Meanwhile, a source said Connecticut coach Randy Edsall has been contacted by a Notre Dame representative to gauge his interest in becoming the next Irish coach. Edsall and his Huskies helped end Weis' five-year run when they beat Notre Dame 33-30 in double overtime Nov. 21.
Here's the link.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/colleges/1915418,CST-SPT-nd02.article
More thoughts: Reading the article more it says a representative of Notre Dame. A booster perhaps? I do know Digger Phelps gave an unequivocal endorsement of Edsall on ESPN. But, Digger is a basketball guy.
I think Randy Edsall would win big there, and fits. But, I am not sure you can sell the Irish fan base and alumni on this. First off, Edsall is in the George O'Leary camp having served as his defensive coordinator at Ga Tech., and the Irish have never recovered from that debacle and still have open wounds here. Secondly, Edsall has a .500 career record and 1 win over a Top 25 team in his career. If this was pure ability and fit, I think he is a strong candidate. But perception wise, how do you sell Notre Dame's fans? They want Urban Meyer, and are upset about what's happened since. The last two coaches have been dark horses in Ty Willingham and Charlie Weis, hardly names that burned the message boards with excitement. Edsall wouldn't excite, and from being down there two weeks ago, that base needs to be fired up. I talked with long time boosters and fans and they said this was a funeral. What ND is going to be like if Jimmy Claussen and those two receivers move on? They could very well be 4-8, 5-7 next year. Who can survive that? Only someone with a big rep.
As far as the other Edsall destinations? I stand firmly behind Kansas as a poor fit and not a better job, and Virginia? Well, that's a terrific place, but they are a wine and cheese crowd. Virginia is a small step up from UConn, but can you win the ACC there quicker than the Big East at UConn? Edsall has only one move left to make at 51.
The Huskies have 9 starters back on offense, and 9 back on defense. They have playmakers and look ready for a big 1 and 2 year run here at the Big East. It's taken a decade to get here for Edsall, why wouldn't he want to take his shot with what he has built? If Notre Dame calls, he's gone. But the other places? I would let it ride and see if I could win the Big East twice and then have a pick of college and NFL jobs in a year or 2.
5 comments:
Oh boy...I really, really hope Bob Stoops or Urban Meyer want that Notre Dame gig.
Edsall is attractive for a school like Notre Dame for many reasons. First off, he develops talent and has built a program, not just wins games with a handful of good players.You have to get by the career record to see that. Edsall develops players and gets most out of his talent.
Edsall's team are prepared and are disciplined. Also, Edsall graduates his players and keeps a low profile. This is important. Notre Dame isn't going to allow recruits of marginal academic standing. Edsall wins by recruiting players who at least show some modicum of ability in the class room. He can coach and win with the type of student-athlete that Notre Dame wants to recruit. It's a good fit.
Add that to the fact s Edsall's Catholic, he brings a priest on the road with him.
Negatives for Edsall:
He has never coached an elite team, hasn't gotten over the hump in big games, and he isn't the best radio interview or charismatic speaker out there. Kelly is a media darling. Edsall is very reserved and isn't a salesman. That has hurt the Huskies to an extent.
He would have to be more accommodating a have less control of the program from a media standpoint.
I don't know if Edsall can handle the scrutiny. You can hide and go into the bunker at Connecticut. You can't at Notre Dame.
John,
I can tell you right now the Notre Dame fanbase doesn't want Edsall at all. Not because they don't like Edsall...but because they have their hearts set on Meyer, Stoops, etc. Anything less than Brian Kelly is going to be a huge disappointment for them...and I think the Notre Dame knows that.
I could see a Rich Rodriguez scenario unfolding. Remember when he lost the game to Pitt, lost the national championship and then went right to Michigan? Wouldn't surprise me if that happens with Meyer if Florida loses.
I agree, ultimately the boosters and alumni make the call. Edsall is not a big enough name for ND, I would venture a guess that nobody in South Bend knew who Edsall was prior to 2 weeks ago.
Its nice that Digger supports Edsall but what does that mean in football?
I agree on the ND outlook. It's a looooong shot for Edsall. I also agree he is not a good salesman or media guy. Kansas would be a lateral move at best. Virginia is attractive but not much of a step up, if at all. The expectations at UCONN will be higher for the next two years. He has to find a way to win these close games. I can probably list 9-10 games over the past three years which were close losses due to turnovers or 4th quarter meltdowns. These would have been key wins for our programs.
Having said the above, perhaps his stock will never be hotter or higher than it is right now. That is, unless we have a big year this coming year. That's a big "if"... If I am Edsall and I really want to build this program, he can probably be here as long as he wants. Then again, I haven't met too many successful people who are complacent. I am sure he wants another shot at a "bigger" program. It would not surprise me to see him leave now.
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