OC Andy Ludwig staying at Utah amid Notre Dame curiosity

Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, who interviewed for a similar place at Notre Dame, has knowledgeable the Irish that he is staying with the Utes, sources informed ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Monday evening.

Sources stated that Ludwig’s buyout — of no less than $2 million, the precise quantity relying on how the buyout influence is interpreted within the contract’s rollover 12 months — proved an impediment in discussions with Notre Dame.

Ludwig, who has spent the previous 4 seasons main Utah’s offense, interviewed in South Bend over the weekend and was thought-about the main candidate to switch Tommy Rees, ESPN’s Heather Dinich reported Friday.

Notre Dame’s seek for a brand new offensive coordinator started earlier this month, when the college realized Rees was becoming a member of Nick Saban’s workers at Alabama. Sources informed Dinich that second-year coach Marcus Freeman is in search of a confirmed playcaller who can proceed to run a pro-style offense and match seamlessly with the present workers.

At 58, Ludwig’s a long time of teaching expertise have been a significant factor within the Notre Dame interview course of. In his first four-year stint at Utah (2005-08), Ludwig served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach through the Utes’ undefeated 2008 season that included a 13-0 document and Sugar Bowl win over Alabama. Prior to that, Ludwig spent three seasons in the identical function at Oregon (2002-04). He additionally has expertise as Vanderbilt’s offensive coordinator (2015-18) and has had stints at Wisconsin, San Diego State and Cal.

Kansas State offensive coordinator Collin Klein additionally spoke to the Irish earlier than electing to remain at his alma mater, the place he was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2012.