Pat Coogan explains why he stayed at Notre Dame after losing starting spot

Coogan loves for Notre Dame made his choice simple

In this transfer portal era of college football, it would have been very easy for someone like Notre Dame offensive lineman [autotag]Pat Coogan[/autotag] to leave the program after losing his starting job the previous year.

Team all across the country are always looking for quality lineman in the portal, especially ones with starting experience. After starting at left guard for the Irish in 2023, Coogan was named the second-team center behind Ashton Craig ahead of the season opener against Texas A&M.

Unfortunately, Craig went down with an injury at Purdue, and Coogan re-entered the picture. The redshirt junior helped Notre Dame’s beaten up line dominate the Boilermakers, with Coogan playing a big part once again.

On Tuesday night, the Illinois native spoke with the media and obviously was asked what made him stay in South Bend. Coogan’s answer was simple, “my love for the University of Notre Dame is so much stronger than any individual honor or goal,” while explaining that it “sucked” not being on the field with his teammates.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) celebrates with Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Pat Coogan (78) and Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Sullivan Absher (75) after scoring a touchdown Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, during the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Notre Dame Fighting Irish won 66-7.

Coogan believes that everything happens for a reason, kept a positive attitude while still working hard. I have no doubt in my mind that Pat will made Irish Nation proud.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes and opinions.

Follow Mike on X: @MikeFChen