Notre Dame football: Players, recruits react on Twitter to Brian Kelly report

It is being reported that Brian Kelly is leaving the Notre Dame football program for LSU, and the reaction from players and recruits was telling on Twitter.

Since 2010, Brian Kelly has made it his mission to help build back up the Notre Dame football program. During that time, Kelly has won more than his fair share of games, more than any other head coach in Notre Dame history to be exact, and just capped off his fifth straight double-digit win season.

On Monday, a shock was sent out on social media, as it was reported by Pete Thamel that Kelly would be leaving the Irish program to take the head coaching job at LSU. If that is official, it is a monster announcement for the school, one that has played its way into the conversation of possibly earning a spot in the College Football Playoff this season.

Looking at Twitter, it was clear that this news came not only as a surprise to those who follow the team but the closest people to Kelly. All told, it looked like this was a complete shock for players and recruits of the Notre Dame football team, which could have a ripple effect moving forward.

Notre Dame football players, recruits react to Brian Kelly news

One of the star players for Kelly over the last two seasons has been running back Kyren Williams, who became the fifth back in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. You could tell that he was more than surprised on Twitter Monday night.

The replies to Williams’s tweet were many, but one that stood out was Tyson Ford, a five-star defensive end, and one of the prized recruits for an elite 2022 recruiting class for the Irish.

No worries when it comes to Nolan Ziegler, a four-star linebacker from Michigan.

Star center Jarrett Patterson also responded to Williams’s tweet, but he was more focused on finishing the job they started in 2021.

True freshman Logan Diggs was also apparently shocked by the news regarding Kelly, who has given him solid playing time in Year 1.

Another big-time 2022 recruit, Niuafe Junior Tuihalamaka, weighed in on the report and did not sound too positive either.

CJ Williams, a potential four-star recruit took to Twitter to state that Kelly was supposed to be there on Tuesday night.

Star wideout Braden Lenzy tweeted out that it is a business.

Fellow wideout Lorenzo Styles Jr., a budding star as a true freshman, was left shaking his head.

Overall, if the rumors are true, this seems like Kelly took everybody by surprise with his decision to leave South Bend for the LSU Tigers. Sure, it is a business, but Kelly has held himself with dignity during his time at the helm of the program, but it seems like the divorce will be an ugly one.