OT: Notre Dame OL coach, Harry Hiestand, to retire
This is potentially big news for recruiting as Notre Dame has won some recruiting battles against recently especially on the OL for guys like Rocco Spindler, Ty Chan, Ashton Craig, Sam Pendleton, Charles Jagusah, and Chris Terek
February 13th, 2023 at 10:17 AM ^
Harry brought a lot of expertise to the OL position group in South Bend and so many he worked with were drafted highly with great careers. If the Bears had a bit more OL talent in their drafts, he might still be in the NFL.
He's a good man - and, has a wonderful family.
Wishing him the best.
February 13th, 2023 at 12:45 PM ^
I second this. He has a summer home up the street from where my parents retired and my old man only has nice things to say about him.
February 13th, 2023 at 1:23 PM ^
Niels,
I've known him for 20 years. Great family - solid. He's extremely hard working - and brought a lot to the Irish - and the Bears.
If you stop by our tailgate this fall - I can share some fun stories.
Again - I wish him and his family the best.
February 13th, 2023 at 10:24 AM ^
Seems like a good guy and makes sense he's ready to retire. I do wonder if the staff turnover at ND might hurt Freeman's momentum a bit given that Rees is gone and now he's gotta replace a really good OL coach really late in the cycle.
February 13th, 2023 at 10:29 AM ^
Until proven otherwise, I refuse to believe that the loss of Tommy Rees could hurt anyone's momentum.
February 13th, 2023 at 11:14 AM ^
Bronx, Freeman was only in the NFL for a season - and was a practice squad player. I don't know what connections are to the NFL - and, specifically, offensive staffs in the League.
If someone asks my advice - it would be. Take a look at the League - see if there's a younger OL coach who might enjoy coming to South Bend and being the OL coach, run game coordinator - and, possible Assistant OC. That might generate some interest.
The rumor that's been published is that ND is interested in Utah's OC (Andy Ludwig). Ludwig's experience both as an OC and QB coach, as well as recruiting, seems to be something which would position him well.
February 13th, 2023 at 10:24 AM ^
Listened to their assistant OL coach this weekend at a glazier coaching clinic. He did a good job, his name is Chris Watt. Wonder if he'll take over
February 13th, 2023 at 11:06 AM ^
77 - it's possible that Watt will take over. One aspect of Hiestand's coaching was his experience in the NFL - and, coaching All-Pro OL (in his first stay) with the Bears.
So, he brought something to ND's OL that I believe is valuable, which is NFL experience. And, there may have been a time when he was OL coach and Run Game Coordinator.
There was a noticeable drop in the effectiveness of ND's OL and run game when he left (a few years ago) and returned to the Bears. After which, he returned to South Bend. He was ND's OL coach again this past season.
My guess is - ND's OL will take a little "drop" this next season. And, add to that Rees' leaving - opens up a lot of questions about ND's offense and what to expect.
February 13th, 2023 at 11:42 AM ^
Seems like Watt has some experience, coaching at Tulane for a year or so and playing in the NFL. Young guy could be good for recruiting. I'd say ND will be hurting again next year
February 13th, 2023 at 6:16 PM ^
Costello: Well then what's is the next ND OL Coach?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: I mean the fellow's name.
Abbott: Watt.
Costello: The next ND OL coach.
Abbott: Watt.
Costello: The ND OL coach.
Abbott: Watt.
Costello: The guy coaching...
Abbott: Watt is the next OL coach!
Costello: I'm asking YOU what's the next OL coach.
Abbott: That's the man's name.
Costello: That's what's name?
Abbott: Yes.
Costello: Well go ahead and tell me.
Abbott: That's it.
Costello: That's Watt?
Abbott: Yes.
PAUSE
Costello: Look, ND's got at OL coach?
Abbott: Certainly.
Costello: What's coaching the ND OL?
Abbott: That's right.
February 13th, 2023 at 7:18 PM ^
If he came out of retirement and joined OSU can we say "Watts on 3rd base"?
February 13th, 2023 at 1:14 PM ^
I was gonna say, he can't be that experienced as I remember his recruitment. Then I realized I'm the same age as him.
February 13th, 2023 at 10:31 AM ^
So I guess he will not be going to Alabama???
February 13th, 2023 at 10:50 AM ^
he very well could be. just not to coach football.
February 13th, 2023 at 11:39 AM ^
How many Joe Moore trophies has he won?
Enuf said.
February 13th, 2023 at 12:08 PM ^
SJB,
The Joe Moore award has only been in 2place for eight (8) years. Two teams have won it more than once. Alabama in 2015 and 2020, and Michigan the past two seasons - 2021 and 2022.
Hiestand was the OL coach when ND won the award in 2017.
He's a solid coach, and - I do think ND's OL will move "a peg or two down" on the ladder.
February 13th, 2023 at 12:08 PM ^
I honestly don't pay attention to ND at all, so I'm curious how Spindler is panning out in South Bend. A quick google search didn't yield a whole lot of useful info except that he appeared on the 2-deep as a backup guard in a few lineups.
February 13th, 2023 at 12:59 PM ^
Looks like he's been a depth player so far with a chance to start next season as a redshirt sophomore.
Definitely a good player we would have loved to sign out of metro Detroit, but given the results the past two years, hard to say I'd rather see any changes on the OL vs what we actually ran out there.