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Remembering the ultimate ‘Next Man In’ at Notre Dame: Coley O’Brien

Eric Hansenby: Eric Hansen08/24/25EHansenND
Coley O'Brien
Former Notre Dame quarterback Coley O'Brien died Thursday at age 78. Fighting Irish Media file photo

Perhaps the epitome of Notre Dame football’s “Next Man In” spirit, Coley O’Brien died on Thursday at age 78, it was reported, after an illness the previous year. To bring his story back into this spotlight, I’m excerpting a chapter from 2005 book: Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Where Have You Gone? It’s a collection of “where are they now?” stories of former Irish football players navigating life after football in the 4-for-forever world.