Over the last few weeks, the rumors surrounding Notre Dame football and a potential loss on the coaching front have focused on Marcus Freeman. However, on Wednesday night, the Irish lost one of their top assistants in Max Bullough.
There have also been some rumors about Bullough. A few weeks ago, the linebackers coach was even mentioned as an alumnus' favorite to take over for head coach Jonathan Smith.
Max Bullough leaves Notre Dame football for Michigan State
On Wednesday, SpartanMag publisher Jim Comparoni reported that Bullough has accepted a position on the Michigan State football coaching staff. According to Comparoni, Bullough is joining Spartans defensive coordinator Joe Rossi in a co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach role. After MSU hired new head coach Pat Fitzgerald on December 1, he retained Rossi, who has been with the team for two years.
Bullough played linebacker for the Spartans from 2010 to 2013 and was a two-time captain, three-year starter and third-team All-American.
In that regard, this is a return home and one that Notre Dame football faithful can hardly fault him for.
Now, the Irish will have to turn their focus to finding another linebackers coach. The good news here is that because they didn't make the College Football Playoff and opted out of a bowl, head coach Marcus Freeman can turn all his attention to filling the spot.
The timing of Bullough leaving for Michigan State comes on the same day that the Michigan Wolverines fired head coach Sherrone Moore. That might make any member of its staff easily poachable including Brian Jean-Mary.