One thing is clear and obvious: Public criticisms of Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator hire do not matter. Less apparent? The most important opinion regarding Tommy Rees’ abilities at offensive coordinator may not be that of the head coach who just promoted him, though he has the most at risk with the move.
Irish head coach Brian Kelly has only a handful of years left in that role. Whether it be three more seasons or five, the number is low enough that each one needs to be approached as a version of make-or-break if Kelly is to win a national championship.