On this birthday of the United States of America a Notre Dame coaching great is also celebrating. Former men’s basketball coach Digger Phelps, the only men’s head coach to ever reach a Final Four in program history, turns 82 today.
Phelps coached Notre Dame from 1971-1989, leading the Irish to a 393-195 record. Phelps coached Notre Dame to the NCAA Tournament in 14 of those seasons and to the NIT three more times.
Phelps held Notre Dame’s record for wins by a men’s basketball coach until Mike Brey passed him. For a generation of college basketball fans he’s most-known for his contributions as an analyst on ESPN.
Before today ends we wanted to share birthday well-wishes to Digger Phelps and of course the United States of America.
Check out some of the best photos of Phelps over the years below!