Many former Notre Dame football assistants and coaches have left the Irish for other opportunities to advance their careers. Some have found more success than others after leaving South Bend, while others have faced challenges along the way. Currently, Clark Lea, Chuck Martin, Mike Elko, and Brian Kelly are all head coaches who previously coached in South Bend. Here’s a look at how these former Irish coaches are performing in 2024.
Clark Lea: Building in the SEC at Vanderbilt after Notre Dame football
Heading into the 2024 season, Vanderbilt had low expectations and was projected to finish at the bottom of the SEC. In his first few seasons, Clark Lea faced ups and downs with a combined record of 9-27 heading into 2024. However, thanks to the transfer portal and Lea’s efforts in building a strong culture, he has laid a foundation that has not only shown improvement but also made Vandy a competitor in one of the toughest conferences in college football. Known for his defensive mind, Lea has instilled a gritty and resilient style of play in his team.
Vanderbilt is on the brink of bowl eligibility for the first time since 2018 after defeating then-No. 1 Alabama at home, 40-35, marking its first win against an AP top-five team in program history. Lea’s success this season underscores his determination and shows that he’s getting players to buy into his vision, even against the SEC's toughest programs. Lea’s ability to foster discipline and resilience is starting to pay off, and he’s giving Vanderbilt fans something to believe in as the Commodores become a respectable SEC program.
Chuck Martin: Miami Ohio’s winningest coach
Last weekend, in his eleventh season as Miami Ohio’s head coach, Chuck Martin secured his 60th win, making him the program’s all-time winningest coach. Over the past decade, Martin has turned Miami into a consistent contender in the MAC, building his program through recruiting.
During his tenure in Oxford, Martin has led the team to five bowl games and won two MAC championships. Although they are currently 4-4 this season, with one of those losses coming to the Irish, the RedHawks still have a legitimate shot to compete for the conference title as they enter conference play. His longevity at Miami is rare in today’s college football landscape, but his ability to recruit and develop talent illustrates the type of “old school” impact Martin still has on his players.
Mike Elko: Rising star at Texas A&M
One of the biggest hires of the offseason, Mike Elko has already led Texas A&M to the top of the SEC and put them in the driver’s seat for an SEC championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth. Another defensive mind, Elko brought tenacity to College Station, transforming the Aggies into a solid defensive team, especially in the trenches. He has established a physicality that has revitalized the Aggies and the 12th man.
Since their Week 1 loss to the Fighting Irish at Kyle Field, the Aggies haven’t lost, dominating SEC opponents on their way to a 7-1 record. They still have a tough second half of the schedule, but they control their destiny in the race to the SEC championship and a College Football Playoff spot. With this being only Year 1 under Elko, there’s a sense that this is just the beginning and that the best is yet to come under his leadership.
Brian Kelly: Struggling to find rhythm at LSU since Notre Dame football
While some former Notre Dame assistants are finding success, Brian Kelly’s tenure at LSU this season hasn’t met expectations—at least by LSU standards. Sitting at 6-2 with losses to USC and Texas A&M, LSU hasn’t looked as dominant as expected. LSU’s standard isn’t just conference championships but national championships, and both appear to be uphill battles this season.
In 2024, the Tigers showed inconsistent play, with 437 penalty yards and a turnover margin of only +2. They’ve also struggled with mistakes in critical moments, which have cost them games. The window for an SEC championship and playoff berth is still open, but LSU will need to be nearly perfect for the remainder of 2024 to stay in contention.