Brian Kelly Finalizes Notre Dame Football Staff
By Andrew Hall
Notre Dame’s 2015 coaching staff appears to be finally taking shape with the addition of former Notre Dame Running Back Autry Denson and former Brian Kelly and Brian VanGorder assistant Keith Gilmore.
Denson, Notre Dame’s all-time leading rusher, will join former Boise State Offensive Coordinator Mike Sanford Jr. as newcomers on the Offensive staff.
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Gilmore joins former Notre Dame Cornerback Todd Lyght on a reshuffled Defensive coaching staff. Gilmore takes over a talented but underperforming Defensive Line. The Irish ranked 70th in sacks in 2014. Perhaps more illuminating is the fact that Notre Dame’s leading sack collector was Linebacker Jaylon Smith. This poor performance likely lead to the shift of Mike Elston to Linebackers.
This shift caused the movement of Bob Elliot to an off-the-field role.
Confirmed: Bob Elliott to move into off-the-field coaching role, will be involved in recruiting efforts.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) February 17, 2015
Elliot, a nearly 30-year veteran, likely pushed for the administrative position.
The coaching staff now appears to be full but, a few more moves could arise before the start of spring practice.
Kelly masterfully gathered a staff following the departure of his two best recruiters in now Oklahoma Defensive Backs Coach Kerry Cooks and now Ohio State Running Backs Coach Tony Alford.
Sanford, Denson, Gilmore and Lyght each add several talents to the staff. All four, although unproven, are likely excellent recruiters.
For example, Denson is a perfect example of a player being successful on and off-the-field at Notre Dame. It also does not hurt that he hails from the recruiting hot-bed of the south, Florida. Lyght, a 12-year NFL veteran, brings a similar type of recruiting potential to South Bend.
Sanford and Gilmore are well established in the coaching ranks. Sanford is considered one of the biggest up-and-comers in college football. Gilmore has coached at the college level since 1985.
Kelly may not have landed a “home-run” to the Notre Dame football staff, like Jeremy Pruitt from FSU to Georgia. But, he definitely tripled down the right field line with these hires.