Defensive line coach Randy Hart was a popular man Wednesday when defensive coordinators spoke with the media.
There is little question why the 39-year coaching veteran was in demand leading up to Notre Dame's game against Washington on Saturday.
Hart, who had stops at Tampa, Iowa State, Purdue and Ohio State, spend the last 19 seasons as an assistant coach for Washington. He coached under five different Huskies head coaches.
Hart said he is treating this week like any other game week and doesn't think about facing a school he spend so many years at.
"You don't go there," Hart said. "You are in what you are here and what you are doing here and make it go. Next year or next summer, you will say it is what it was. But the focus is on what you are doing now."
Hart jokingly talked about seeking some people out to talk to from Washington after the game, only if the Irish win.
"I'll stop by and see some people for sure," Hart said.
Hart said the Huskies' football program has an important place in Seattle and the Northwest.
"It is a big important deal," Hart said. "It was around before the Seahawks were, and it one of the markets that holds its own with the pro franchise in town. Obviously, when you are there it is real important."
Hart downplayed his knowledge of Washington's players being able to give Notre Dame an edge on Saturday. Also, the Huskies are being guided by a new staff as former USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian as head coach.
"The game is played Notre Dame vs. the University of Washington," Hart said. "What little bit that I would know scheme-wise and personnel-wise, I wouldn't think it is very big at all. I don't think that me knowing the names of those players or knowing their families is going to be anything big to help us on gameday."
But Hart is helping Notre Dame as a coach.
"You coach for 40 years, you know a lot of football," defensive coordinator Jon Tenuta said "Randy has been on both sides of the ball and does a tremendous job. He really understand blocking schemes, and he is a big 'What if?' guy. You play in different conferences, so different conferences have different type of schemes based on what they like to do based on their personnel. He has seen all that stuff. He brings a lot to the table."
