Notre Dame fans shouldn't expect this Fighting Irish legend to join the staff

Since linebackers coach Max Bullough departed Notre Dame to Michigan State, Irish fans have waited for the name of the guy who would coach that unit in 2026. So far, they continue to wait. And according to one former teammate, anyone waiting for Manti Te'o will be waiting for quite a while.

Since the Irish don't have a College Football Playoff or bowl game to prepare for, and have their 2026 recruiting class locked in, they don't have to move all that quickly to replace Bullough. Still, with the transfer portal opening on January 2, there is at least some reason to have some names front and center.

Earlier this week, On3's Eric Hansen recently talked to former Notre Dame star Robby Toma. Toma was teammates with Te'o and was also a lifelong friend. When Hansen asked Toma if he thought his old buddy might turn to coaching, the answer took some serious air out of the balloon.

Former teammate explains why Manti Te’o isn’t pursuing Notre Dame coaching role

"Well, let me put it this way. I have not talked to Manti about it. He has not brought it up. We talk, you know, we text almost daily," Toma began.

"But I do think that Manti would be a good coach because whatever he puts his mind to, he's very good at. Like, if you guys watch him on his show [Good Morning Football] right now, he is very locked in. And onto that, he's locked into being a father. And that is where his mindset is..."

"I think he is happy where he's at. He has time with his family. So I think we can put the Manti to Notre Dame linebacker coach to rest."

Toma's answer isn't a total shock, but Notre Dame might be looking for an alum to take over the job if they can find someone who is qualified. For now, the new linebackers coach is still very much a mystery.