Mike Brey’s final season as men’s basketball coach at Notre Dame hasn’t gone well. Unless the Fighting Irish pull a major upset and win the ACC Tournament, they won’t even be considered for an NCAA Tournament bid. But Notre Dame found some magic for Brey’s final home game. Afterward, he knew how to celebrate.
The Fighting Irish pulled an upset win on Tuesday, defeating No. 25 Pittsburgh, 88-81.
When the game was over, Brey went to a local watering hole. While there, he took shots with some fans.
One of the fans, presumably a Notre Dame student, said “Thanks for all the good years.”
Brey responded with “You’re the best. Here we go, baby.” Then, the shots were downed.
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
Brey’s celebration was well-received among college basketball fans.
Mike Brey is a National Treasure. @emacSNY https://t.co/lRZLLJoX3I
— John Jastremski (@john_jastremski) March 2, 2023
What a legend https://t.co/l5Dn6MQI9W
— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) March 2, 2023
Legend
☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ https://t.co/1FXMWMxPYh— Mike Carver (@CarverHigh_) March 2, 2023
Go Irish baby☘️ https://t.co/egCDdthzYJ
— Lauren Moss WNDU (@LMossWNDU) March 2, 2023
Greatness: https://t.co/CvOYSvu6B5
— John Marshall (@jmarshallap) March 2, 2023
Need more like Mike Brey man https://t.co/raUfZtptsu
— Pregame Empire (@PregameEmpire) March 2, 2023
Enjoy the night, @NDMikeBrey
You’ve earned it https://t.co/Tq3uEVwvzW
— Tim Murray (@1TimMurray) March 2, 2023
Brey became Notre Dame’s head coach in the 2000-01 season, replacing the outgoing Matt Doherty. Putting Brey’s 23 seasons leading the Fighting Irish into perspective, Knute Rockne led the Notre Dame football program for 13 seasons — more than anyone in school history.
The Fighting Irish reached the NCAA Tournament in Brey’s first season, their first trip to the Big Dance since 1990. Notre Dame reached the NCAA Tournament in 13 of Bray’s first 22 seasons, getting as far as the Elite Eight in both 2015 and 2016. Through Tuesday’s win, the Fighting Irish have a 484-278 record in Brey’s tenure. No other men’s basketball coach in school history has even cracked 400 wins.
