diggerIn sad news for the Notre Dame and ESPN circles, former Irish coach Digger Phelps has been diagnosed with bladder cancer.

ESPN mentioned on Thursday that Phelps has already undergone surgery and will start follow-up treatment next week near his home in South Bend, Ind.

The 71-year-old Phelps has been a college basketball analyst for ESPN since 1993 and says he’s preparing for next season. He went 393-197 in 20 seasons coaching the Fighting Irish.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Phelps family.

[AP]