Brian Kelly left meeting with Notre Dame players after 11 minutes

Publish date: 2024-08-21

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Brian Kelly’s goodbye to Notre Dame players on Tuesday morning was brief. As in, 11 minutes.

According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, the meeting — which Kelly called Monday night following reports he was leaving South Bend for LSU — lasted just that long.

Later in the day, LSU flew Kelly on a private jet to Baton Rouge, where he was greeted by fans, dignitaries and the Golden Band from Tigerland after agreeing to a 10-year contract worth $95 million plus incentives.

The hiring of Kelly — who was at Notre Dame for the past 12 seasons and eclipsed Knute Rockne for career victories with the storied Fighting Irish — came together on Monday night in yet another blockbuster coaching move in college football.

LSU made it official on Tuesday morning.

New LSU football coach Brian Kelly gestures to fans after his arrival at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport. AP

“Brian Kelly is the epitome of a winner,” LSU athletic director Scott Woodward said. “He has built and sustained success at every program he’s led, from multiple undefeated regular seasons and National Coach of the Year honors to (Division II) national titles and College Football Playoff berths. His credentials and consistency speak for themselves.”

Kelly’s decision to leave Notre Dame appeared to leave everyone connected to the program in shock. Given that just a week ago, he publicly and emphatically said he wouldn’t be leaving, that’s little surprise.

In the last hours before he officially left, Kelly ghosted assistant coaches, according to the Athletic, and administrators and boosters didn’t know the news was coming either. Kelly’s team also found out he was leaving on social media, with the coach finally sending them an update a little after 10 p.m. on Monday.

Brian Kelly leading Notre Dame football players out for their game against Stanford on Nov. 27, 2021. Getty Images
Brian Kelly (c.) during his final game as Notre Dame football coach on Nov. 27, 2021. Getty Images

“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,” the message read, as obtained by the Athletic. “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.”

— With AP

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