, do you think the backup QBs should get more playing time? I know people react differently in a real game vs practice. Some play better some worse, but will never know if they don't get the opportunities? Thoughts …
Eric Hansen: Yes, Notre Dame will still pursue a transfer quarterback and Marcus Freeman detailed why during his Monday Zoom. That said an adept walk-on QB is extremely valuable. Anthony Rezac did have an offer from Air Force, so his value in Navy prep one would imagine would be an added bonus. For those who don't follow recruiting closely, twin brother Teddy is a scholarship linebacker in Notre Dame's 2024 class. The QB who would have some demand in the market to be a potential starter elsewhere is Steve Angeli.
I think it really comes down to the conversations he will have with the coaching staff, who the incoming transfer is and how open he thinks the competition would be in the spring. I know he LOVED having Sam Hartman on the team this past year. But his situation is evolving, so we'll see. As far as playing time for the backups, the question back at you is to what end? If you think your No. 2 can help you win games in the current season, as was the case in 2018 and 2021, play them at critical junctures. If you know that'll be your QB1 the next season, get him in for as many snaps as you can without taking away from the current starter's chance to develop. Remember, Hartman was in a new system, with new footwork and a new way of thinking. If ND ran Wake's offense, keeping him in games longer would have been less consequential.
Ed from Sayville, N.Y.: Hello Eric. The departure of Coach Stuckey qualifies as a surprise given Coach Freeman’s words regarding staff the day before, as well as in relation to the timing of the move. Do you think the plan will be to hire a new receiver coach, or might this be the first move in a staff reshuffle leading to even bigger surprises? Sorry if this requires you to put on your Carnac the Magnificent hat, but what do you think?
Eric Hansen: I think Marcus Freeman is already vetting wide receiver coach candidates. With Notre Dame's current WR commits all on board and steadfast and none so far committed in the 2025 cycle, the timing can be flexible. I wouldn't rule out further staff changes, but not predicting that at this point. I will add that the way Marcus Freeman handled that Monday/Tuesday with Chansi Stuckey really threw me. He's been a reliable read to this point, in what he says publicly he has backed up with this actions. It puts him in a position for people to be less trusting in what he says, moving forward, fairly or unfairly.
Manny in San Pedro: Eric!!!! Another great job this year covering the team!!! You are the best!!!!!!! Is it worrisome that starters are transferring or does it show more that they may not be starters next year?
Eric Hansen: Manny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great to see you and thanks for the compliments and your question. Not worried at all, because those positions aren't guaranteed AND those guys so far have their degrees and some want more playing time or guaranteed playing time. Understandable. It's also part of the math equation. Let's do the math. Notre Dame finished the year with 84 on scholarship. There were guaranteed to lose seven ... so down to 77. Now let's add the 23 recruits ... so we're up to 100 and let's add say five transfers (and it could be more). So now we're at 105. They have to be at 85 by the time fall semester 2024 starts in August. So you subtract NFL early entries, maybe a player like Braden Lenzy last year who's ready for life after football, maybe a medical hardship and then the rest are going to be transfers.
Kevin from Sleepy Eye, Minn.: Eric!!!!!! Clear the air on this: Marcus wanted to keep staff intact on Monday then the news about Chansi. Was Chansi pushed out? Is this change the reason Tyree is in the portal?
Eric Hansen: Hi Kevin, we've kind of hit on this, but your exclamation points!!!! got my attention. I don't think the development issue with Stuckey was perceived to be universal, but significant enough for Freeman to make a change. You ask if he was pushed out .., firing does imply that, yes.
Jeff from Phoenix: Hey Eric, with bowl practices starting tomorrow, do you know how much access you will have? Any idea of the player and coach availability for interviews? Any timeline for talking with Pete Bavaqua? Cheers!
