Don't forget about Notre Dame's Mike Brey when talking elite coaches

The ACC has a terrific group of standout head coaches. There are Hall of Famers in Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, Roy Williams at North Carolina, Rick Pitino at Louisville and Jim Boeheim at Syracuse.

One ACC coach that doesn't always receive enough publicity is Mike Brey of Notre Dame. He is closing in on his 500th career victory, entering the season at 481. If he can come close to his recent success, he can reach that milestone.

Over the past three seasons, Brey's teams have totaled 82 wins. Going 82-28 is impressive, especially when you compete in the top conference in America. His teams have made the ACC finals in two of the past four years, winning the crown in 2015. That season, the Irish finished 32-6, falling in the Elite Eight in a nailbiter against then-undefeated Kentucky.

In 2016, the Irish returned to the Elite Eight. They beat Duke and North Carolina during the regular season before falling to the Tar Heels in the Elite Eight.

Last season, Notre Dame went 26-10, falling to Bob Huggins' solid West Virginia squad in the NCAA tournament. The Irish led the nation in free throw percentage and remained a sound fundamental team.

Over his 17 seasons in South Bend, Brey has posted 20 or more wins 13 times. He has led his clubs to the NCAA tournament 12 times. He has averaged 22 wins per season and posted 25 or more victories five times over the past decade.

Notre Dame will be very good again in 2017-18. It all starts with Bonzie Colson up front. He averaged 18 PPG and 10 RPG last season and I felt he was a legitimate contender for ACC Player of the Year. He was a first-team All-ACC pick.

Colson could have gone to the NBA, but opted to return to South Bend. Brey was thrilled with that decision.

Colson joins Matt Farrell and TJ Gibbs among talented veterans for the Irish.

It is not easy to succeed in the ACC. Duke, Carolina, Louisville, an up-and-coming Miami team, Virginia, etc. Don't forget what Notre Dame has accomplished. Brey should have another solid tem as he approaches his 500th career victory.