Report: Andy Ludwig staying with Utah, buyout an 'obstacle' with Notre Dame

Notre Dame is one of the few big-name programs that has gone through an offensive coordinator search this offseason. One of the favorites recently has been Utah‘s Andy Ludwig. Despite spending time with head coach Marcus Freeman recently, the two parties are reportedly not going to make things work.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Ludwig will not be the Fighting Irish’s next offensive coordinator as the search continues in South Bend. Apparently, a large buyout number stopped from the transaction happening.

“Sources: Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig is staying at Utah,” Thamel said. “His buyout proved an obstacle in discussions with Notre Dame.”

Josh Newman of the Salt Lake Tribune provided more information on the buyout, saying the number was just south of $3 million. Notre Dame was not willing to pay the lump of cash and Ludwig will be staying with the Utes.

Andy Ludwig will remain at Utah, sources confirm. @PeteThamel first.

$2.8 million buyout was considered a potential deterrent from the jump. That proved the case.

More coming.

— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) February 14, 2023

Notre Dame has been searching for a new OC ever since Tommy Rees left in favor of the Alabama job. Ludwig is just the latest candidate Freeman has not been able to bring into the program. Pressure is building to make a solid hire, especially after the excitement of keeping Rees around this time a year ago.

More on Andy Ludwig, tenure with Utah

Ludwig has been with Utah since the 2019 season and is an experienced Power Five offensive coordinator. This marks his second stint with the Utes, being hired to head coach Kyle Whittingham‘s initial staff in 2005. Cal, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Vanderbilt have had Ludwig as an OC on staff as well.

Adding Notre Dame to the resume would have been an impressive one. But the Utah faithful will be quite happy their play caller is not packing his bags and will be staying home.

Ludwig has been part of one of the best stretches in Utah history, having consecutive Pac-12 championships and Rose Bowl appearances. His offenses, alongside quarterback Cameron Rising, have been ranked in the top 15 from a scoring perspective in both seasons.

The offensive coordinator and quarterback duo will now be running it back for the 2023 season. Notre Dame not wanting to fork over a good chunk of change means Utah will be considered one of the favorites in the Pac-12 this year. If they can add another conference title to the trophy cabinet, they will be hoping a College Football Playoff appearance is included.