An American football head coach blind-sided his college players and staff when he left to join another team – and made things much more awkward when he declared his love for them in a text message.
Brian Kelly has become synonymous with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish after spending 12 years with the team.
But that time has come to an end, as the 60-year-old has agree a deal to join Louisiana State after being tempted with a 10-year deal reportedly worth more than £75m.
A coach moving between teams is not uncommon, but Kelly's move comes just a week after he had dismissed rumours that he would be ending his long association with Notre Dame.
"Unless that fairy godmother comes by with that $250million cheque, my wife would want to take a look at it first. I'd have to run it by her," he told reporters.
It seems Mrs Kelly has given her husband the go-ahead as the move was officially announced on Tuesday.
But while she may have been in the loop, the same cannot be said for the Notre Dame players or the rest of Kelly's coaching staff, according to The Athletic.
They found out on social media on Monday evening, prompting Kelly to send them all a group text message shortly after 10pm local time.
The message read: "Men… Let me first apologise for the late night text and, more importantly, for not being able to share the news with you in person that I will be leaving Notre Dame.
"I am flying back to South Bend tonight to be able to meet with you in the morning but the news broke late today and I am sorry you found out through social media or news reports.
"I will have more to share when we meet tomorrow at 7am but for now, just know that my love for you is limitless and I am so proud of all that you have accomplished.
"I will share more in the morning when we meet. Again, my sincere apologies for not being able to be the one to share the news directly with you."
Having sealed his future away from Indiana, it seems Kelly was in no mood to hang around for too long during that meeting he had promised.
ESPN reporter Adam Rittenberg said he spent just 11 minutes with the players to discuss the situation before leaving.
One of Kelly's assistant coaches told The Athletic that hearing about the news on social media while he was working to sound out potential news recruits made him "look like a f***ing a**hole".
Losing Coach Kelly will be a blow to Notre Dame, but his departure could have other ramifications for the team.
Future recruits who signed up on the basis they would be working with the vastly experienced coach could decide to back out now that he will no longer be there.
