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Home > Forums > Football Message Board
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Frank Leahy

Author: AlbanyIRISH (26547 Posts - Original UHND Member)

Posted at 8:10 pm on Dec 18, 2025
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I just finished American Coach.

Beyond the career and family story (thanks Fred), what I took away most from the book was a feeling that the foundation of Notre Dame football, as we know it today, was built by Frank.

If he wasn't handicapped by Hesburgh, he would have won several more national titles.


Kind of reminds me of when Rocket Ismail played for Notre Dame
Invincibility with no vulnerability

Replies to: Frank Leahy


Thread Level: 2

I understand the desire to be tops in academia

Author: NDWisconsin (1045 Posts - Original UHND Member)

Posted at 11:56 am on Dec 19, 2025
View Single

But I think a large part of ND’s success is its Catholic identity. The rise of Rockne and Leahy happened in a time where Catholics were not always treated the best. Standards are great, but academics are one part of the college formula. I guess I would have liked the emphasis on not setting the bar so high and make ND more accessible to the sizeable legion of fans it has. It is possible that Hesburgh leaned in too hard. I’m just hoping at some point ND relaxes the reigns a little for all students.

This message has been edited 1 time(s).

Thread Level: 3

I respectfully disagree. I believe that meritocracies are the healthiest societies.

Author: Curly1918 (17240 Posts - Joined: Aug 30, 2017)

Posted at 1:15 pm on Dec 19, 2025
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(no message)

Thread Level: 3

No reason to lower admissions standards. None. We should always be a Top 20 academic institution,

Author: Hensou (9932 Posts - Joined: Dec 21, 2022)

Posted at 12:24 pm on Dec 19, 2025
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(no message)

Thread Level: 2

My own impression is that like too many coaches, Frank paid a high personal price for his success.

Author: Curly1918 (17240 Posts - Joined: Aug 30, 2017)

Posted at 8:33 am on Dec 19, 2025
View Single

Onn the other hand, I was a classmate of his son Jim (and attended his wedding) and he was a great guy.

I knew Fred but only casually.


Thread Level: 3

Small world.

Author: Leahy (440 Posts - Original UHND Member)

Posted at 9:11 am on Dec 19, 2025
View Single

Ur like part of the family

"Nobody's right..if everybody's wrong" ..
Buffalo Springfield
Thread Level: 4

My only visit to Portland is one great memory.

Author: Curly1918 (17240 Posts - Joined: Aug 30, 2017)

Posted at 11:11 am on Dec 19, 2025
View Single

I also really enjoyed meeting Jim's bride and felt he was very very lucky.

Thread Level: 5

Re: My only visit to Portland is one great memory.

Author: Leahy (440 Posts - Original UHND Member)

Posted at 11:33 am on Dec 19, 2025
View Single

Yep.
His wife Nancy is special


"Nobody's right..if everybody's wrong" ..
Buffalo Springfield
Thread Level: 3

Dad was in Frank Jr's class.

Author: hipND (4249 Posts - Original UHND Member)

Posted at 8:43 am on Dec 19, 2025
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tragically short life.

Thread Level: 4

Re: for sure

Author: Leahy (440 Posts - Original UHND Member)

Posted at 9:13 am on Dec 19, 2025
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He was 44

"Nobody's right..if everybody's wrong" ..
Buffalo Springfield
Thread Level: 2

Re: I agree

Author: Leahy (440 Posts - Original UHND Member)

Posted at 8:45 pm on Dec 18, 2025
View Single

Glad you liked it.
It has painful moments but ivan did 2.5 years of research.
Thanks for the comments


"Nobody's right..if everybody's wrong" ..
Buffalo Springfield
Thread Level: 3

May I ask your relationship to Frank?

Author: faircatchcorby (10150 Posts - Joined: Jan 26, 2011)

Posted at 7:51 am on Dec 19, 2025
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(no message)

Thread Level: 4

Re: my dad

Author: Leahy (440 Posts - Original UHND Member)

Posted at 9:12 am on Dec 19, 2025
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(no message)

"Nobody's right..if everybody's wrong" ..
Buffalo Springfield
Thread Level: 5

And uncle to Ryan.

Author: AlbanyIRISH (26547 Posts - Original UHND Member)

Posted at 11:48 am on Dec 19, 2025
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(no message)

Kind of reminds me of when Rocket Ismail played for Notre Dame
Invincibility with no vulnerability
Thread Level: 6

One of my favorite players from the Holtz years

Author: NDWisconsin (1045 Posts - Original UHND Member)

Posted at 11:50 am on Dec 19, 2025
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(no message)

Thread Level: 7

Re: mine too. Bubba is special

Author: Leahy (440 Posts - Original UHND Member)

Posted at 12:00 pm on Dec 19, 2025
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(no message)

"Nobody's right..if everybody's wrong" ..
Buffalo Springfield
Thread Level: 3

Honored to have you on this board-thank you

Author: bluegold (34 Posts - Joined: Sep 18, 2022)

Posted at 9:31 pm on Dec 18, 2025
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(no message)


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