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Brian Kelly is leaving the Notre Dame football program and heading to Baton Rouge.
Late Monday night, it was reported that the Fighting Irish head coach was accepting the LSU Tigers head coaching vacancy. On Tuesday morning, the news became official with LSU announcing it had agreed to a 10-year, $95 million contract with Kelly.
Shortly after the news broke, Kelly messaged the Notre Dame players and apologized for not being able to deliver the news directly and having them learn of his departure through social media.
His message to his players has since surfaced on social media.
“Men… 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,” Kelly wrote. “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 reports. I will have more to share when we meet tomorrow at 7 a.m. but for now, just know that my love for you is limitless and I am so proud of all that you have accomplished.
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
“Our program is elite because of your hard work and commitment and I know that will continue. 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.”
The 60-year-old Kelly was in his 12th season at Notre Dame and became the winningest coach in school history earlier this year. Kelly is 113-40, including an appearance in the 2012 BCS title game and two College Football Playoff appearances.
