Wednesday night, Mike Brey walked onto the court at Purcell Pavilion for the final time as the head coach of the Notre Dame men’s basketball team. When he left the court, his team had just upset No. 25 and ACC-leading Pitt. Although the 11-19 record (3-16 ACC) isn’t up to the standard college basketball fans have come to expect from Brey and the Irish, it was certainly a fitting closing for the coach.
Brey spent 23 years at the helm of Notre Dame, leading the Irish to a 482-275 (64%) record. He’s the winningest coach in ND history, and has 13 NCAA tournament appearances and a 2015 ACC tournament title. But there’s one thing he hasn’t done.
Before the game, Brey told media that — for the first time in his two decade career in South Bend — he would be venturing to local watering hole The Linebacker to celebrate or commiserate.
Mike Brey will meet The Linebacker for the first time on Wednesday night.
"There ain't no curfew tomorrow." pic.twitter.com/ry2t4uzU2t
— Matt Freeman (@mattfreemanISD) February 28, 2023
Well, he’s a man of his word, and the celebration went on all night.
A man of his word. Mike Brey (and Notre Dame athletics director Jack Swarbrick) at The Linebacker for a postgame party. Legendary. pic.twitter.com/1BBRmXHc7X
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) March 2, 2023
Brey met with students and fans, posed for pictures, and yes, even partake in a few adult beverages.
A shot of Jameson for Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey.
As on-brand as ever. pic.twitter.com/wQ99gw87RE
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) March 2, 2023
Mike Brey continues to be one of the absolute best. While he’s stepping away from Notre Dame, he’s not quite retiring. So will we see him on another sideline next season? Only time will tell.
