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Notre Dame Football

Official: Brian Polian Hired at Notre Dame

December 27, 2016
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On Tuesday afternoon, Notre Dame made he hiring of Brian Polian official in a release.

“I’m thrilled about the opportunity to return to Notre Dame,” said Polian. “This is a very special University and football program. I want to thank coach Kelly and Jack Swarbrick for the opportunity to re-join the Fighting Irish family. Laura and I are looking forward to coming back to this wonderful community. I’m excited to go to work, get to know the terrific student-athletes and prepare for a great 2017 season.”

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly also commented in the release by Notre Dame.

"Brian not only brings a successful history of coaching special teams, but he’s also considered one of the nation’s top recruiters,” said head coach Brian Kelly. “He simply understands Notre Dame, what it’s about, and the type of student-athlete that we need to succeed at the highest level. I’m extremely excited to have Brian join this program, and our players will benefit from his mentorship, passion, energy and enthusiasm -- both on and off the field.”

Polian, the son of NFL executive Bill Polian, coached at Notre Dame from 2005 through the 2009 season when Charlie Weis was fired. Since his time in South Bend, Polian has had the roles of special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Stanford, as well as tight ends and special teams coordinator at Texas A&M before taking the head coaching job at Nevada in 2013.

During his time at Notre Dame, Polian coached a wide variety of positions, including special teams, defensive backs and linebackers.

However, it was in the area of recruiting that Polian really made a name for himself. Polian landed five-star Manti Te’o, who flew to Hawaii every Thursday night to watch Te’o play every Friday night.

Some noteworthy names that committed to Notre Dame under Polian:

Five-Star QB Jimmy Clausen
Five-Star QB Dayne Crist
Five-Star RB Cierre Wood
Five-Star TE Kyle Rudolph
Five-Star LB Manti Te’o
Four-Star WR Shaq Evans
Four-Star TE Joseph Fauria
Four-Star TE Konrad Reuland
Four-Star LB Dan Fox
Four-Star LB Anthony McDonald
Four-Star S Danny McCarthy

Polian continued the success at Stanford in 2011, as he helped ring in the 22nd ranked recruiting class in the country.

From an experience perspective, Polian has learned from some great minds that include George O’Leary, Charlie Weis, Jim Harbaugh, David Shaw and Kevin Sumlin.

On November 27, 2016, Nevada and Polian agreed to part ways with a record of 23-27 and two bowl appearances.
 
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