John McNulty reveals lessons he learned from Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman, Tommy Rees
Former Notre Dame tight ends coach John McNulty has a new job, but he is still singing the praises of his former colleagues in South Bend.
On Tuesday, McNulty was introduced as the new offensive coordinator at Boston College. The veteran coach spent a portion of his introductory press conference complimenting both Irish head coach Marcus Freeman and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
He began with Rees, touching on what he learned from the 29-year-old’s coaching style.
“I like the way that he handled the players just (with) a lot more relatability,” McNulty said, “I just liked the way he handled his business because I think for a lot of years, there’s that finite amount of time and everything’s boom-boom-boom-boom fast.”
McNulty was referring to the fast pace of the college football environment, one which constantly demands work on the playbook and recruiting, among other things.
“You don’t have a lot of the grab the guy and bring ’em to the side and tell ’em, ‘Hey, this is what I really want from you,'” he added. “Sometimes those things get kind of lost in translation. Everything’s happening too fast, and you get in the season, and you only have two days.”
Rees is known for having very strong relationships with his players, and McNulty admired the way Rees has been able to connect with his offense beyond the day-to-day, on-the-field details. His age, Notre Dame background and likable personality are certainly a part of that.
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McNulty also provided insight into how Freeman had him inform the team he was making the move to Boston College.
“Coach Freeman did a pretty cool thing yesterday when he called the team up and told them I was leaving,” McNulty added. “And they all got up, you know, clapping, all came over, hugged.
“I had conversations with guys from all positions that I didn’t really have this past season, like a young receiver. I was like, ‘Listen, man, I love you. I think this is what’s in front of you. I think you do this and this, you’re going to be…’ And I’m thinking, ‘Why didn’t I tell them that yesterday?’ You know what I mean?”
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McNulty will take what he learned from both Rees and Freeman and hopes to apply it right away with the Eagles.
“I don’t want this to be some sort of transactional feel where I tell you to do this, you do this,” the new coordinator added. “That doesn’t happen anymore, and maybe it shouldn’t have happened ever. But I really want to have a good relationship with these guys.”
Despite being approximately two decades older than the aforementioned coaches, it’s clear the young Notre Dame staff impacted McNulty’s coaching philosophy as he heads to his new position.
Irish reunion happening in Chestnut Hill
Also of interest to Notre Dame fans, McNulty inherits an offense led by former Irish quarterback Phil Jurkovec. The rising fifth year quarterback missed nearly two months of the 2021 season with a hand injury but is back for 2022.
All in all, the Eagles offense struggled in an ACC with multiple high-powered offensive attacks. Boston College ranked last in the conference in total offense (350.3 yards per game) and 11th in scoring offense (24.7 points per contest) in 2021.
McNulty takes over just one day after the full ACC schedule was released. Notre Dame hosts Boston College in South Bend on Nov. 19.
