Former Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly now with The LSU Tigers sent message to present HC Marcus Freeman Concerning…
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Former Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly, now leading the LSU Tigers, recently sent a message to current Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman concerning the Fighting Irish’s progress and performance under Freeman’s leadership. Kelly, who coached at Notre Dame from 2010 to 2021 before making the move to LSU, has kept an eye on his former program and shared his thoughts as Freeman continues to shape the team in his third season.
Kelly’s message was one of both support and acknowledgment of the challenges that come with coaching at a high-profile program like Notre Dame. Having spent over a decade in South Bend, Kelly understands the pressures that Freeman faces, particularly in terms of recruiting, game-day execution, and the constant expectation to compete for national titles. Sources close to the LSU coach indicated that he reached out to Freeman directly, offering encouragement and insight as the Fighting Irish continue their 2024 campaign.
Despite their contrasting coaching styles—Kelly being more business-like and Freeman known for his player-first approach—the former coach reportedly expressed confidence in Freeman’s ability to maintain Notre Dame’s competitiveness on the national stage. Kelly has publicly praised Freeman’s work ethic before, particularly in how he has handled recruiting and built strong relationships with players.
The timing of Kelly’s message comes as Notre Dame finds itself in the midst of a critical stretch in the season, with big matchups that could determine their College Football Playoff hopes. Freeman, who took over following Kelly’s departure in December 2021, has been working to establish his own legacy while keeping Notre Dame among the top programs in the nation.
Kelly’s own tenure at LSU has been eventful, with the Tigers competing at a high level in the SEC. While some Notre Dame fans still hold mixed feelings about his exit, there is no doubt that his impact on the program helped pave the way for Freeman’s current opportunity.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how Freeman and the Fighting Irish will respond to both internal expectations and external challenges. With Kelly’s message of support, it’s clear that the former coach still holds a level of respect for the program and its current leadership. Whether Notre Dame continues to thrive under Freeman will ultimately depend on how he navigates the rest of the season, but Kelly’s words serve as a reminder of the unique fraternity that exists among college football head coaches.