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 has been evaluating prospects in the 2026 class and have sent out multiple offers over the last few days.

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

The latest setback comes from James Blanchard of Texas Tech. He was the guy Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman targeted to be his new general manager, but the South Bend Tribune is reporting that Blanchard informed the Irish he has decided to stay at Texas Tech.

James Blanchard's new three-year deal with the Red Raiders will have a total value of $1.575 million, sources told ESPN. Blanchard received the new contract after turning down the general manager vacancy at Notre Dame,