Update: Despite the previous report, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the head coaching job has not been finalized yet.
But Mike Brey is a candidate.
Just spoke to USF AD Michael Kelly. He said former Notre Dame coach Mike Brey is a candidate and has interviewed for the USF basketball job, but there’s only been discussions. There’s been no offer and nothing has been formalized.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 20, 2023
Earlier: After a tremendous run at Notre Dame, Mike Brey appears to have landed on his feet elsewhere.
Per Russ Wood of Rivals.com, the three-time Big East Coach of the Year is expected to be hired by the University of South Florida to take over the Bulls’ program.
The South Florida men’s basketball coach search appears to be over.https://t.co/RpO8RAZ3W1
— Russ Wood (@RussHoops) March 20, 2023
The sports world reacted to the surprising move on Monday.
“Oh wow,” Russell Johnson replied. “Nice scoop by Russ here.”
Oh wow. Nice scoop by Russ here 👀 https://t.co/AqitLLKM6w
— Russell Johnson (@RivalsJohnson) March 20, 2023
“Mike Brey in Tampa feels so fun,” tweeted Gary Segars.
Mike Brey in Tampa feels so fun. https://t.co/77zNi98Sx7
— Gary Segars (@GaryWCE) March 20, 2023
“Notre Dame is getting its coaches poached left and right,” said RedditCFB. “First by LSU, now USF.”
Notre Dame is getting its coaches poached left and right, first by LSU, now USF. https://t.co/yXiB2tYvMN
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) March 20, 2023
“This one came wayyyyy outta left field.”
This one came wayyyyy outta left field. https://t.co/FiZFoSG5Hc
— Sidelines – UAB (@SSN_UAB) March 20, 2023
“Mike Brey has quickly found a new home. Clock is ticking to find his replacement here,” commented WSBT’s Pete Byrne.
Mike Brey has quickly found a new home.
Clock is ticking to find his replacement here.https://t.co/C8UL2MKI4z
— Pete Byrne WSBT (@PeteByrneSports) March 20, 2023
“This is happening because USF is a better school than Notre Dame,” The Smoking Musket said.
This is happening because USF is a better school than Notre Dame https://t.co/YGEMiRfSgb
— The Smoking Musket (@smokingmusket) March 20, 2023
“What a hire by USF.”
What a hire by USF https://t.co/Vh8TDgswIy
— Matt Landry (@Landry1117) March 20, 2023
“Mike Brey wants to party.”
Mike Brey wants to party https://t.co/q9nT0EVHWy
— Big Basketball Drix 🏳️🌈 (@BigDaddyDrix) March 20, 2023
Brey hit a bit of a skid with the Irish, only taking them to the NCAA Tournament once in the last six seasons. Prior to that, Notre Dame had been a mainstay in March dating back to 2000.