Notre Dame OC Mike Denbrock continues to follow LSU football | Universities

Fresh coach, quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, Mike Denbrock seemed entrenched as LSU’s offensive coordinator, especially given a long relationship with Brian Kelly That goes back to the 1980s in the Grand Valley State.

But last December, Denbrock made the surprising move of returning to Notre Dame, where he was on Kelly’s staff for seven seasons (2010-16) before spending five years as offensive coordinator at Cincinnati – including four years with Kelly Marcus FreemanKelly’s successor at Notre Dame, as his defensive counterpart.

“It was a tough decision,” Denbrock said Monday during media day activities before the Fighting Irish’s CFP quarterfinal game against Georgia on Wednesday in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. “But it wasn’t just a football decision because I’m about an hour north of South Bend (Homer, Michigan).

“We enjoyed life in Louisiana, loved the culture and the people. The players went above and beyond for me and I can’t say enough positive things about my time at LSU.”

Under Denbrock, Notre Dame used a running quarterback as a transfer Riley Leonard who has 753 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Those aren’t quite Daniels’ numbers, but he’s one of the main reasons the Fighting Irish are in the Sugar Bowl.

It was what Freeman wanted to see.

“When I had the chance to hire an offensive coordinator, Mike was the No. 1 person I had in my sights,” he said. “I didn’t know if he would say ‘yes’ or ‘no’.”

“But ultimately he made the decision to come back because it was best for him and his family. So we’re extremely grateful because it’s reassuring to know that our offensive coordinator is Mike Denbrock.”

Denbrock added that he knew Kelly wasn’t happy with his decision, but he understood Kelly’s perspective.

He, too, followed the Tigers this season and sympathized with his former boss when Kelly came under scrutiny during a three-game losing streak that ended LSU’s playoff chances.

“At this level you are always expected to go undefeated and win the national championship,” he said. “The fans and the university have invested in the program and have every right to expect the season to be something they can feel really good about.

“But for whatever reason, it doesn’t always work that way. I’m glad they won their last two games and have a great chance to finish strong (in the Texas Bowl against Baylor).”

No age difference

At 39, Freeman is 21 years younger than Denbrock and 15 years younger than the defensive coordinator AlGolden.

But it doesn’t seem to be a problem, aside from some clothing preferences and the occasional need to clarify cultural references.

“There’s a lot of wisdom there,” Freeman said of working with Denbrock and Golden. “And I can use it.”

Golden, a former head coach at Temple and Miami who was originally hired by Freeman three years ago, said his respect for his younger boss has grown since they worked together.

“It takes a really strong and confident man who can say, ‘I don’t care how old they are; “I just need them to achieve our goals.” Golden said.

Here comes Bus II

Georgia coach Kirby Smart spoke Monday about how it’s nearly impossible to keep all of Georgia’s top recruits from leaving the state.

That includes Jerome Bettis IIthe son of the Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettisa former Notre Dame running back. Bettis II, a three-star receiver from Woodward Academy in Atlanta, signed with the Irish earlier this month.

“Well, blood is thicker than water, right?” Freeman said. “His father wore the gold helmet and we were able to convince him that this was the right opportunity for him.”

Parade time

It may never match the fame of the Rose Bowl Parade, but the Sugar Bowl Parade — which celebrates its 10th year Tuesday — will.

Originally held in Atlanta in 2005 when Katrina forced the Sugar Bowl there, the parade was added to the list of fan events in New Orleans in 2015 and has since grown in popularity as it runs the entire length of Decatur Street.

Tuesday’s parade begins at 2 p.m. and will be televised on WDSU.