Brian Kelly’s beautiful transfer ruffled a number of feathers.
The 12-year Notre Dame head coach bolted for the LSU opening Monday for a reported 10-year deal in extra of $100 million. He’ll substitute Ed Orgeron, who agreed with LSU in October to half methods following this season.
The choice appeared to blindside each his present gamers at Notre Dame and members of his workers. Kelly opted to tell his crew over his departure late Monday evening, according to an image obtained by The Athletic.
“Males… Let me first apologize for the late evening textual content and, extra importantly, for not having the ability to share the information with you in person who I will likely be leaving Notre Dame,” the message learn. “I’m flying again to South Bend tonight to have the ability to meet with you within the morning however the information broke late at the moment and I’m sorry you came upon via social media or information experiences.”
Kelly promised to supply a full clarification throughout an early-morning assembly Tuesday.
“I’ll have extra to share after we meet tomorrow at 7 a.m. however for now, simply know that my love for you is limitless and I’m so pleased with all that you’ve achieved. … I’ll share extra within the morning after we meet,” the message continued. “Once more, my honest apologies for not having the ability to be the one to share the information straight with you.”
The ramifications of Kelly’s determination reached the recruiting path. He reportedly ghosted his assistants within the last hours, a few of which had been busy with recruits on the time and solely heard in regards to the determination from the information and social media: “The information broke once I walked out of the home, so I seem like a f–king asshole,” one assistant told The Athletic. Directors and boosters additionally had no concept the transfer was coming, in line with the report. Notre Dame will doubtlessly lose recruits who had dedicated underneath the belief Kelly could be their coach. Oklahoma misplaced three recruits Sunday when information broke that Lincoln Riley was leaving for the USC job, and misplaced two extra on Monday.
Kelly himself shot down the thought of leaving only one week in the past. “No. I imply, look, I feel Mike Tomlin had the most effective line, proper? Except that fairy godmother comes by with that $250 million examine, my spouse would need to try it first,” Kelly advised reporters. “I’d must run it by her.”