After speaking with countless folks across the nation yesterday, our update from last night included the possibility that Marcus Freeman would make a move to bring Gino Guidugli in from Wisconsin to pair with Gerad Parker to lead Notre Dame's offense.
Today, sources confirm Notre Dame is making the move. Guidugli is being hired as quarterbacks coach, while sources tell FootballScoop Parker is expected to call the offense. After speaking with a number of Power 5 offensive coordinators and his entire staff, Freeman felt the best option was this one.
Guidugli served as Cincinnati's offensive coordinator this past season and was slated to serve as passing game coordinator at Wisconsin with Luke Fickell. Guidugli is expected to work hand in hand with Parker on developing game plans and the Irish' overall scheme of attack.
Freeman, unquestionably has faith in Parker. There’s an inherent trust between Freeman and Parker, their friendship and shared work history stretching almost a decade, and there is undeniable loyalty between the two coaches who used to carpool together at Purdue.
This would leave offensive line as the other position needing addressing. Sources tell FootballScoop there is strong support within the building of moving Chris Watt into the position on a full-time basis. The former Fighting Irish offensive lineman returned to Notre Dame after spending several seasons in the NFL. After two seasons as a graduate assistant in South Bend, Chip Long hired him to be his offensive line coach at Tulane for the 2021 season. Watt is back at Notre Dame and is believed to be the front-runner for the position.
It would make sense for Notre Dame to evaluate multiple candidates; but when the ink is dry, as with the offensive coordinator decision, the best candidate might already be in the building.