Eric Hansen: Hi Jeff and cheers back at you, unless you were just referencing the old TV show. Then, Norm! Notre Dame in this regime has been pretty good at getting us access. We will likely find out the schedule shortly after we find out about which bowl. And we'll share that info as soon as we know ... Connecting with Pete, my goal is this month, but we'll see if that's realistic.
Tom from Sister Lakes, MI: Hi Eric, Last week you asked me to resubmit my question in order to give you time to think about it. Even though Freeman now seems intent on keeping Parker, here are my questions. ND may soon be looking for new offensive and defensive coordinators. In your opinion, who are the top 3 college OCs and DCs regardless of availability and fit for ND. You cannot pick a HC who calls his own plays. Regardless of your answers to the first question, who in your opinion would be the one best OC and DC taking into account fit at ND and disregarding financial considerations. P.S. Eric, I don't know if Rivals has a transfer portal, but please don't enter to cover some other team. Your chatheads are singing "We will love you forever". Bonus question: It seems like Tyree's portal move was a sign of no-confidence in some combination of Freeman, Parker, Stuckey, or a qb to be named later. What do you think?
Eric Hansen: Tom, thanks for resubmitting the question. it's a fascinating one to me and I'm ready for it this week. So, first I'll mention the five Broyles finalists -- four OCs and one DC. The OCs are Mike Denbrock (formerly of ND) at LSU, Mike Bobo at Georgia, Sherrone Moore at Michigan and Will Stein at Oregon. The DC was Phil Parker at Iowa. Now to your questions. Keep in mind, a really good coordinator can have an off year because of personnel circumstances. Phil Longo, formerly of North Carolina and now at Wisconsin, would fit that bill. So too would Andy Ludwig at Utah. For fun, the top three per Pro Football Focus on each side of the ball going into the season were: OCs 1. Garrett Riley (Clemson), 2. Ryan Grubb (Washington), 3. Ludwig. Denbrock was 5th and Tommy Rees 10th. DCs: 1. Parker, 2. Jesse Minter (Michigan), 3. Jim Knowles (Ohio State).
Now my picks disregarding availability and fit: 1. Grubb at Washington, 2 Denbrock, 3. tie between Ludwick and Longo. DCs ... going to leave Minter out of it, because of what's going on at Michigan and don't want to get into it. I really like Jesse and have a connection with his dad. ... so we'll put that aside. 1. Parker, 2. Knowles, 3. Joe Rossi (Minnesota). I like Tony Gibson a lot at NC State. … Who would I pick if ND's coordinators got abducted by aliens? Parker on defense and Grubb on offense.
Thanks for the kind words. I love covering Notre Dame. Not sure any other fan base would put up with me at this point. ... I don't think Chris Tyree's transfer is a sign of no confidence, but looking for the best opportunity to boost his chances of playing in the NFL.
Frank from Royse City, Texas: How many Transfers do you think ND will bring in next season?
Eric Hansen: Frank, some of that depends on who they lose. But right away you could see a QB, a DE or maybe two. An interior D-lineman if they lose Howard Cross III and/or Rylie Mills, a safety, a kicker and a wide receiver.
Mike from Rockville, Md.: Thank you for the chats, Eric! How much do you think Balis leaving affected the team performance this year? Do you think they will hire someone from outside the program or keep who they have?
Eric Hansen: Hi Mike, and thanks. Matt Balis was so impactful in the program beyond strength and conditioning and sports science. He was a father figure, helped drive the culture of the program and had institutional knowledge that would have helped bridge the gap for Marcus Freeman in year two. It's VERY important to get that hiring right. Having said that, in the short term interim Fred Hale largely followed the Balis template. He will be considered for the permanent job, but there is to be a national search and that'll pick up momentum here very quickly, I would expect. So again, in the short term, would Balis' presence have helped ND win against Ohio State, Louisville or Clemson? My answer would be no. I think the shortfalls in those games came elsewhere, but again LONG TERM, he would have impacted the program positively had he stayed.
