Like a lot of things in life, reality is somewhere in the middle. Do I believe that Lovie is 100% hands off in recruiting and is not involved at all? No, that simply cannot be the case. Do I believe he's leading the recruiting efforts? No, I don't believe that either.
Many head coaches at top programs function generally as closers. Brian Kelly at ND is a great example. I think Lovie would like to function in this role, but sadly that's not where the recruiting program is these days. And as the head coach, it's his responsibility to run the recruiting program.
It would be one thing if there was a master recruiting plan Lovie put together and he and his staff were executing it. But 5 years in, no such program blueprint is discernable. He's gotten lucky that transfers have opened up and he's been able to pluck some players to fill gaps. That's no long term way to build a roster, however.
Many head coaches at top programs function generally as closers. Brian Kelly at ND is a great example. I think Lovie would like to function in this role, but sadly that's not where the recruiting program is these days. And as the head coach, it's his responsibility to run the recruiting program.
It would be one thing if there was a master recruiting plan Lovie put together and he and his staff were executing it. But 5 years in, no such program blueprint is discernable. He's gotten lucky that transfers have opened up and he's been able to pluck some players to fill gaps. That's no long term way to build a roster, however.