The changing and reassigning of college coaches in a big time football programs is not all that unusual. From an on-the-field point of view, we will not see the results of this shake up until next fall. The bigger and more immediate issue surrounds recruiting. With national signing day less one month away, several of the departed coaches are the main link in relationships between high school student athletes and the University of Notre Dame.
Ed Warinner left a hole at offensive line coach, probably going to join the staff at Ohio State. Fortunately, the Irish are retaining a very talented and experienced group of returning players as well as a lot of potential in the younger ranks. As far as recruiting responsibilities, Warinner was responsible for very important running commit William Malone and offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley. I am pretty confident that both commits are solid and will fulfill their commitments on February 1st. In regards to uncommitted targets, there were some important and impressive players on his responsibility list that could sway another way with his change, including super wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham and everyone’s lineman wish, Andus Peat.
Also expected to end up at Ohio State is running back coach Tim Hinton. Tim’s primary commit is 6’8” 313 lb. offensive lineman Taylor Decker, who has repeatedly said (prior to Hinton’s leaving) that he is very committed to being in South Bend next season. Gunner Kiel and John Theus were Hinton’s lead studs of non-committed recruits, and I’d predict that both ships have sailed.
The biggest coaching loss in my opinion was offensive coordinator/quarterback coach Charley Molnar. It showed in the Champs Sport Bowl and may play into the mind of offensively-minded recruits.