Tom from Kennesaw, Ga.: Hi Eric, I hope that you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving!!! How do you examine what and how MF talks about his offensive coaching staff in public versus what is going on behind closed doors? I agree with your assessment that Parker is not one of the top 10-12 OC that Freeman owes it to himself and the program to look around. I understand the value of consistency but Parker was so out of his element against Duke, Louisville and Clemson. All 3 were on the road which raises even more questions about preparation and game plans. Do you think Estime was used to his fullest potential this year??? Seems like DL will be a group with adding a portal player or two inside. Yes/ No ?? Go Irish!!!
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. REALLY enjoyed Thanksgiving. For me, it kind of continues this weekend -- the get-togethers, not the turkey part -- with other parts of my family. Can't wait. ... As far as Audric Estimé, I don't have issues with the volume of carries. 210 is a big number in this day and age and with the depth the Irish had. The only back in the 2000s at ND who averaged 20 carries a game or more is Darius Walker in 2005. Where I have an issue is the WHEN. Like in the final offensive drive of Ohio State ... more Audric. And in the second half of Clemson, MORE Audric. Yes to the interior D-linemen if Mills/Cross head to the NFL.
Smitty from Tempe, Ariz.: Eric! Can you explain why a player would announce they're transferring prior to the bowl game? I assume once they indicate they're transferring, they would NOT play in the bowl game, and thus miss the practices / workouts. Is it a case of the player wanting to find their new school ASAP?
Eric Hansen: Your suppositions are correct as far as the players who have entered the portal so far from Notre Dame. No bowl. Yes, they want to find their new school ASAP. They also want to find out what their market is, both in terms of options and potential NIL. So, keep in mind, these guys want to be able to enroll somewhere in January and play spring ball. Keep in mind, not everyone starts spring semester or winter quarter as late as ND starts its spring semester. Then, they likely will want to take visits, which takes time and needs to be worked around remaining school, final exams and the holidays.
John from Scottsdale: Wanted to say “Thank you” for the clarification of an answer you gave 2 weeks ago. I appreciate sometimes brevity in this format leads to misinterpretation, which is why I asked. Keep up the great reporting. This chat is right in the middle of my workday so more often than not I have to read it in the evening. That’s the reason for the delayed response. Finally, you said to email you if I wanted further clarification. While I’ve seen you give your email I’ve never noted it and therefore don’t have it.
Eric Hansen: Hi John. Great to hear from you. I realize by putting my email here and not making you follow some digital breadcrumbs puts me at risk of winning the lottery in Ireland, having a Nigerian prince wanting to leave me a fortune if I can just provide my bank info and SSN, and all kinds of other goodies, but you're worth it ... so here it is: ehansen@insidendsports.com.
Michael, Elkview: Did Tobias enter the portal? If not, do you expect him to stay?
Eric Hansen: He has not, and my expectation is that he will stay at Notre Dame. That's not a slam dunk, just my expectation of what I know at this moment. And sometimes that can change in a heartbeat. [And it did. When I answered the question, I knew there was a decision to be made, but my read was that he would stay. He announced his intentions to entre the portal later on Wednesday. The portal actually opens on Monday.]
Don in Scottsdale, Ariz.: D was mostly great. Special teams were good. All in all 9-3 could have been 11-1, but other than the OSU game, Louisville and Clemson had their number. I am still optimistic about CMF. He is a stand up guy and my belief is he will continue to grow and elevate the team and himself. Questions, if he asked you what's your counsel for the off season, spring and fall and if only one thing could be fixed what is it? Thanks again for the coverage and the somewhat rant. Based on my false expectations this was a disappointing season but again it was the expectation.
Eric Hansen: Hi Don. There was a lot to like about this season, but I think it's fair to label it as a missed opportunity. The evolution of the defense made it possible, and then the offense fell down in key moments. It should have been 11-1. And that is the perfect amount of rant. If I could fix only one thing, it would be to have an elite offensive coordinator, whether that's Gerad Parker 2.0, as Marcus Freeman is suggesting at this point, or one of the guys I mentioned in an earlier question, that is where I'd put my attention ... bringing a dynamic offense to ND that will stand up in the big games. And thank you.
