Notre Dame Commit Ethan Long Reaffirms Commitment Despite Coaching Change
Whenever there is coaching turnover, it’s understandable to have some questions about commitment from recruits. On Sunday, it was reported that former Notre Dame safety coach Chris O’Leary was leaving to take a position with the Los Angeles Chargers. With multiple bit time safety commits in the 2025 recruiting class, just how much would this coaching change affect their place in the class?
According to Greenwich (Conn.) Brunswick School standout Ethan Long, it’s unfortunate but Will not cause any wavering. This moment is about appreciating O’Leary but trusting the overall vision that made Notre Dame the best fit for him, and fellow elite safety commit Ivan Taylor.
"He’s one of the best, if not the best,” Long said. "It sucks but we still have a goal and I trust Coach (Marcus) Freeman and the rest of the staff with everything I have,” Long continued. “We have talked and we said that we trust Coach (Mike) Mickens and Coach (Al) Golden. We committed to Notre Dame and Coach Freeman.”
One thing that kept everything solidified was that O’Leary did touch base with the safety duo before everything was made official. He had done a tremendous job of building authentic relationships with each player, and that bond was extremely strong. O’Leary was nothing but class until the end.
"I had the chance to talk with Coach O’Leary before it happened,” Long explained. "I got emotional because he has done so much for me and I just wish him the best of luck. He deserves everything coming his way. I appreciated him for taking the time to call me.”
Any rumors of wavering are just that, rumors. Long made his place in the class very well known. He is committed to the University of Notre Dame and has a lot of goals already in mind.
Safety recruiting was extremely important in the 2025 class and preserving their early momentum is a must. Getting that vote of confidence from Long is a great early sign. The 6-2, 185-pound defender is an incredibly gifted athlete with a ton of upside that he brings to the table.
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