Paul Longo is out as Notre Dame football’s Director of Strength and Conditioning. It’s another huge move in an offseason reshuffle that comes on the heels of a 4-8 football season.
Longo will move into a different position inside the program, likely on Brian Kelly’s support staff. He’s been a key fixture inside the Notre Dame football program since he came in 2010, serving in the same role at Central Michigan and Cincinnati for Kelly.
Longo’s reassignment comes as part of a massive restructuring of the football program. Wake Forest defensive coordinator Mike Elko is going through the university’s vetting process and has accepted the job of defensive coordinator. Tight ends coach and special teams coordinator Scott Booker was relieved of his duties. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mike Sanford has departed for the head coaching job at Western Kentucky.
The moves might not be finished. Veteran assistant and associate head coach Mike Denbrock‘s place inside the program isn’t certain, as multiple reports have mentioned he will no longer call plays. Defensive line coach Keith Gilmore‘s status is up in the air, he will meet with Elko in the near future. Former Nevada coach Brian Polian has reportedly accepted an offer to join Kelly’s staff, likely as special teams coordinator.
There won’t be all new faces. Recent hires Todd Lyght and Autry Denson appear safe. Offensive line coach Harry Hiestand is as well. While Mike Elston didn’t get promoted after interviewing for the defensive coordinator job, he’ll be retained—assuming he isn’t offered a defensive coordinator position elsewhere. He currently serves as the team’s recruiting coordinator.
While the move to replace a strength coach won’t garner the headlines that a new defensive coordinator brings, it’s a seismic move for Kelly—who considered Longo a coordinator and counted him among his closest advisors. The search for his replacement will be national.
Notre Dame offered no comment on Longo’s reassignment, and will make no comment on any hirings or firings this offseason until the moves are complete.
