The NFL Knocked Once, Would They Knock Again?

After Notre Dame’s abysmal performance in the BCS National Championship Game against Alabama in January, things took a turn down an even worse path for Irish fans when Brian Kelly interviewed for the Philadelphia Eagles head coaching position.  After recent developments were brought to the light of Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin supposedly being handed the job by the Eagles organization while they waited on the man who eventually took the job (former Oregon coach Chip Kelly), the situation seems open for Brian Kelly to consider hearing offers from the National Football League down the road again.  The question again for Irish fans arises…

Would Brian Kelly leave Notre Dame for the NFL?

Jan 5, 2013; Miami FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly during media day for the 2013 BCS Championship game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Kelly has won 28 games in his three seasons at Notre Dame, which ties Dan Devine’s school record of most wins by an Irish head coach in their first three years.  Kelly’s 122 wins are third behind Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops and Texas’ Mack Brown for the most FBS wins since 2001.  He has won everywhere he has gone; Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati and now has won 20 of his last 24 games coaching for the Fighting Irish.

One can only wonder about the opportunities that could arise for Kelly in the future.  Leaving for another college powerhouse will not likely happen.  Although the pressure can tighten more than any other program in the country at Notre Dame, Kelly’s comfort level is at an all-time high.  The Irish just played in a title, Notre Dame is his alma mater and few can recruit with a name like Notre Dame.  With the successes of Pete Carroll at USC, Chip Kelly at Oregon, Greg Schiano at Rutgers, the NFL has been after hot-name college coaches and Brian Kelly is towards the top of that list along with A&M’s Kevin Sumlin.

Although Kelly passed on the NFL for now, job opportunities at the next level open quicker than most believe.  If the right position presents itself, you can only assume Kelly would give the opening some serious consideration like he did with the Philadelphia job.  For now, Brian Kelly is the head coach of Notre Dame.  What exactly does that mean?  That means continuing a winning tradition in South Bend and hopefully keeping young men on the right path towards a degree.