Notre Dame had a nightmare of a second half to their season, riding a depleted defensive lineup and a endless string of turnovers to a 1-5 record in that span. A year that began with legitimate national playoff aspirations will instead end with a middling bowl appearance and more questions than answers.
Everett Golson Benched Despite Brian Kelly's Pep Talk
Kelly has been a successful coach, but not one known for maintaining longevity at any program. Since rising to the D-1 ranks, Kelly spent just three years at Central Michigan and four at Cincinnati. He's finishing his fifth year with the Irish.
Although there are no signs that a Kelly departure from ND seems imminent, there are rumors that Kelly would test the waters in the coaching market this off-season. Dan Bernstein of CBS Chicago reports that Kelly is on the outs with school athletic director Jack Swarbrick.
It's unlikely that Kelly would make a lateral move to a different program. Openings at Nebraska and Michigan don't carry any uptick in prestige that Kelly doesn't already have in South Bend, and those schools are lacking the yearly schedule favorability ND's independent status confers it.
Coach Kelly Fed Up With Team's Turnovers
Overtures from the NFL, however, would be a different story. Kelly was recruited hard by the Philadelphia Eagles two years ago, but stayed and inked a contract extension instead. ESPN's Chris Mortensen said last month that pro teams are intrigued by his "CEO-type" demeanor and "strengths on the offensive side of the football." Expect him to get at least one phone call this winter.
Kelly is 53, and may think that this is his 'now or never' opportunity to jump to the NFL. The smashing success individuals like Jim Harbaugh and Chip Kelly have had as first time NFL coaches probably proves reassuring.
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