Notre Dame QB Jack Coan Has Faith in Direction of Offense

Jack Coan is off to a hot start at Notre Dame as the graduate student sits No. 18 in the country in passing yards at 605 and No. 7 in touchdowns with six. 

The 6-foot-3, 223-pounder is also completing 69.1 percent of his passes, but Coan also knows the competition will get stiffer this weekend as he meets a familiar foe in Purdue. 

"They've always been a super talented team," Coan stated. "I know whenever we played them at Wisconsin, they played us tough. We had some very close games. 

"We're expecting the same thing - a super competitive and talented team. I played a bunch of those guys two years ago. I recognize a bunch of the same guys, so they're very experienced and it will be a tough challenge for us." 

And speaking of Wisconsin, Coan is more than aware the game against his former team comes next week, but he and the Irish offense aren't looking ahead. 

"You look at the first few games and every game has been coming down to the wire," explained Coan. "You can't look too far ahead about anything. All you have is the game in front of you. You never know what can happen, whether it's injuries or things like that. You try to cherish every moment and stay in the moment." 

The unexpected happened for most Notre Dame fans last weekend as true freshman Tyler Buchner made his debut. 

It was planned and Buchner's biggest fan might be Coan, which is likely refreshing for head coach Brian Kelly as it hasn't always been the case in South Bend. 

"We have a great relationship," Coan said of Buchner. "He's one of my best friends on the team. Honestly, I didn't need to give him much advice on anything. He's a truly special player. Unbelievable quarterback and he was making so many great plays out there. I was just so happy to see him have success." 

There's no question Buchner brings a boost to the offense in the run game and it's an area the Irish have struggled with over the first two games. 

However, Coan states his summer roommate can also toss the ball around too. 

"He's an amazing athlete," said Coan. "He's the total package. He can pass the ball too. Make no mistake about that. He's just a complete quarterback. He can run the ball and pass the ball. He's just a dynamic playmaker and we definitely need him on offense." 

Now, two quarterback systems draw all the headlines and hot takes, but Coan is more than open to it as long as Notre Dame wins games. 

"Honestly, the only thing I care about is winning," Coan stated. "Whether that's me, Tyler, or Drew (Pyne), whoever gives us the best chance to win, I'm in favor of them. Tyler definitely helps us win and he showed that in the game. I was super happy he went in and helped us win. That's what it's all about." 

Coan also believes the Notre Dame offense can take a step forward this week and it starts with playing sound football for four quarters.

"I say it's just consistency in the pass and run game," explained Coan. "Truly just being consistent for four quarters, not making mental mistakes and finishing strong." 

The Irish offensive line has also been under heat as they've struggled to run the ball and, at times, had trouble protecting Coan.

Coan is still high on his offensive line as he believes the unit has continued to work hard to improve.

"I think they're doing an unbelievable job," Coan said. "They're truly working as hard as any unit in the country right now. I know they want to get better just like I want to get better too. I think they're right where they should be right now. I have total confidence in them with everything." 

The close win against Toledo caught the attention of many, but what got lost was Coan living out his dream of starting his first game inside Notre Dame Stadium. 

"It was amazing and a dream come true," said Coan. "It didn't even feel real at moments with the player walk, hitting the sign for the first time, hearing the band playing and the crowd. It was an unbelievable moment I'll always remember and cherish."