Since Mike Brey first arrived at Notre Dame, Rod Balanis is the only assistant coach to have stuck by his side throughout. That’s 22 seasons the duo has been together. However, all good things must come to an end, and that appears to be happening here. Balanis, Brey’s associate head coach, will be leaving Notre Dame to take the same position at Howard:
Done deal with Rod Balanis leaving #NotreDame after 22 seasons on Mike Brey's staff in several capacities.
Notre Dame will look to add a DOBO guy for the 2021-22 season. Might be a familiar face. Stay tuned… https://t.co/k3bFEgvjb4
— Tom Noie (@tnoieNDI) August 26, 2021
Earlier this offseason, Notre Dame rehired Anthony Solomon as associate head coach for his third stint on Brey’s staff. The good news for the Irish is that they have someone who can slide into Balanis’ role immediately. Whether Balanis is leaving because of or in spite of Solomon’s return is unknown. What we do know is that the winningest coach in Irish history will have someone else in the right-hand man role for the first time in a long time.
Best of luck to Balanis in his new opportunity, and he will be missed in South Bend.