Mike Denbrock, most recently the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach at LSU, is returning to Notre Dame as head coach Marcus Freeman’s new offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. Denbrock replaces Gerad Parker who has accepted the head coach position at Troy. Denbrock spent the past two seasons as OC at LSU under former Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly.
A 36-year coaching veteran, Denbrock is no stranger to South Bend. He served as offensive tackle/tight ends coach with the Irish from 2002-04 and then returned to coach tight ends and receivers from 2010-2016. In 2015, Notre Dame’s offense set a modern-era school record with 7.02 yards per play and averaged over 250 passing yards and 200 rushing yards in the same season.
Mike Denbrock and Marcus Freeman Have a Shared History
Denbrock even has a history with Freeman. They worked together at Cincinnati where they played a pivotal role in Cincinnati’s appearance in a New Year’s Day bowl in 2020. Freeman left for Notre Dame after that season to become the Irish’s defensive coordinator. Denbrock stayed with the Bearcats and helped guide the program to its first and only College Football Playoff appearance in 2021, finishing the season 13-1.
“First and foremost, Mike is an elite coach across the board. He’s a great leader, recruiter, and developer,” said Freeman at the announcement of Denbrock’s hiring. “But what I love the most is his competitive spirit. Mike not only has a lot of experience, but he has achieved a high level of success at multiple places. He has the ability to mold his offense to utilize his playmakers while putting defenses in conflict.”
At LSU, Denbrock orchestrated a unit that led the nation in total offense (547.8 yards per game), scoring offense (46.4 points), yards per play (8.53), and third down conversions (55.67 percent). LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels thrived under the tutelage of Denbrock. Daniels passed for 3,812 yards, rushed for 1,134 yards, and accounted for 50 touchdowns. His brilliant season culminated with a Heisman Trophy.
