Notebook at Notre Dame: Mike Denbrock Discusses Life Following Riley Leonard and Blake Hebert’s Growth.

The college football world is ever-evolving, with teams constantly adapting to player changes, coaching shifts, and the demands of the game. For a program like Notre Dame, success is defined not only by individual players’ performances but also by the long-term development of players and the culture they foster. One of the key figures in shaping that culture is Mike Denbrock, Notre Dame’s offensive coordinator, who has been integral in steering the program through the transition following the departures of key players like Riley Leonard and Blake Hebert. Denbrock’s insights into these changes offer a rare glimpse into what the Fighting Irish offense will look like moving forward, focusing on the continued growth of the program’s future stars and the adjustment to life after these standout players.

Life After Riley Leonard: A New Chapter

Riley Leonard’s departure from Notre Dame was a significant moment in the program’s recent history. Leonard, who played an integral role as quarterback, was a dynamic and efficient leader for the Irish. His dual-threat ability and poise in the pocket had been pivotal to the team’s success, and his absence would undoubtedly leave a void in the offense. However, Mike Denbrock, as the offensive coordinator, is accustomed to working through transitions like this.

As Denbrock reflects on life after Leonard, he acknowledges the importance of maintaining continuity while also adjusting to a new leadership structure. Leonard had a unique skill set that made him the centerpiece of the offense, and while he is no longer with the team, the foundation Leonard built is still intact. According to Denbrock, the coaching staff’s primary goal is to keep the offensive system consistent while allowing the new players stepping into those roles to bring their unique talents.

“Riley brought a lot to this offense with his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions. But we’ve always talked about the importance of having a system that works regardless of personnel,” Denbrock explains. “While it’s a challenge to lose a player like Riley, the system in place allows us to adjust and put players in positions where they can succeed.”

Preparing for the Future: The Growth of Blake Hebert

As the program moves forward in the post-Leonard era, one player who stands to benefit from the changes is Blake Hebert, a rising star who has been making waves at the quarterback position. While he has big shoes to fill in replacing Leonard, Hebert’s development over the past year has made him a compelling prospect for the Fighting Irish’s offense. Denbrock sees Hebert as someone capable of taking the reins, not just because of his physical talent, but also due to his leadership and adaptability.

“Hebert has really made strides since he arrived here,” Denbrock says. “When you look at his work ethic, his understanding of the offense, and his ability to make plays with his arm and his legs, you can see why we’re excited about what he brings to the table. The next step is continuing to build on that, and we have full confidence that he can take us to the next level.”

Hebert’s growth as a quarterback has been steady, with significant improvements in his understanding of defensive schemes and his decision-making under pressure. His ability to keep plays alive with his legs while also delivering accurate throws downfield has made him a dual-threat option in Denbrock’s system, which relies heavily on balance between the run and pass.

In terms of leadership, Hebert has also stepped into a more vocal role on and off the field. Denbrock emphasizes the importance of leadership in quarterbacks, noting that the ability to rally the team and command respect from teammates is just as crucial as physical talent.

“Quarterback is the most important position in football,” Denbrock continues. “It’s not just about throwing the ball or making plays. It’s about making everyone around you better, and Blake has done a great job of that. He’s not just learning the playbook—he’s becoming the kind of leader this offense needs.”

Hebert’s journey is far from complete, but his growth under Denbrock’s tutelage signals a bright future for the Notre Dame offense. The transition from Leonard to Hebert is expected to be a smooth one, given the similarities in their playing styles and the continuity of the offensive system. Denbrock has long been a believer in adapting the system to fit the strengths of his players, and with Hebert’s talent and growing understanding of the game, Notre Dame’s offense is poised for success.

Rebuilding and Developing the Offensive Line

While much of the focus in the aftermath of Riley Leonard’s departure centers on the quarterback position, Denbrock is quick to point out that the success of any offense starts in the trenches. With the transition to a new quarterback, ensuring the offensive line is up to the task is essential. Notre Dame’s offensive line has traditionally been one of the team’s strongest units, and Denbrock is committed to maintaining that level of excellence.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on the offensive line here,” Denbrock explains. “When you have a strong line, everything else can fall into place. It allows you to run the ball effectively, protect the quarterback, and set up play-action passes. This is an area where we can’t afford to take a step back.”

While the team has some key pieces returning on the line, there are also areas where younger players need to step up. Denbrock highlights the importance of developing depth, as offensive line play is about more than just the starting five—it’s about having quality depth that can provide fresh legs throughout the season.

“Offensive line play is all about continuity and chemistry,” Denbrock says. “As we integrate new players into the starting lineup, we want to ensure that the communication and chemistry remain strong. We’ve got some younger guys stepping up, and they’ve shown promise. It’s about continuing to develop them and getting them ready for big moments.”

The Return of the Running Game

Another key component of the Notre Dame offense is the running game, which has been a hallmark of the Fighting Irish’s identity for years. The departure of Leonard means that the running back group will have to shoulder even more of the workload, and Denbrock is excited about the group of backs at his disposal. With the offensive line expected to perform well, the running backs will be the key to taking pressure off the quarterback and maintaining balance.

“We’ve got a talented group of running backs who can carry the load,” Denbrock notes. “We’ll be leaning on them heavily as we move forward. A strong running game will open up a lot of things in the passing game and create opportunities for Blake and the other skill players. We’re excited about the depth we have there.”

Notre Dame has several talented running backs, and with the offensive line continuing to improve, the potential for a dominant running game is high. The backfield, which has been a staple of Notre Dame football for years, will continue to play a pivotal role in the offense’s success.

The Importance of Developing Talent

One of the most critical aspects of Denbrock’s role as offensive coordinator is his ability to develop talent, both at the quarterback position and throughout the offense. While the changes at quarterback following Leonard’s departure are significant, Denbrock is adamant that the overall development of players across the board remains a central focus.

“We’ve got a lot of young players who have really impressed us,” Denbrock says. “It’s not just about Blake or one or two other players—it’s about developing the whole group, whether it’s wide receivers, running backs, or the offensive line. We’re focused on getting better every day.”

For Denbrock, the key to long-term success is player development. He emphasizes that it’s not just about the stars who make big plays on Saturdays; it’s about building depth and creating a culture of improvement within the program. Notre Dame’s reputation for developing well-rounded athletes who excel on and off the field is something Denbrock takes seriously.

“You don’t get to where we are by relying on a handful of players,” Denbrock says. “It takes everyone—every position, every practice, every rep. That’s the kind of mentality we try to instill in these players. It’s about consistency and growth.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Notre Dame’s Offense

With the departure of Riley Leonard and the continued development of players like Blake Hebert, the future of Notre Dame’s offense looks bright. Mike Denbrock’s experience and commitment to developing players will continue to shape the identity of the offense, ensuring that the Fighting Irish remain competitive on the national stage.

The transition is never easy, but Denbrock’s approach—focusing on the system, fostering leadership, and emphasizing player development—has positioned Notre Dame for continued success. With Hebert at the helm and a talented supporting cast, the Fighting Irish are primed to continue building on their storied football legacy while adapting to the challenges of a new era.

As Notre Dame moves forward, the continued growth of Hebert, the development of the offensive line, and the emergence of the running game will be central to their success. And with Mike Denbrock guiding the offense, the future of Notre Dame football remains as promising as ever.