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Lou II?
UHND.com - John Romanelli
12/21/2001
Reports surfaced early this week that Notre Dame officials have contacted former head coach Lou Holtz, currently the head coach at the University of South Carolina, about the head coaching vacancy. Since the sudden resignation of George O'Leary, Notre Dame has been scrambling to rebuild its image. Have they turned to Lou Holtz for help?
I know, the cynics are saying, "He's too old." Well, you could have fooled me - he won nine games at the age of sixty-five. Others say, "He left on bad terms." That is true - bad terms with Mike Wadsworth, now the former athletic director. Still others might say, "He was burned out after eleven years." He seems rejuvenated now, doesn't he?
Certainly, there are other candidates out there for the Notre Dame job. While Jon Gruden, Steve Mariucci, and Mike Shanahan seem out of reach when considering the recruiting situation (i.e. they are not available until the end of the NFL season, which is too late for recruiting), there are other college coaches who may be interested in the position. I maintain that Barry Alvarez would listen to an interview (he did interview with Miami last year), and he would be an "instant credibility" hire. Other coaches such as Nick Saban of LSU or Rick Neuheisel of Washington have won at several schools and could potentially be interested. They may, however, have prohibitive buyouts like the $2.5 million that prevented a Tyrone Willingham interview.
But what about Lou Holtz? Why not Lou II? Some could argue that he would leave South Carolina high and dry. I would answer that he left Minnesota after only two seasons, and defensive coordinator (and former Irish assistant) Charlie Strong could easily take over the position (he is a candidate for the Georgia Tech job, too). Why couldn't Lou come back for three or four years, to stabilize the program? He could hire his son, Skip, to be the assistant head coach/offensive coordinator (and possibly set up the program so that he takes over for his father as head coach). Greg Mattison could stay on as defensive coordinator. Perhaps Lou could lure back old friend Vinny Cerrato as recruiting coordinator (it seems he would come back in a New York minute if only he were asked). Maybe Irish alums such as Tom Clements (QB coach) and Gerry DiNardo (offensive line coach) could finds places on Lou's staff to help bring back the Irish to where they belong: the pinnacle of the college football world.
Lou II? It's not as crazy an idea as you think. Some sources say Notre Dame only contacted Holtz to help with their coaching search. Just remember this: Dick Cheney was the head of the search committee for President Bush's vice president. Besides, if they bring Lou back, the students will have something to cheer about during the 1812 overture…
John Romanelli, MD, '91 jrndmd@nac.net