Dave from DC: Do you know if the team will have an end of season awards ceremony? I don't recall hearing about one last year.
Eric Hansen: Hi Dave. They've turned it into an in-house thing, no longer inviting the media and the public and really not publicizing the award winners. If that changes back, I will let you know.
Rich d from Melbourne, Fla.: I realize this is unfounded speculation but I'm struggling with Marcus just "fumbled" in the course of 24 hours.
Eric Hansen: Based on Marcus Freeman's track record, I understand your skepticism completely. I do have what I consider a reliable source on it who has yet to steer me in the wrong direction, so I am going to embrace that information.
Paul from Florida: It would seem to me that It would be advantageous for Sam Hartman to play in our Bowl Game--certainly for ND. What do you think? Will he play?
Eric Hansen: Hi Paul. It is Marcus Freeman's expectation that he will and he's more than hinted at it, but it has not yet been verified 100 percent, and we'll likely have that answer officially on Sunday after the bowl destination and opponent has been announced.
Marie from Atlanta: Hi Eric, I hope you’re having a great week. It’s hard to believe the regular season is over. It all went so fast. I think most fans feel this year was disappointing, and I think people feel that last year was disappointing as well. Though I’m a big Freeman supporter, I think it is very important that he has a good year in his third year. I think most fans would feel that if Notre Dame cannot make the 12-team playoff next year, that would be extremely disappointing. What 5 things do you think are the most important for Freeman to do in the offseason to make sure he has a successful third year as head coach? Also, with regards to Parker, if he is still on staff as opposed to just bringing in an analyst, do you think there is any chance if they could find the right coach and he was willing to come that they would bring in someone and make them a co-offensive coordinator? Finally, what bowl matchup do you most want for ND? Thanks for hosting the chat and all your insights!
Eric Hansen: Hi Marie and thank you! I saved your question(s) for a little later in the chat since there are so many elements to it that require more than just off-the-top-of-my-head reactions. So, I've been pondering this for much of the chat. I think I'm ready now. So let's start with your five things: 1. If Gerad Parker is staying long term, put the best supports in place, grad assistants and analysts, to make that work. And if Marcus Freeman changes course, go get the best who fits ND. 2. Have a succession plan in place in case Al Golden is lured away and hire someone who can be ready in January at the latest. 3. Do an exhaustive review of game-day operations, especially on the road. 4. Hire the best strength coach available. 5. Hire the best WRs coach available. ,,, so obviously, the list should go beyond five.
I'm not sure what bringing in someone to be co-offensive coordinator would accomplish unless you are taking away play-calling responsibilities, In which case, is it really co-offensive coordinator? What bowl? Are you kidding? ReliaQuest vs. LSU and Brian Kelly. The press conferences alone would be worth charging for. I don't care if the Pop-Tarts Bowl has an edible mascot. ND vs. LSU!
Irish Mike from Altoona, Pa.: Hi Eric! Thanks for the chats! One day after Marcus saying that if it is up to him, his entire staff will return. Twenty four hours later Chansi Stuckey is fired! Was that Freeman’s decision or Jack Swarbrick’s? In all honesty I think the wrong guy got fired. If Parker doesn’t work out next year will he and Freeman be on the chopping block?
Eric Hansen: I think it was Marcus Freeman’s decision. If and how Gerad Parker works out or doesn't will greatly affect the way Marcus Freeman is perceived. It already does. We had Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney on the Inside ND Sports Podcast this week. He said teams are and will use Parker's offense against ND in recruiting. Now, if Marcus can defend it, not a problem. ... And if Parker works out and Marcus is right, that should reflect on him as well, to be fair.
