Kiel to leave Notre Dame

Notre Dame University and quarterback Gunner Kiel have parted ways, head coach Brian Kelly

told reporters Tuesday during his pre-spring press conference.

In addressing Kiel's status, Kelly said he Kiel has been granted his release and is "no longer part of the program." Paperwork was filed after discussions last week, and he has begun considering other schools.

"I don't know that I'm surprised -- we had kind of created an opportunity for him to

compete in the spring," Kelly told reporters. "So maybe a little surprised from that

standpoint, because he was actually told he'd be given the opportunity to compete. Sometimes

when you don't hear that, you wouldn't be surprised."

Kiel ran Notre Dame's scout team while redshirting last season 2012 season. He had

originally committed to Indiana before flipping to LSU, then switched again to Notre Dame.