Notre Dame exercised an option to extend Brian Kelly’s contract for two years through 2016, a move that gives the Irish football coach a measure of a vote of confidence while ensuring he is under contract through the next full recruiting cycle.
“While Coach Kelly and I are focused on the additional work that must be done to reach our goals, I am very pleased with the progress we have made during the past twoyears.” athletic director Jack Swarbrick said in a statement.
“Our football team’s performance on the field, in the classroom, and in the community reflect Coach Kelly’s commitment to building a program that will be able to sustain success in the long run, and to doing so in a manner consistent with Notre Dame’s values and tradition.”
Notre Dame is 16-10 in Kelly’s first two seasons, which have had their share of mercurial moments.
The Irish rebounded from a dismal start in Year One to end the season with four straight victories, then began Year Two as a top 25 team with BCS aspirations that it never truly challenged for after an 0-2 start.
Three of Kelly’s assistants departed after the 2011 season, but the school announced on Jan. 2 that the remaining staff members received two-year contract renewals.
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“I want to thank (Notre Dame president John) Jenkins and Jack Swarbrick for their unwavering support of me the last two years,” Kelly said in a statement. “My family and I are truly blessed to be at Notre Dame and we are excited about what the future holds for the Fighting Irish football team.
“I also want to thank Father John and Jack for the commitment they made to the football program last week by renewing the contracts of our assistant coaches. I think we have one of the finest coaching staffs in thecountry at Notre Dame, and the confidence our administration has shown in us is truly appreciated.”
Said Swarbrick: “Building on the foundation we have now created and maintaining continuity is critical to the future success of our football program, and that is why we have secured thecontinued service of our football staff.”