Eric Hansen: Just a tip on formulating questions. I don't mind a little opinion, venting mixed in. It's when there's so much of it that it overwhelms the question, I just can't prioritize it -- especially if I need to address clear misinformation or an opinion I would NEVER co-sign on and might hot have anything to do with the eventual question. It just takes away from the actual questions. ... OK, back to the chat.
Tom in Evanston, Ill.: Eric, I know Freeman juggled the prep for the players on away games. Did he juggle the prep for the coaching staff for away games? Should he have? The 3 road losses had similar patterns.
Eric Hansen: Hi Tom. If that isn't a huge priority this offseason (and I did include that in my list on Marie's questions), it SHOULD BE.
Doug from Sunny Florida: Eric, I remember when ND recruiting put all their eggs into the Will Shipley basket and didn't get him. Then, they had to 'settle' for stealing Logan Diggs out of LSU's back yard and trying to flip Audric Estime from MSU. Seems like it worked out all around but ND certainly got the better deal. Do you think Estime will play in the bowl game or opt out pending entering the draft?
Eric Hansen: Hi Doug. I agree it really did work out for ND, although I think Will Shipley is really good too. As is Logan Diggs at LSU now. It's a tough read with Audric Estimé. He has a cousin ,who's like a brother to him who played in the NFL, Terrence Fede, who is very savvy on football business. My guess is he does not play in the bowl.
Sean from Portland Ore.: if we play vs. BK in the ReliaQuest bowl... do you think anybody that would otherwise sit out the bowl game would actually decide to suit up and play? i'd love to see Alt/Estime have one more game just to stick it to him. Do players have any animosity towards him?
Eric Hansen: I think there would be opt-outs on both sides, maybe fewer ND opt outs, though I haven't really thought that through. I think most of BK's players respected what he did from the program and most thought he absolutely butchered the way he left the program.
The Beaver from Grand Rapids, MIch.: Eric: We are in agreement that MF botched the news regarding retention of his assistant coaches Monday. But I don’t think you’re updated information regarding incomplete evaluations explains or justifies MF’s comments in any way. If we are taking about providing accurate information, and the presser occurred before evaluations were done, how hard is it to say that or to say that all positions will be evaluated at the end of the season. It’s an easy answer and totally acceptable given the season concluded two days earlier. The answer was not incomplete. It was deliberately misinforming and contrary to MF’s record. Curious. Regardless, thank you for the reporting and the continuing information behind the public comments. It is appreciated.
Eric Hansen: Thanks, Beav.
Eric Hansen: George, I appreciate your question. Email me, and I'd be happy to discuss it further. That's George from El Segundo.
Matt from Kansas City: Quick-fire five: 1. Who is your guess at the starting WRs next year if no one else transfers or commits? 2. Do you think Jaylon Sneed has a breakout next season? 3. What are the coaching traits MF looks for in his staff, what does he prioritize? 4. What have you thought of Tommy Rees at Alabama this year? 5. Last time you were truly surprised by a transfer, coaching change, or draft entry?
Eric Hansen: Hi Matt, Quickly ... 1. Jayden Thomas, Jaden Greathouse, Rico Flores Jr., with a deep rotation and wouldn't rule out a lot of other potential starters, including incoming freshman Cam Williams. 2. Yes, on the breakout season for Jaylen Sneed in 2024. Feel very good about a bunch of the young LBs, including incoming freshman Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. 3. Great teacher, great recruiter, great chemistry. 4. He showed significant growth and deserves credit for that. 5. There are people who claim they are never surprised. I am not going to play that card. There are surprises every year and there will be this year.
Eric Hansen: OK, I have reporting to do on the WR coaching front and radio coming up at WSBT, so off I go. Great questions this week, and sorry for the ones I did not get to. Pending a conflict with player/coach availability, which I do not anticipate, we'll be back to do this all over again next Wednesday at noon ET. And if there is a conflict, we'll find another time slot next week.
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