What if Brian Kelly Stayed in South Bend?
Yesterday all the drama and fuss that surrounded the early days of the college football offseason was brought to you by The University of Notre Dame. Word broke last evening that a meeting between the Philadelphia Eagles and Notre Dame head man Brian Kelly took place. CBSSports.com also reported that the Chicago Bears are interested in the 2012 Home Depot Coach of the Year as well. A little less than 24 hours ago brought the question: would Brian Kelly leave South Bend for the NFL? Today’s question: if Kelly does stay in South Bend, will it negatively affect Notre Dame in the months ahead?
Jan 6, 2013; Fort Lauderdale FL, USA; Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly (left) answers questions during a press conference for the 2013 BCS National Championship game at Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
One of my personal favorite people to follow on Twitter is Notre Dame nose guard Louis Nix III, also known in the “Twitterverse” as @iChocolate9. Nix tweeted right before 10 o’clock Eastern last night, “Im not worried and you shouldn’t be either. #GoIrish”
A tweet that caught my eye personally today was one I quoted on my own personal Twitter profile. The tweet was from former Notre Dame linebacker Toryan Smith. Toryan tweeted earlier this morning (@Mister_Westside on Twitter), “If Brian Kelly is interviewing, we should be too! Business is business. #KevinSumlin”
A very intriguing name brought to the light. Although Sumlin would be in the discussion if Kelly left South Bend, it would be almost impossible for him to leave the best conference in America with arguably the best player in the country running his offense in Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel.
Notre Dame commit Jaylon Smith voiced his opinion on Twitter and mentioned that Kelly’s departure would not affect him decommitting from the program. Although some Irish fans are livid at this moment, you have to understand both sides of the coin. If Kelly leaves, he gets a shot at the National Football League, which he has never had. In a blue-collar city like Philadelphia who demands winning, Kelly would receive a new challenge and his attitude would fit the city’s mold. Now the side of the coin most Irish fans want to see would be Kelly returning, having a meeting with Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick and adding some more cash to his yearly paychecks. Oh, and bringing in the #1 recruiting class in the country as well.
Overall, the only negative vibe that could come out of this would be from the fan base. With this past season being over, the athletes that Charlie Weis brought in during his tenure are seemingly gone. This team is Brian Kelly’s team. These are his recruits. If he returns to South Bend, the vibes and rumors may be negative for a short span, but wins and championship contention can make those all go away.