Notre Dame is poised to hire Ja’Juan Seider as its new running backs coach, succeeding Deland McCullough, who recently departed for the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders. Seider, 47, has a distinguished coaching career, notably serving as Penn State’s running backs coach, assistant head coach, and co-offensive coordinator since 2018.
Coaching Career and Achievements
Seider began his coaching journey at Marshall before moving to West Virginia, where he coached from 2013 to 2016. In 2017, he joined Florida as the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. His tenure at Penn State was marked by significant accomplishments, including developing a formidable running back duo in Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Under his guidance, Singleton and Allen each surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in the 2024 season, contributing to Penn State’s robust ground game.
Impact at Penn State
During his time at Penn State, Seider’s running backs were instrumental in the team’s offensive success. In the 2024 season, Singleton and Allen combined for over 2,200 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, showcasing Seider’s ability to develop and utilize talent effectively. His coaching philosophy emphasized a balanced attack, integrating multiple running backs to keep the offense dynamic and unpredictable.
Transition to Notre Dame
Seider’s expected move to Notre Dame is seen as a strategic enhancement to the Fighting Irish’s coaching staff. His extensive experience and proven track record in developing running backs align with Notre Dame’s commitment to excellence. The formal announcement of his hiring is anticipated within the next week or two, signaling a new chapter for both Seider and the Notre Dame football program.
Looking Ahead
As Notre Dame prepares to integrate Seider into its coaching staff, the focus will be on leveraging his expertise to further elevate the performance of the running backs. With returning players like Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and Aneyas Williams, Seider’s coaching is expected to enhance the team’s offensive capabilities, contributing to a promising future for the Fighting Irish.
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