Report: Micah Shrewsberry 'primary candidate' for Notre Dame head coach

According to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, Penn State head coach Micah Shrewsberry has become the “primary candidate” to fill the Notre Dame head coaching role. As the Nittany Lions’ season came to an end on Saturday, Shrewsberry will now have a decision to make on whether to stay or leave in favor of South Bend.

“Sources: Penn State’s Micah Shrewsberry has emerged as a primary candidate for the head coaching vacancy at Notre Dame,” Rothstein said. “Shrewsberry is also expected to receive a lucrative, long-term offer to remain with the Nittany Lions.”

Shrewsberry has been in the Big Ten for the past five seasons, previously working at Purdue as an assistant coach under Matt Painter. While heading to the state of Indiana, or the city of South Bend, would be nothing unfamiliar — Shrewsberry would be the latest young head coach to take over in the ACC.

Of course, Penn State is going to make it difficult for Shrewsberry to leave. Rothstein has reported a lucrative contract extension is coming the head coach’s way, especially after this past season. The Nittany Lions made a run to the Big Ten championship game and made the program’s first NCAA Tournament since 2011.

The first-round win against Texas A&M was icing on the cake as well. A positive step in the right direction for Penn State they will want to continue into the near future.

More on Micah Shrewsberry, potential Notre Dame job

Following Mike Brey would be no easy task for Shrewsberry, as the now-former head coach is a legend of the Notre Dame program. The past 23 seasons have seen massive success for the Fighting Irish, making 13 NCAA Tournaments, three Sweet Sixteens, and two Elite Eights.

Shrewsberry has ties to the area, dating back to multiple jobs. He was once the head coach of IU South Bend for two seasons and despite having a record of 15-48, the win total improvement was 12 games in Year Two.

Bulter and Purdue, two of the other major men’s basketball programs in the state of Indiana, have had Shrewsberry on as an assistant. He also played his high school and college basketball in the Hoosier State as well. It’s safe to say, Notre Dame would not be unfamiliar territory.

A final decision will likely come soon from Shrewsberry on which job he will be in next season. Either way, he will remain one of the hottest names in the country.