Report: Brian Kelly has 'ghosted' Notre Dame assistant coaches since agreeing to LSU deal
Brian Kelly has reportedly gone dark on multiple Notre Dame staffers as reports swirl about his future in South Bend.
That’s per a report from The Athletic’s Matt Fortuna, who says one Notre Dame assistant was on a recruiting visit when the news broke.
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
Kelly is widely expected to be named the next coach at LSU this week, perhaps as soon as Tuesday. He’s been with the Fighting Irish since 2010.
Per ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, multiple Notre Dame assistant coaches have been unable to get in contact with Kelly since reports first surfaced.
Multiple Notre Dame staff members still haven't heard from Brian Kelly about the expected departure to LSU.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) November 30, 2021
The news is particularly surprising as Notre Dame is still in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth. The Fighting Irish could be ranked as high as No. 5 in the country when the next rankings are revealed on Tuesday night.
Notre Dame is 11-1 this season with its only loss being to Cincinnati. If the Bearcats, Oklahoma State or Michigan lose in their respective conference title games this weekend, it could open the door for Notre Dame to receive a berth.
However, if that happens, it appears it will do so without Kelly. Defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman is expected to be the interim coach and could potentially be a replacement for the full-time gig.