(Notre Dame) — If you go on social media, you’ll find plenty of Notre Dame football fans celebrating the firing of LSU football coach Brian Kelly. After all, Kelly famously left Notre Dame after the 2021 season to go to Baton Rouge, saying he wanted to be somewhere “where he could win a national championship”.

At Marcus Freeman’s Monday press conference, the current Irish coach was not among those joining the chorus of hecklers.

“You never want to see anybody lose their job, that person, the families, the people affected.” noted Freeman, when asked about Kelly’s firing. “Especially somebody you know, and at the end of the day, you’re always rooting for. Coach Kelly gave me the opportunity to come here.  But it’s also the profession we’ve chosen.  We know that can be a result of choosing this profession. It is what it is, like it or not like it.”

“It’s a reminder to be grateful for what you have, because if you’re not grateful for what you have, you’ll find a way to lose it,” continued Freeman. “I’m not talking about a coach. I’m talking about in life. Every time I hear those things, it’s a reminder of the gratitude I have for the opportunity I have at this place,  with the people I get to work with, the players I get to be involved with. I’m grateful.”

Freeman is also likely grateful for the medical staff, as the Irish injury report was chock full today.  Billy Schrauth and Gabe Rubio are listed as out, while defensive linemen Jordan Botelho and Loghan Thomas as well as offensive linemen Will Black and Matty Augustine are all questionable while in concussion protocol.

It’s possible none of them will be needed as the Irish visit a 1-7 Boston College team Saturday.  The injury-plagued Eagles’ only victory was in the opener against Fordham.

“It’s a record that truly doesn’t reflect the team,” said Freeman, trying to perhaps motivate his own team as much as inform the media. “They’ve dealt with a lot injuries. There have been some close games. The quarterback (Grayson James) has really given their offense a spark. He’s doing some really good things for their offense. They’re going to be ready for a challenge on Saturday.”

The game features the only two Catholic schools that play FBS college football. Notre Dame leads the series, 18-9, and has not lost to the Eagles since 2008.

Saturday’s game is a 3:30 kickoff on ESPN.  Hear more about the Irish Monday night on Notre Dame Federal Credit Union’s Irish Football Fix.  The show airs at 7 p.m. on Pulse FM (92.1, 96.9 and 103.1 FM)