Done Deal: Brian Kelly is Notre Dame Coach

Coach to leave University of Cincinnati

The Notre Dame coaching search is over.

On Friday, now former University of Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly will replace Charlie Weis as head coach of the Fighting Irish after signing a five-year contract.

Kelly will be front and center Friday at 12:30 p.m. for a press conference at the Gugliemino Athletic Center in South Bend, Indiana. His official duties as coach will begin Monday.

"I am very pleased that a thorough and extensive search has led us to a new head coach in Brian Kelly, who I am confident will help us accomplish our goal of competing for national championships," Notre Dame athletics director Jack Swarbrick told the Chicago Tribune.

The announcement means Kelly won't get to coach his No. 4 Bearcats against the No. 5 Florida Gators at the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day.

The 48-year-old coach who went 34-6 during three seasons at UC told his team about the decision at a banquet Thursday night, a source told the Tribune. His decision came on the same day he selected Home Depot Coach of the Year.

Former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis was dismissed Nov. 30th after a disappointing career that included two championship Bowl appearances.

Contact Us