Gerad Parker adding Notre Dame recruiting analyst Caleb Davis to Troy staff

Former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Gerad Parker is bringing another member of the Fighting Irish staff with him to Troy.

Parker is hiring recruiting associate Caleb Davis as his Director of Player Personnel, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

The move comes nearly two weeks after Gerad Parker was hired to take over the Troy program. Parker spent two seasons at Notre Dame, prior to being hired as the head coach at Troy.

He was the tight ends coach for the Irish in 2022 and the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach in 2023.

“Gerad Parker is a proven winner with an infectious personality and passion for success who has significant experience at some of the best programs in America,” Troy AD Brent Jones said. “He competed in the SEC as a player, has been a recruiting coordinator in the Big Ten and has coordinated highly productive offenses in the Big 12 and now at Notre Dame. He has an extremely diverse background that spans from coaching in high school, the FCS and throughout FBS in the SEC, American, Big Ten, Sun Belt, ACC and Big 12. 
 
“He understands the commitment to excellence that we have at Troy University and embraces the total student-athlete experience. His proven pedigree will maintain our status as the leader in the Sun Belt Conference and the Group of Five. Gerad’s energy and dedication to building relationships with the community, fans and student-athletes will resonate with all of Trojan Nation.”

Marcus Freeman, Steve Angeli reflect on ‘bumpy road’ en route to 10-win season

Notre Dame did not have Gerad Parker on the sideline during Friday’s 40-8 win over Oregon State in the Sun Bowl.

The Fighting Irish still put together an impressive performance, led by backup quarterback Steve Angeli, who got the start after Sam Hartman opted out.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman discussed the victory and his team finding a way to win 10 games this season following the win.

“We got this thing, it’s called a bumpy road,” Freeman told ESPN. “But this bumpy road ended really well. I’m proud of these guys and this university, the fans, our band, our cheer squad. This is a wonderful opportunity. But I’m proud of these players the most, and it’s a pleasure to coach them.”

Angeli looked impressive in his first career start, completing 14 of 18 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns to lead the charge. He made four appearances during the regular season — totaling 272 yards and four touchdowns — but had yet to start a game at the college level.

His head coach knew he’d handle it well.

“The way I knew he would,” Marcus Freeman said of Angeli’s mentality entering the game. “He’s resilient, he’s prepared, he’s ready for this opportunity and went out and showed he could be the starting quarterback at Notre Dame.”