Notre Dame Football: Is Father Time Catching Up to the Fighting Irish?

As the 2022 college football season gets underway, one question remains at the forefront of every Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan's mind: how much longer can the team continue to defy Father Time? Brian Kelly, the Irish head coach, has been at the helm since 2014, leading the team to several bowl wins and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2018. But as the years go by, the once-youthful Kelly is slowly but surely becoming a relic of the past.

With the average tenure of an NCAA Division I head football coach now hovering around three years, Kelly's decade-long tenure at Notre Dame is considered a remarkable anomaly. However, as he approaches his 58th birthday, whispers of his age finally beginning to catch up with him have started to circulate. Is it time for Kelly to start thinking about his legacy, or can he continue to lead the Fighting Irish to victory for years to come?

The Effects of Time on Coaching Performance

It's no secret that coaching in the NCAA is a young person's game. The average coach has an undergraduate degree by the time they're 25, and many don't have their master's degree until their mid-30s. Kelly, on the other hand, graduated from Virginia Tech in 1992, earning a degree in sports management. While his academic background is certainly impressive, it's worth wondering how his age will impact his coaching style and ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college football.

Some research suggests that older coaches can be more effective in certain situations. A study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences found that coaches over the age of 50 tend to be more experienced and have a better understanding of the game, leading to better decision-making and player management. However, these same coaches may also be more prone to becoming inflexible and resistant to change, which could ultimately hurt their teams.

The Impact on Kelly's Playing Style

Kelly's playing style is likely to be affected by his advancing age in several ways. For one, his energy levels may be lower, leading to more fatigue and fewer mid-game adjustments. Additionally, his experience and instincts may be more clouded by instinct, potentially leading to misjudgments and mistakes on the field.

Furthermore, Kelly's approach to recruiting and personnel management may also change as he ages. He may be more likely to rely on his existing connections and relationships, rather than seeking out new talent and innovative solutions. This could result in a less dynamic and less competitive team, as Kelly may be less willing to take risks and push the boundaries of what's possible.

The Benefits of Age

Despite the potential drawbacks, Kelly's age could also bring several benefits to the team. His experience and stability could provide a sense of continuity and consistency, allowing players to develop a stronger sense of trust and loyalty to the coaching staff. Additionally, Kelly's wealth of knowledge and understanding of the game could be invaluable in terms of game planning and preparation.

The Importance of Youth on the Coaching Staff

The coaching staff at Notre Dame is headed by quarterback coach Chrisoyer, who is just 33 years old. While Kelly's experience is certainly valuable, it's also worth noting that the coaching staff is largely made up of young and energetic coaches who are eager to prove themselves. This could be a major advantage for the team, as younger coaches are often more in tune with the needs and concerns of players.

Some notable examples of young coaches who have made a significant impact on their teams include:

• Louisville's Scottie McClain, who turned 34 this year but has led the Cardinals to several bowl wins and has a reputation for being one of the most innovative coaches in the country.
• Clemson's Tony Elliott, who is just 32 years old and has already made a name for himself as one of the top defensive coordinators in the nation.
• Ohio State's Kirby Smart, who turned 39 this year but has led the Buckeyes to several Big Ten championships and has a reputation for being one of the toughest and most demanding coaches in the country.

The Recruitments and Player Development

Kelly's age may also impact the team's recruitment and player development. As a coach, Kelly is responsible for attracting and developing talented young players who can help drive the team's success. However, his advanced age may make it more difficult to connect with younger recruits, who may be more drawn to coaches who are seen as more energetic and dynamic.

That being said, Kelly's experience and reputation as a top recruiter could still be major assets for the team. He has a long history of producing top-notch players, including NFL stars like James Franklin, Brandon O'Brien, and Brad Romanowski. As long as Kelly continues to recruit and develop top talent, the team's chances of success will remain high.

The Challenges of Dealing with Older Players

Another challenge Kelly faces as an older coach is dealing with older players who may be nearing the end of their playing careers. As players get older, they begin to require more time off and more opportunities to adjust to new situations. This can be a challenge for coaches like Kelly, who may be used to working with younger, more energetic players.

To address this challenge, Kelly may need to be more proactive in terms of player development and management. This could involve creating more customized training programs for older players, as well as providing them with more opportunities to contribute to the team and feel valued.

The Role of Assistant Coaches

The assistant coaches at Notre Dame are a key part of the team's success. With coaches like Travis Christianson, Brad Loftus, and Bo Sammons leading the way, the team has a talented and experienced staff that is well-equipped to handle the demands of college football.

As Kelly's age continues to impact his coaching style, he may need to rely more heavily on his assistant coaches to help manage