Before Wednesday evening, Mike Brey had by no means been to the Linebacker Lounge.
After his remaining residence sport following 23 years as Notre Dame’s males’s basketball coach, he celebrated with a shot of whiskey on the landmark South Bend dive. Jameson, after all.
Brey introduced his intentions Tuesday whereas talking with media within the day main as much as Notre Dame’s residence finale in opposition to Pittsburgh. He’d beforehand introduced this season could be his final in South Bend, although he hasn’t dominated out a return to teaching.
“I’ve by no means — I’m very pleased with this stat — I’ve by no means stepped foot within the Linebacker in 23 years,” Brey mentioned with a smile on his face. “I do know you do not consider it. But I’m moving into tomorrow evening.”
So Brey was going, win or lose. After he helmed Fighting Irish basketball for two-plus many years, the go to would mark a correct setting for his South Bend farewell. Established in 1962, the Linebacker’s develop into a staple for college kids, alumni and passersby alike.
Notre Dame coach Mike Brey celebrates the staff’s win over Pittsburgh in NCAA faculty basketball sport on March 1, 2023, in South Bend, Indiana. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Fortunately for Brey, he was capable of name it a celebration. The Irish beat the Twenty fifth-ranked Panthers, 88-81 in a spotlight of what is been a largely disappointing 12-19 marketing campaign. After the win, he adopted via on his phrase. With a beer in his proper hand, Brey downed a shot of Jameson together with his left whereas surrounded by Notre Dame trustworthy.
The home was packed as Brey chatted and took pictures with Notre Dame followers.
Where did the night lead for Brey? That a lot wasn’t clear on the time of this submit. But Brey vowed on Tuesday to maintain the social gathering going.
“We’re closing that sucker,” Brey mentioned. “There ain’t no curfew.”
