Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick maintained throughout the season that football coach Brian Kelly will be back in 2017. Now, the question is whether or not Kelly wants to return.
According to Yahoo Sports, Kelly’s representatives are seeking out potential opportunities outside of Notre Dame. Kelly, however, denied that report early Sunday:
Statement from @NDFootball coach Brian Kelly… pic.twitter.com/NuPHmNlTyr
— Michael Bertsch (@NDsidBertschy) November 27, 2016
The Fighting Irish took a 45-27 loss on the road at USC on Saturday, putting an end to a 4-8 campaign. That marked Notre Dame’s first losing season since 2007.
The school is also in the midst of appealing an NCAA ruling that the football program must vacate 21 wins from the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Kelly guided the Irish to a 12-1 finish and an appearance in the BCS National Championship Game in 2012.