Mike Brey celebrates last home game at Notre Dame with shot of whiskey at landmark South Bend dive

Until Wednesday night, Mike Bray had never been in the linebacker’s lounge.

After his last home game after 23 years as a men’s basketball coach at Notre Dame, he celebrated with a shot of whiskey at the famed South Bend eatery. Jameson, of course.

Bray announced his intentions on Tuesday while speaking to the media the day before Notre Dame’s home final against Pittsburgh. He has previously stated that this season will be his last in South Bend, although he does not rule out a return to coaching.

So Bray was going to win or lose. After managing Fighting Irish Basketball for more than two decades, this visit was the right place to say goodbye to South Bend. Established in 1962Linebackers have become a staple for students, alumni, and bystanders.

Luckily for Bray, he was able to call it a holiday. The Irish beat the 25th-seeded Panthers 88–81 in the highlight of a disappointing 12–19 campaign. After the victory, he kept his word. With a beer in his right hand, Bray drank a glass of Jameson with his left, surrounded by the faithful of Notre Dame.

The house was packed as Bray chatted and took pictures with Notre Dame fans.

Where did the evening take Bray? It wasn’t clear at the time of this post. But Bray promised Tuesday to keep the party going.