Brian VanGorder has been fired as Notre Dame Football’s defensive coordinator. Defensive analyst Greg Hudson will assume VanGorder’s responsibilities, according to a news released that was released by the university.
“This is a difficult decision,” said Kelly in the release. “I have the utmost respect for Brian as both a person and football coach, but our defense simply isn’t it where it should be and I believe this change is necessary for the best interest of our program and our student-athletes.
Brian Kelly: “Everybody’s interviewing. Everybody on our staff for the rest of the year is on a very public interview.” @ABC57News
— Jack Wascher (@JackABC57) September 25, 2016
“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.”
Hudson is a 25-year coaching veteran who has served as a defensive coordinator at Purdue, East Carolina and Minnesota, as well as the assistant head coach and linebackers coach at Florida State, according to the university’s news release.
Hudson joined the Irish coaching staff as a defensive analyst in June.
“Obviously, this is a difficult day for our coaching staff, but I’m excited and honored about the opportunity that Coach Kelly has afforded me,” said Hudson in the release. “We’ve got to improve on defense, without a doubt, and I’m confident that we will. We have great student-athletes and a tremendous defensive coaching staff. I can’t wait to get started with our group.”
Hudson, a 1990 Notre Dame graduate, former Irish graduate assistant in 1993 and defensive coordinator at Purdue for the 2013-15 seasons, also served as the assistant head coach and linebackers coach for three seasons at Florida State from 2010 to 2012, according to the news release.
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Brian Kelly said yesterday he was pleased with coaching, especially on defensive side. Fires VanGoder the next day. What changed? #Irish
— Jack Wascher (@JackABC57) September 25, 2016
There was a petition going around by students asking for #VanGorder‘s dismissal after the game.
— Jack Wascher (@JackABC57) September 25, 2016
In Brian VanGorder’s 2+seasons as Notre Dame’s DC, out of 128 teams, Irish 66th in points allowed per game & 75th in yards allowed per game
— Jack Wascher (@JackABC57) September 25, 2016