Notre Dame Fighting Irish Slappy Awards: Coach of the Year

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Winner: Brian Kelly

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on in the first half against the Clemson Tigers during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

I know, it seems like the easy choice just because it’s the most popular sport on the list, and in no way am I punishing other coaches just because they had and lived up to expectations.

But Brian Kelly made a decision that changed the course of the season, which was something none of the other three coaches were faced with. Had Kelly not made a change at quarterback, Notre Dame may very well have won 10 games and made a New Year’s Six Bowl, just as they were projected to do.

In the world of college athletics, especially college football, two wins could be the difference between a good season to build on, or a great season that sets the tone for the year or years to come.

Although it wasn’t the finish anyone wanted, it’s also the culmination of somewhat of a revival from the 4-8 season Notre Dame suffered just a couple years prior. From 4-8 to playoffs in two seasons is quite the accomplishment, especially given the challenges Notre Dame faced during last season.

Next. Why Notre Dame football has a legitimate chance to beat Georgia. dark

All four coaches lived up to expectations, but only one surpassed them. Congrats to Brian Kelly for being named Slap The Sign’s 2018-19 Coach of the Year!

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