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

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 received some disappointing news on Friday morning when James Blanchard decided to turn down the offer to be the next general manager for the Fighting Irish. Blanchard has opted to return to Texas Tech instead,

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.

After being pursued by Notre Dame, Texas Tech Athletics announced a new three-year contract for football general manager James Blanchard that will raise his yearly compensation and run through the 2027 season.

Texas Tech has retained general manager James Blanchard after he decided to forego an opportunity with Notre Dame.

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,

Notre Dame's search for a new general manager eventually will come to an end. That doesn't make the fact that it still is going on any less frustrating.

Notre Dame is targeting James Blanchard to become the next general manager of its football program, according to a report from 247Sports. The school found itsel