Episode 8: Rockne: The Head Coach, Part Five (1930)

In this episode we pick up with Rockne as the elating 1929 National Championship season wrapped up and a new decade begins. Though lingering health concerns remain, Rockne faces 1930 with renewed energy, a full coaching staff, and a roster full of promise. As construction on Notre Dame’s long-awaited new stadium completes, he remains at the forefront of a rapidly evolving college football landscape, juggling coaching and his expanding national fame. Yet even in a year marked by progress and dominance, questions begin to surface about what might come next. With demands on his time mounting, from business ventures to national speaking tours, Rockne found himself increasingly pulled in multiple directions. This episode explores the pressures building behind the scenes, the landmark achievements that define the year, and a fateful flight in March, 1931, that would change everything.

Hosted by Alex Painter, a Notre Dame fan and historian. You can listen to Alex’s Notre Dame football podcast, “Onward to Victory,” on any podcasting service.

This podcast is presented by The History Museum of South Bend, Indiana, and is possible through the generous sponsorship of Andy and Tina Nickle.