The Notre Dame football program has long credited Chad Bowden as a key figure in their recent recruiting success. His departure, however, has sent shockwaves through the fanbase, raising serious questions about the future of the Irish’s recruitment and team-building strategy. Bowden, who was promoted to General Manager just a year ago, was widely recognized as a driving force behind Notre Dame’s recruiting improvements. Yet, after a year in the role, he’s now left the program, leaving fans and analysts alike stunned.

This loss is the latest in a series of setbacks for Notre Dame since their National Championship Game appearance. While some players transferring out of the program were anticipated or expected, the departure of Bowden is a much bigger blow. The offensive line departures certainly garnered attention, but they paled in comparison to the news that the Irish’s General Manager was leaving for a rival program, USC.

To add to the shock, it’s not just the departure itself that’s so jarring—it’s the destination. Bowden’s move to USC is particularly striking given that only a year ago, Notre Dame successfully fended off Michigan’s attempt to hire him. Now, less than a year later, Bowden has made the jump to another major rival. This turn of events has left many fans wondering how the Irish, who worked so hard to keep him just months ago, could lose such a critical staff member to a hated adversary.

While there will certainly be frustration and anger among Notre Dame fans, there’s also a more pragmatic reason for Bowden’s decision. When USC came calling, they offered a package that simply couldn’t be ignored. Bowden, reportedly making between $275,000 and $300,000 last year, received a lucrative offer from USC that soared to $1 million annually. If true, that’s a staggering increase, one that’s hard to turn down, especially when you consider that Bowden is widely regarded as one of the best recruiters in the business.

His move to USC is seen as a huge coup for the Trojans, who are looking to turn their football program into a national contender. The fact that Bowden was such a central figure in Notre Dame’s recruiting resurgence makes his loss particularly stinging for the Irish. His expertise and influence on the recruiting trail were key to the program’s recent success, and it’s clear that his departure will leave a void that will be tough to fill.

In the end, while the move may be frustrating for Notre Dame fans, it’s a reminder of the increasingly competitive nature of college football. When the money and opportunity are right, even the most dedicated staffers can be tempted to make a move—especially when it’s to a rival that is willing to pay top dollar.