McGlinchey, Long, and Offensive Line on Right Track

The changes around the Notre Dame football program have been well documented over the past few months. Offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey has stated all spring that the changes have been positive ones for the Irish and feels great about where his unit is coming out of spring practice.

“The biggest jump has been in our consistency and to see things as a whole unit,” McGlinchey stated. “Having the experience we have now, I think we are in a great position to do the things we want to do in the fall. We have to continue to trust our coaching, and we have the best in the business.”

One change for the offense has been the emphasis on running the football. Notre Dame has always wanted to run the ball, but with new offensive coordinator Chip Long in the fold, McGlinchey knows the offensive line will be counted on during crunch time.

“It’s what you want to hear as an offensive lineman,” explained McGlinchey. “You want to play physical, and every great athlete wants the game on their shoulders. We feel if we commit to the run game and let our playmakers make plays, then the game is on our shoulders. We will do whatever he decides to call, and we are confident he will make some great calls. We’re excited to have Coach Long here.”

As Notre Dame heads into the final weeks of classes and the offseason, McGlinchey will be counted on to expand his role as a captain. The 6-foot-8, 312-pounder knows it’s crucial to relay the same message throughout the offseason to see the continued success of the last three months.

“It’s not the captains job to come up with some form of leadership or something that will change the football team,” he explained. “It’s the captains and players job to listen to what is being told, and it’s my job to help carry out that message being said to me.

“We have had the groundwork laid out and set for us by those upstairs, and it’s our job to keep reinforcing it when they aren’t there. We need to be a placeholder. It’s our job to make sure the train is moving in the right direction.” 

For McGlinchey, one of the biggest changes is having a relationship with his offensive coordinator. Former offensive coordinator Mike Sanford knew offensive line coach Harry Hiestand did things his way and stayed out of the picture for the most part.

However, Chip Long has made significant strides in forming a relationship with the offensive line.

“He is intense and a straight shooter,” McGlinchey said of Long. “I think how involved he is with us has been something great to see. Coach Long loves us and hangs out with us as much as he does with the tight ends. He wants us to be as great as much as we want to be great. He wants the whole team to rest on our shoulders because that’s how football should be.

“Maybe that is what has kind of won us over. Coach Hiestand certainly has a very particular way of doing things and has his own strong personality. There needs to be that kind of relationship. There needs to be a relationship between the offensive coordinator and the engine that runs his offense, which is us five. The guy who leads us happens to be Harry Hiestand and yeah, he isn’t the most fun-loving guy to deal with in the office, but he is the best at what he’s doing. I think Coach Long realizes what he’s got when he came here and wanted that relationship to work with us and Coach Hiestand.”

While the results won’t be visible until the fall, the Long is making sure every stone is turned over, and that includes making sure he has the trust of Hiestand.

“Coach Hiestand is known for taking a walk around campus to exercise for what he needs to do,” said McGlinchey. “He always uses that as his personal time. The last two times we have seen a partner with him, and it’s been, Coach Long. It’s the first time in my five years here that I’ve seen someone walking with Coach Hiestand. I think we’re on the right track.”