Notre Dame men's basketball coach Mike Brey hasn't donned a tie since his introductory press conference in 2000, opting instead for mock turtlenecks and open collars. He's even been known to go without a shirt at all-fans might recall a bare-chested Brey with a lei around his neck celebrating his team's 2017 Maui Invitational title. But the self-described "loosest coach in America" is also one of the country's best.Well into his second decade in South Bend, Brey is much more than fashion faux pas and press conference punchlines. When the former Duke assistant and Delaware head coach took over the program following Matt Doherty's departure for North Carolina, Notre Dame had not reached the NCAA Tournament in a decade. Under Brey, the Irish have qualified for the Big Dance 12 times in 17 seasons, reaching the Elite 8 in 2015 and 2016. In 2018, Brey passed the legendary Digger Phelps to become the winningest coach in program history. And Brey has sustained this success while bucking college basketball's trend toward one-and-done players.In Keeping It Loose, Brey reflects on his remarkable life and career, from his high school years in Maryland playing for the legendary Morgan Wootten to his time as an assistant under Mike Krzyzewski to finally building a national contender at Notre Dame. Brey shares memories of Fighting Irish stars ranging from Troy Murphy and Luke Harangody to Jerian Grant and Bonzie Colson. This book provides a notable glimpse into one of college basketball's most unique and consistent programs, seen through the eyes of the man fans hope will be at the helm for years to come.
