I have mixed feelings about this decision...

I agree in principle with what Andy said below... a student-athlete should be committing to a school, not a team or coach (or even a position). That's the ideal, but sadly, it's often not the case anymore.

But I also look at the fact that ND has both a football coach and a men's basketball coach who are getting closer to retirement. That can be an issue when it comes to recruiting. Some athletes will be reluctant to commit to a school knowing that a coaching change during their time at the school is likely (or imminent).

If a really good football recruit really likes ND's current coaching staff, the new rule will give them the confidence that if Kelly retires (or Freeman gets a head coaching position elsewhere), the player has the option of leaving ND if the school hires bad replacements.

Also... it puts pressure on schools to make quality coaching hires. If ND hires another Davie/Willingham/Weis, who then brings in bad assistants, the school risks the possibility of players transferring en masse.