Goodmorning everybody. Thanks for coming here on short order, short notice. As you know, last night I sent a message, trying to inform you as much as possible with situations that you all know, happening on social networks and information being released. Look, I know we got through this together, I’ve recruited, personally, everyone in this room. And I want to be able to tell you directly, why we are where we are. And that, very simply, the past 12 years have been the most incredible 12 years of my life. For me, for my family, here at Notre Dame, the wonder of what we’ve been able to build with the most incredible student athletes – the athletes I’m watching review now.
So a lot of times, people are looking for a reason to blame, or have an excuse for something – nothing here but first class in all that Notre Dame has done, for me and my family. I find my time here a blessing to work with these incredible men every day.
But there comes a time when you look into your life for another opportunity, and I feel it’s time in my life for another challenge. And I saw that opportunity in a very short amount of time, and I felt it was best for me and my family to pursue a new challenge. So no one is to blame, no one is to blame, no one has done anything wrong. You have been the mainstay of this program, and what you have accomplished, and will continue to do.
If you’re one of the four best teams in the country, Jack will find someone who will continue to run this incredible show. I don’t know what it does for us, but I hope to heaven it means you’re playing for the national championship because you absolutely deserve it.
So, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of you for giving me the opportunity to speak to you face to face. Because you don’t get that opportunity often. And thank you for allowing me to pursue what I love to do and that is to grow 18 to 21 years old. And you will continue to achieve at the highest level, and will have great success, no matter what. what will happen to you.
Again, thank you. I love each and every one of you. And for me, more than anything else, it was a sad day, but a day where I know each of you will do great things, and you have much more to do. I wish everyone here the best, and thank you for the opportunity you have given me and my family. Thank you guys, I appreciate that.
