Fans and Opposing Head Coaches Think Similar of VanGorder

ESPN The Magazine recently did a Q&A with other Power Five football coaches. Turns out their thoughts on Brian VanGorder are similar to Irish fans.

One thing that has driven Notre Dame fans crazy over the past two seasons is the play of the defense. With the amount of talent that has been on that side of the ball, there was no reason for the Irish to underperform. The scheme those talented players have been put into has been the crux of the problem. VanGorder’s scheme is predicated on getting sacks, pressuring the quarterback and forcing turnovers by blitzing. Notre Dame has not done any of those things at an elite level over the past two seasons.

Since the Irish do blitz a lot and they don’t get sacks, pressure the QB or force turnovers, it leaves the rest of the defense vulnerable. That’s why we have seen Notre Dame give up big plays and long scoring drives over the past two seasons (46 drives of 75 yards or more to be exact). Notre Dame fans have seen this and have the thought that maybe it’s the coordinator and his scheme is the problem, not the players. Well not only do fans think this, even opposing coaches think the same!

Here’s what one Power Five head coach said about VanGorder’s scheme.

The scheme is so complicated that it’s hard for the players to get it right from week to week and thats why we see lapses almost every week. I truly think this is a make or break year for VanGorder. I know Brian Kelly doesn’t like to fire assistant coaches, in fact I don’t think he’s ever fired one since he’s been at Notre Dame. But if we don’t see some serious improvement from the defense this season VanGorder could be shown the door.