Brian Kelly, who led his third Irish team to the Bowl Championship Series title game on Monday, will remain as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame.

“This week, I had an incredible opportunity to speak with one of the premier organizations in sports about becoming their head coach, said Kelly.

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.

Kelly led the Irish to a 12-1 record in 2012 in his third season as Irish head coach. Notre Dame finished the regular season ranked number one in the BCS standings, with the top-rated scoring defense in the country. Kelly became only the second Irish coach to win 12 games in a season (Lou Holtz also did it in 1988) and now stands 28-11 in his three seasons in South Bend. No Notre Dame coach has ever won more than 28 games in his first three years as Notre Dame head coach (Dan Devine also won 28 in 1975-77).

The Notre Dame football program also ranked number one among all Football Bowl Subdivision programs in the most recent NCAA Graduation Success Rate figures released in October”as the Irish became the first team to be ranked number one in the football polls and also first in graduation rates and play for the BCS title.

I appreciate the Eagles reaching out to request permission to speak with Brian, and I also appreciate Brian keeping me fully informed throughout this process. We all look forward to what’s ahead for Notre Dame football.

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