Texas Tech general manager James Blanchard turned down the same position with the Notre Dame football program, according to a report from ESPN. That decision comes after Blanchard met with the Fighting Irish on multiple occasions about the position and took one reported trip to South Bend in person.

Notre Dame football also reportedly pursued James Blanchard in the spring of 2023 before hiring Butler Benton away from Arkansas.

Blanchard received a three-year deal to stay in Lubbock through 2027 with a total value of $1.575 million, per a source.