Brian Kelly’s Text Message To Notre Dame Players After Leaving For LSU
Brian Kelly’s Text Message To Notre Dame Players After Leaving For LSU
Brian Kelly’s abrupt decision to leave Notre Dame for LSU caught many within the program off guard.
Although Kelly came very close to leaving for another major school last year, and despite him seemingly dismissing the prospect of switching jobs just a few weeks back, he ultimately made the stunning decision to depart South Bend on Monday.
According to Matt Fortuna of The Athletic, one Notre Dame assistant discovered of his boss’ move as he was leaving a recruit’s house.
This is usually how these things go, but Brian Kelly has ghosted everyone at Notre Dame. Just spoke to one assistant who saw reports on his phone tonight as he was exiting a recruit’s home: “The news broke when I walked out of the house, so I look like a f—– a–hole.”
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) November 30, 2021
But the humiliation didn’t stop there.
“Multiple Notre Dame staff members still haven’t heard from Brian Kelly about the expected departure to LSU,” reported ESPN college football insider Adam Rittenberg.
Shortly after news of Kelly’s exit began to go viral, he sent this text message to all his players:
Just now Brian Kelly messaged Notre Dame’s roster in Team Works that “I will be leaving Notre Dame.”
The plan is for Kelly to meet with the team tomorrow at 7 a.m.
Here is the full message pic.twitter.com/sqAl2txZIy
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) November 30, 2021
“Men,” he began. “Let me first apologize for the late night text and, more importantly, for not being able to share the news with you in person that I will be leaving Notre Dame.
“I am flying back to South Bend tonight to be able to meet with you in the morning but the news broke late today and I am sorry you found out through social media or news reporters. I will have more to share when we meet tomorrow at 7 a.m. but for now, just know my love for you is limitless and I am so proud of all that you have accomplished.”
Kelly didn’t stop there.
“Our program is elite because of your hard work and commitment and I know that will continue,” he added. “I will share more in the morning when we meet. Again, my sincere apologies for not being able to be the one to share the news directly with you. Coach Kelly.”
Why is Kelly all of a sudden leaving for LSU? Money – plain and simple.
LSU’s offer to Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly is a 10-year deal that will take him north of $100 million with incentives, sources tell @BrodyAMiller and me.
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) November 30, 2021
So where does Notre Dame go from here? Over the past few hours rumors about Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer have been heating up. Whether that hire ultimately comes to fruition or not remains to be seen.
Unlike in the case of Lincoln Riley’s jump to USC, aside from cash, there doesn’t appear to be a great reason for Kelly’s move. Time will tell how successful he’ll ultimately be facing off against much stiffer competition than the one that left him 92-39 with zero titles in 12 seasons at Notre Dame.
Paulina Gretzky knows what she’s doing. https://t.co/mx5KTZLgZe
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 29, 2021
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
