Notre Dame Needs to Enjoy Bob Diaco While They Still Have Him

Notre Dame's defense is as good as any defense in the country right now. If you didn't believe it after holding LeVeon Bell to less than 80 yards, you should believe it now after holding Michigan, which has one of the most exciting players in the country, Denard Robinson, to six points. 

If you recall, Michigan opened against Alabama, who is the measuring stick in college football right now. The Crimson Tide dominated the Wolverines in every way, but even they couldn't hold Robinson and company to only six points. Relax, I am not saying that Notre Dame is better than Alabama. I am just putting into perspective just how good their defense has been.

What other team can say they held both Michigan schools to a total of nine points and gave up no touchdowns? Those are arguably two of the best teams in the Big Ten, and one of them will likely win the Legends Division. 

Manti Te'o is probably the best defensive player in the country and will likely win some awards as well as be the first linebacker drafted. He had the game of his life against Michigan and certainly will be missed during the bye week when he goes to Hawaii to deal with personal tragedies. Hurry back, Manti; our prayers are with you.

Te'o is not alone, though, as that whole front including Kapron Lewis-Moore, Stephon Tuitt, Louis Nix, Danny Spond, Prince Shembo, and Dan Fox has been dominanting. 

The secondary may be young, but they are playing really well. Zeke Motta is the leader of a young group that includes Bennett Jackson, KeiVarae Russell, Matthias Farley and Josh Atkinson.

This is quite a unit that Defensive Coordinator Bob Diaco has put together. The only bad thing is that Te'o, Lewis-Moore, Fox and Motta are all graduating seniors. Therefore, one-third of the defense won't be back. Now the question that has to be discussed at some point is whether Diaco be back.

While Brian Kelly would love more than anything to keep him, the fact is that he will be a hot candidate for a head coaching job. You don't put together a defense like this and not get at least a few phone calls and interviews. While I am not sure if Diaco desires to be a head coach, it has to be assumed that his name will be brought up for different vacancies around college football. 

In the meantime, Notre Dame should appreciate Diaco while we have him and enjoy for rest of this year to see the excellent defensive work he has been doing. Hopefully, he will still be there for the bowl game and beyond, but if not, I think all Notre Dame fans will root for him to succeed as a head coach, wherever that is.