By Brian Hamilton
Of the newest additions to Brian Kelly's first Notre Dame staff, Mike Denbrock offered a unique double-dose of familiarity. He's served as an assistant and coordinator for Kelly before, and he also happens to be eminently well-versed with the school he's working for. Again.
Denbrock served as an Irish assistant from 2002-04, and new adventures for the old tight ends coach were too good an opportunity to pass up.
"It's hard to put into words how grateful I am for an opportunity to come back and be part of this university," Denbrock said in a statement distributed Tuesday, once his hire became official. "To get a second opportunity to come back to such a great place is a dream come true."
Of the newest additions to Brian Kelly's first Notre Dame staff, Mike Denbrock offered a unique double-dose of familiarity. He's served as an assistant and coordinator for Kelly before, and he also happens to be eminently well-versed with the school he's working for. Again.
Denbrock served as an Irish assistant from 2002-04, and new adventures for the old tight ends coach were too good an opportunity to pass up.
"It's hard to put into words how grateful I am for an opportunity to come back and be part of this university," Denbrock said in a statement distributed Tuesday, once his hire became official. "To get a second opportunity to come back to such a great place is a dream come true."
And Denbrock arrives with more than a little pressure, just by virtue of his first assignments within the staff and on the recruiting trail. First, as tight ends coach, he'll have to continue to develop rising junior Kyle Rudolph -- who should be among the most potent offensive weapons at Notre Dame's disposal.
"I was very fortunate my last time around here to work with guys like Anthony Fasano, John Carlson, Marcus Freeman and many others," Denbrock said. "The tight end is going to be a big part of what we do and the Notre Dame fans are going to enjoy the things the tight ends bring to the table within the framework of this offense."
As critically, Denbrock will serve as the Irish's lead West Coast recruiter. Ex-Irish assistant Brian Polian made a significant impact in recruiting California, especially, and it's imperative Denbrock continues that momentum.
Kelly cited Denbrock's experience at Washington and Stanford as providing him some inroads out west already. The proof, of course, will be in the signing of the prospects.
"I think it helped me develop a lot of great relationships on the West Coast with high school football coaches, with different recruiting organizations and people that can help get the word out about Notre Dame to prospects," Denbrock said. "It's then our job to take it over and talk them in to coming to Notre Dame."
"I was very fortunate my last time around here to work with guys like Anthony Fasano, John Carlson, Marcus Freeman and many others," Denbrock said. "The tight end is going to be a big part of what we do and the Notre Dame fans are going to enjoy the things the tight ends bring to the table within the framework of this offense."
As critically, Denbrock will serve as the Irish's lead West Coast recruiter. Ex-Irish assistant Brian Polian made a significant impact in recruiting California, especially, and it's imperative Denbrock continues that momentum.
Kelly cited Denbrock's experience at Washington and Stanford as providing him some inroads out west already. The proof, of course, will be in the signing of the prospects.
"I think it helped me develop a lot of great relationships on the West Coast with high school football coaches, with different recruiting organizations and people that can help get the word out about Notre Dame to prospects," Denbrock said. "It's then our job to take it over and talk them in to coming to Notre Dame."
I see you skulking there, Weasel Boy! (AKA f61 for those keeping score at home.) Does anyone have an extra Snuggie for poor li'l Weasel? He has a terrible disease and needs a hug.
ndweasel you and your loyal fans that pack your home stadium-8,000 can keep your little coach!!!!!!!
I think someone needs to put down the hateraide! If you really believe that Kelly is Jerry Faust Jr. you are going to feel pretty stupid as you crawl under your rock next season. Kelly has had success at every stop in his career. And now he has a team with more raw talent than any team he has coached. So hate while you can buddy cause Weis is not the coach at ND anymore. Kelly will bring ND back into the BCS picture! Write it down or print it out so when you are eating crow next season you will remember why! Tool!
Does it concern any ND fans that Kelly is hiring an assistant that coached at the worst football school in the country last year?