Notre Dame soon could join the ranks of programs that have lost their coach after a pleasantly surprising season. Link Jarrett reportedly is one of three names in the final running for the coaching vacancy at LSU. A source says Jarrett recently interviewed for the job. Also in the running to replace the retired Paul Mainieri are Arizona’s Jay Johnson and East Carolina’s Cliff Godwin.
Notre Dame’s 2021 season was its best in years thanks largely to Jarrett’s leadership. The Irish made it to the super regionals and came within a win against Mississippi State of advancing to the College World Series. They finished with a 34-13 overall record, clinching the ACC Atlantic Division along the way. For his efforts, Jarrett was named the ACC Coach of the Year.
While losing Jarrett after only two seasons would be tough for Notre Dame, it’s difficult to say no to following in the footsteps of an accomplished coach like Mainieri. Somehow, the Irish would carry on without him, difficult as it may seem. Such is the case in college athletics.