Newsstand: Former Notre Dame DC Bob Diaco to reunite with Brian Kelly at LSU
The man behind the defense that helped Notre Dame go 12-0 in the 2012 regular season is reuniting with his old boss. They’re now together in Baton Rouge, La.
Former Irish defensive coordinator Bob Diaco is joining Brian Kelly’s LSU staff as an analyst, according to a report from On3’s Matt Zenitz. Diaco’s last coaching job was in the USFL with the New Jersey Generals in the spring of 2022. He last worked in college in 2020 as Purdue’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
Diaco was Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator under Kelly from 2010-13. His best work was that 2012 season, when the Irish were second in the FBS in scoring defense (12.8 points per game) and tied for No. 17 in yards per play allowed (4.78). He left the team in 2013 to become UConn’s head coach and went 11-26 in three seasons with the Huskies, reaching one bowl game.
Since UConn, the 50-year-old Diaco has never stayed in a job longer than one year. He spent 2017 as Nebraska’s defensive coordinator, 2018 as Oklahoma’s outside linebackers coach and 2019 as Louisiana Tech’s defensive coordinator. His lone season at Purdue was 2020, and he did not coach in 2021.
Top 10
- 1
Updated SEC title game scenarios
The path to the championship game is clear
- 2
SEC refs under fire
'Incorrect call' wipes Bama TD away
- 3
'Fire Kelly' chants at LSU
Death Valley disapproval of Brian Kelly
- 4New
Chipper Jones
Braves legend fiercely defends SEC
- 5
Drinkwitz warns MSU
Mizzou coach sounded off
With Diaco on board, Kelly has four ex-Notre Dame assistants on his LSU staff: offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock (worked for the Irish from 2010-16), safeties coach Kerry Cooks (2010-14, 2020-21), general manager and former special teams coach Brian Polian (2017-21) and Diaco.
Notre Dame Tweets of the Day
Former Irish safety David Bruton is moving into a new field.
Notre Dame Ring of Honor member LaPhonso Ellis.
Mike Brey is closing down The Linebacker Wednesday night.
Quote of the Day
“Mayer will be among the best contested-catch tight ends in the NFL the day training camp opens. That’s how good his hands are.”
— The Athletic NFL Draft analyst Nick Baumgardner
Headlines of the Day
Why Joe Rudolph hire fits what Marcus Freeman needed in next offensive line coach
Where Michael Mayer, other Notre Dame prospects appear in pre-NFL combine mock drafts and rankings
Notre Dame WBB coach Niele Ivey updates injury status of Olivia Miles
Niele Ivey wins ACC Coach of the Year
Four Notre Dame women’s basketball players earn All-ACC honors
Five 2024 offensive linemen Notre Dame could offer after Joe Rudolph is officially introduced
Context and explanation behind Irish QB commit CJ Carr’s drop in On3 national rankings
Talented 2024 RB Darrion Dupree working on Notre Dame knowledge, spring visit
