After a short-lived pursuit to become an NFL quarterback, former Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees will follow in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a coaching career.
According to SI.com’s Brian Hamilton, Rees will join the Northwestern Wildcats’ coaching staff as a graduate assistant.
During his four seasons with the Fighting Irish, Rees threw for 7,351 yards, 61 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The quarterback left campus with 33 passing records.
Rees was never seen as a permanent solution behind center for Notre Dame, though. He was a smart and efficient player, but there was always a more talented recruit waiting in the wings. However, his aptitude for the game was never questioned. Rees’ ability to read defenses and understanding of the X’s and O’s should translate well for the aspiring coach.
Rees’ father, Bill, also started a career in coaching and scouting at Northwestern before spending 15 years at UCLA then moving to the NFL to work for the Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns.
Bill Rees eventually returned to Northwestern in 2010 before leaving for the NFL a year later to resume his scouting career.