Thanks to Alabama, I’m Hopeful for the Irish!
Thank you Alabama!
Several analysts and die hard fans (both Irish fans and haters) alike question whether Notre Dame will ever be a national powerhouse in college football again. Having not won a National Title since 1988 they have continued down a slippery slope of mediocrity. There were some very good years in the 90s and a couple decent years in the 00s but for the most part the Irish have been bad.
One argument for this that always bothers me is that with Notre Dame’s high academic requirements the coach is not able to get the high profile recruits. This is my opinion only, but this is ridiculous! Are these people saying that great players are all illiterate? I find that hard to believe. If it is true, then it should be an embarrassment for both college and high school football programs.
My theory on why the Irish have been lackluster these past 21 years (that really hurts to type) is coaching. Lou Holtz was a great coach. Since him, however, the coaches have been mediocre at best.
I think that given the right coach a college football program, regardless of academic requirements and regardless of being in the Midwest, can develop a football program worthy of being called “a powerhouse.”
Enter Alabama.
Alabama has run a similar course to Notre Dame over the last 20 years or so. Their last national championship was in 1992. Since then they have had several years of mediocrity, seeing teams within their conference such as LSU (under the current Alabama coach mind you) and Florida steal their spotlight as the elite teams in the South. Alabama, who once was a national power, like Notre Dame, has spent several years as more of an afterthought…a “once upon a time” team. They, along with the Irish, had become irrelevant to college football.
Enter Nick Saban.
After the not-so-great Dolphin years Saban decides to come back to the college ranks. Alabama decides to pony up and sign him for a large contract. Three years later, Alabama is celebrating their 13th national championship under Saban.
I am convinced that coaching is the key to college football. Players come and go, but a solid program can last a very long time. Programs are built by the coach. Saban’s program has proven to be a winner, both at LSU and now at Alabama.
I firmly believe that if the Irish find the right coach, then they can return to dominance, just like Alabama has. Is Brian Kelly the right coach. I hope so, but no one knows for sure. Looking at his coaching career with Grand Valley State, Central Michigan and Cincinatti are clear indicators that he can build a winning program.
Can he do it under the hot lamp that is Notre Dame?
Only time will tell. I’m hopeful though.
