Mike Denbrock explains goals for training camp, finding identity on offense

It’s been eight years since Mike Denbrock went to training camp with Notre Dame. The last time he coached the Fighting Irish, he was Brian Kelly’s assistant head coach and worked with wide receivers in 2016 before leaving for Cincinnati.

Now, after five seasons with the Bearcats and two alongside Kelly at LSU, Denbrock is back in South Bend to take over an offense in need of a jolt. With Riley Leonard in at quarterback via the transfer portal and some newcomers at receiver, the pieces are in place for Notre Dame to take a step forward.

As for what the Fighting Irish’s identity will be, Denbrock said that’s one of his goals for camp. How things play out on the field will determine what Notre Dame can do once the season starts.

“Then, I think just developing what our identity’s gonna be offensively,” Denbrock said this week. “What is that? I’m not quite sure exactly what that is yet. I have an idea of where I think we’re headed, but the guys and the way they execute and the way they play will dictate, ultimately, what we look like when we line up and play.”

Since his last season with Notre Dame, Denbrock helped develop two quarterbacks into NFL Draft picks. Desmond Ridder helped Cincinnati become the first Group of 5 program to make the College Football Playoff in 2021. Then, after heading to Baton Rouge, Denbrock played a critical role in developing Jayden Daniels after his transfer from Arizona State.

Leonard will try to follow in those footsteps, but it’s going to take time. Before the Irish get there, Mike Denbrock has to implement his scheme. It all starts with the offensive line, where there are still some positions to figure out, and learning the ins and outs of the playbook.

“I think No. 1 is just, let’s make sure that we solidify what we’re doing with the guys up front,” Denbrock said. “There’s some position battles going on.

“Let’s make sure our overall offensive knowledge of what we’re doing offensively, down to the fine details, becomes a little bit more inside of us and in our hearts. And it’s not just in our heads, assignment-wise, but we know the scheme, we know how to adjust it and we understand it even that much more.”

Notre Dame gets a big stage to unveil its new-look offense. The Fighting Irish head to College Station to take on Texas A&M on Aug. 31 at Kyle Field.