Rees Back at Notre Dame as QB Coach

Notre Dame hired former quarterback Tom Rees as its new quarterback coach. Rees was a three-year starter for the Irish and 2013 graduate of Notre Dame.

“When I finished my playing career and graduated from Notre Dame, I wanted to do two things,” said Rees in a statement. “First, I wanted to coach, and second, at some point in my career, I hoped to get an opportunity to return and do it at my alma mater. I didn’t know when or if this opportunity might present itself, but I’m so grateful and honored that it did. I’m ready to get things rolling with this great staff and group of student-athletes.”

Rees has a history with head coach Brian Kelly and the two will reunite in the coaching world, which Kelly is excited about.

“I’m very excited to have Tom join our staff,” said Brian Kelly in the statement. “He possesses an understanding of the game, and most importantly the quarterback position, that’s unique. He’s a true student of the game and great communicator that will offer immediate dividends toward guiding our quarterback room.

“As a former quarterback at Notre Dame, Tom also has a rare ability to truly relate with the quarterbacks on our roster. He’s literally sat in their seat, dealt with the ups and downs, faced the criticism, deflected the praise, and all that comes with playing the position at Notre Dame. He can genuinely mentor them -- not only on the football field but in the classroom and the community as well.”

Rees returns to Notre Dame after being an offensive assistant for the San Diego Chargers in 2016. The Chargers ranked seventh in the NFL in passing, ninth in scoring and 14th in total offense.

In 2015, Rees started his coaching career at Northwestern as an offensive graduate assistant. Northwestern went 10-3 and finished ranked No. 23.

Rees also ranked top five in school history in 21 different categories and will now coach Brandon Wimbush, Ian Book, Montgomery VanGorder and Avery Davis in his first season at Notre Dame.