Kelly to remain at Notre Dame

Jan 12, 2013 - 11:28 PM South Bend, IN (Sports Network) - Brian Kelly released a statement on Notre Dame's website on Saturday stating that he will remain the head football coach of the Fighting Irish.

Kelly raised eyebrows when he spoke with the Philadelphia Eagles about their open head coaching position just hours after Notre Dame was trounced by Alabama in Monday's BCS National Championship Game.

But Kelly, who signed an extension through the 2016 season at this time last year, has opted against jumping to the pro ranks.

"This week, I had an incredible opportunity to speak with one of the premier organizations in sports about becoming their head coach," the statement read. "Like every kid who has ever put on a pair of football cleats, I have had thoughts about being a part of the NFL. However, after much reflection and conversation with those closest to me, I have decided to remain at Notre Dame.

"This decision was motivated purely by my love for Notre Dame and the entire Fighting Irish community, the young men I have the great fortune to coach, and my desire to continue to build the best football program in the country. We still have a lot of work to do and my staff and I are excited about the challenges ahead."

Kelly has guided the Irish to bowl games in each of his three seasons at the helm, and with an undefeated regular season in 2012, was just the second coach in school history to win 12 games.

This past season Notre Dame became the first team to be ranked No. 1 in the football polls and also first in Graduation Success Rate.

The Eagles also released a statement on Saturday regarding their coaching search:

"There is no question we spent a considerable amount of time and effort looking at who we thought were the best collegiate candidates for our head coaching job. We did so knowing that there was a remote chance that these coaches would leave their current posts. We understood that going into the process, but we wanted to leave no stone unturned while trying to find the best head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. We have no regrets about the effort we made in that direction and we will continue to proceed as planned in our search."