Mike Brey is going out (at least with Notre Dame) like an absolute legend.
Before Notre Dame‘s Thursday home game against Pittsburgh — the last on the Fighting Irish’s schedule — head coach Mike Brey spoke to reporters Tuesday. He told them he planned on going to the Linebacker Lounge in South Bend for the first time before he leaves the community, and was going to do this win or lose after the Pitt game.
Brey previously announced that the 2022-23 season would be his last at Notre Dame. However, he didn’t rule out the possibility of coaching again one day.
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
Fast forward to Thursday, going up against the team that’s ranked 25th in the nation and first place in the ACC, most were expecting Brey to head out of South Bend with a loss. But nope, the Irish had different plans, pulling a massive 88-81 upset.
this one’s for the seniors.
this one’s for @NDMikeBrey.#GoIrish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/2rbBYu27It— Notre Dame Men’s Basketball (@NDmbb) March 2, 2023
Following the victory, Brey obviously meant what he said, putting down shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey (because of course) with a beer in his right hand surrounded by the Notre Dame faithful in a truly epic scene.
Before he’s even asked a question, Mike Brey begins his postgame radio show requesting somebody pour him a cocktail in advance at The Linebacker.
And so the night truly begins … now.
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) March 2, 2023
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 has not turned away one conversation or photo opportunity at The Linebacker tonight. He’s initiating some of the convos himself. Total class and nothing but gratitude from the 23-year Notre Dame head coach. pic.twitter.com/oUiigqzqc5
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) March 2, 2023
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
Mike Brey: “We may have lost games at times, but we’ll never lose a party.”
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) March 2, 2023
So cool, man. (RELATED: Louisville Cardinals Men’s Basketball Is So Sh*t That Their Halftime Show Dog Took One On The Court)
Congratulations on one hell of a career with Notre Dame, Mike. I hope to see you back coaching soon.