Kelly to stay at Notre Dame
Brian Kelly has ended his brief flirtation with the NFL.
The Notre Dame coach decided to remain at Notre Dame after interviewing for the head-coaching job with the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL on Tuesday.
There were reports Saturday night that indicated Kelly and the Irish were working on a raise and contract extension.
Kelly met with Eagles managemenmet on Tuesday, and there was mutual interest after the interview, which took place one day after the BCS National Championship Game in Miami.
The Irish, which entered the title game 12-0, lost 42-14 to Alabama.
"This week, I had an incredible opportunity to speak with one of the premier organizations in sports about becoming their head coach," Kelly said in a statement.
"Like every kid who has ever put on a pair of football cleats, I have had thoughts about being a part of the NFL. However, after much reflection and conversation with those closest to me, I have decided to remain at Notre Dame.
"This decision was motivated purely by my love for Notre Dame and the entire Fighting Irish community, the young men I have the great fortune to coach, and my desire to continue to build the best football program in the country. "We still have a lot of work to do and my staff and I are excited about the challenges ahead."
Kelly, 51, completed his third season at Notre Dame, where his teams have compiled a 28-11 record. He previously was head coach at Cincinnati, Central Michigan and Grant Valley State.
The Eagles issued a statement after Kelly's announcement.
"There is no question we spent a considerable amount of time and effort looking at who we thought were the best collegiate candidates for our head coaching job<" the team said. "We did so knowing that there was a remote chance that these coaches would leave their current posts.
"We understood that going into the process, but we wanted to leave no stone unturned while trying to find the best head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. We have no regrets about the effort we made in that direction and we will continue to proceed as planned in our search."
