Day auditioned then took over for a program at the top. Dabo wasn't in a pressure cooker day 1 and

after growing pains, elevated QB play and Venables changed everything for Clemson.

ND's experience w/first time HCs is less compelling, as anyone who suffered through Faust, Davie and Charlie can attest.
That said, there is no reason a Co-ordinator/Associate HC would necessarily fail at ND if the program continues to thrive,
especially if a transition year audtition was planned for and well executed like Ryan Day.