Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder takes fall for poor Notre Dame start
With the Notre Dame Fighting Irish off to a 1-3 start, something had to be done, and defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder is taking the fall.
The team announced that VanGorder has been relieved of his duties on Sunday, with the Irish having given up 35 points or more in their last five losses dating back to last season. Defensive analyst Greg Hudson will take over the role.
“This is a difficult decision,” head coach Brian Kelly said in a statement, via ESPN’s Matt Fortuna. “I have the utmost respect for Brian as both a person and football coach, but our defense simply isn’t where it should be and I believe this change is necessary for the best interest of our program and our student-athletes.
“It’s never easy to make a change on your staff, but I’m confident in Greg’s ability to lead our defense. As a former player at Notre Dame and an experienced defensive coordinator, he not only understands the expectations necessary to compete at the highest level, but he’ll bring a fresh perspective to our sideline, practice field and meeting rooms.”
The writing was on the wall for VanGorder a week ago when this awkward incident came to light. The Irish simply had no other choice.
