April 3, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Baylor Bears center Brittney Griner (42) blocks the shot of Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Kayla McBride (23) during the first half in the finals of the 2012 NCAA women

Notre Dame’s Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick told the Chicago Tribune that Notre Dame is not going anywhere as of right now.

“I have no idea what prompted (the reports) that,” Swarbrick said. “It is not based on any discussion, any meeting we have done…

“I can’t imagine what triggered the account, because I did see it. There was no conversation, no ‘something’ that would cause it to be written.”  -Jack Swarbrick

The idea of Notre Dame moving to the Big 12 would is interesting. For one, Notre Dame should stay loyal to the Big East for all that they have done for them. But, times have changed. With no Pittsburgh, Syracuse, or even West Virginia, Notre Dame has no reason to not explore the possibility to play the Big 12. Playing Baylor, Kansas, and Texas in basketball would be great for the program and the fans.

Personally, I believe Notre Dame should stay in the Big East. I don’t see the point in switching conference to play similar competition. Marquette, Georgetown, and Villanova aren’t going anywhere. Why should we?

If things aren’t working out in a few years, my opinion may change however.

Should Notre Dame switch conferences? Let us know in the comments section below!

Feb. 4, 2012; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Mike Brey celebrates on the bench in the second half against the Marquette Golden Eagles at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 76-59. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE

Sources told The Chicago Tribune that the length of the contract is 10 years. Financials of the contract have not been released.

One would imagine that this move will keep Brey through the end of his coaching career. He has been coaching the Irish for 12 years now.

The 3-time Big East Coach-of-the-Year has brought back ND basketball since taking over. Compiling a 124-75 record in league play, Mike Brey has surely risen this program to the next level.

Although the Irish were knocked out of the 1st round of the March Madness Tournament, Notre Dame earned its 6th straight 20-win season. Brey returns all five starters from last season while adding transfer center Garrick Sherman and top 50 freshman Cameron Biedscheid to a squad that will be among the Big East favorites next season.

Rumors of Mike Brey leaving became louder when Gary William’s left Maryland. Being a Maryland himself, it made sense if Brey left. But he stayed in South Bend and is committed to getting this team to its first Sweet 16 appearance since 2003

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Apr. 16, 2011; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Andrew Hendrix (12) dives over safety Austin Collinsworth (28) for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Blue-Gold game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE

The school announced Wednesday that Collinsworth went to surgery in order to repair a torn labrum. He injured it over the course of the spring season and is expected to miss the next 4-6 months.

Austin, the son of former NFL player Chris Collinsworth, was suppose to be used in the nickel package. Although he is behind Jamoris Slaughter and Zeke Motta, ESPN’s Matt Fortuna said that he would’ve seen “significant playing time.”

Collinsworth, a junior, has played in all 26 games played over his first 2 years at Notre Dame. He has made 25 tackles and record 1 forced fumble. He was a huge part of special teams last year, making 16 tackles and also being awarded the Special Team’s Player of the Year.

Does this impact Notre Dame as a whole?

As long as the teams steps up and players contribute, this shouldn’t have the same affect as a starting quarterback going down with this injury. Luckily, there is still some time for head coach Brian Kelly to find his replacement for the 3rd nickel safety. Collinsworth will be missed, but the team should recover from this.

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