HEADLINE

Rees, 27, takes over as Notre Dame offensive coordinator

Field Level Media

January 14, 2020 at 10:09 pm.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly is handing the reins of his offense to 27-year-old Tommy Rees.

The school on Tuesday announced the promotion of Rees from quarterbacks coach to coordinator, replacing Chip Long, who was let go in December after three seasons on the job. Rees, a former Fighting Irish quarterback, called plays in a 33-9 victory over Iowa State in the Camping World Bowl.

Rees reportedly recently interviewed for the offensive coordinator position at Oregon.

Kelly said in a statement that the school went through an “extensive national search” for a coordinator.

“Tom’s ability to connect with our players and staff and accepting and embracing the incredible opportunity in being the offensive coordinator at Notre Dame made him the right choice,” Kelly said.

“While Tom’s leadership ability and knowledge of the game was evident, it was his humble approach to his own development and desire to continue to grow and learn that were also key factors that set him apart in a talented pool of candidates.”

Rees went 23-8 as a starting quarterback at Notre Dame, throwing for 7,670 yards and 61 touchdowns from 2010-2013. He was a grad assistant at Northwestern in 2015 and was an offensive assistant with the San Diego Chargers in 2016 before going back to South Bend, Ind., as the quarterbacks coach in 2017.

Notre Dame also announced that running backs coach Lance Taylor will carry the new title of run game coordinator.

The Irish have gone 33-6 in the past three seasons, including a College Football Playoff appearance in the 2018 season, and will return quarterback Ian Book as a redshirt senior in 2020. Book has thrown for 6,123 yards and 57 touchdowns in the past three seasons with Rees as his position coach.

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