Irish finally get it right with Kelly as coach

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By Marc Pendleton, Staff Writer Updated 8:54 AM Friday, December 11, 2009

I never thought this could happen, but I’ve just become a Notre Dame football fan.

And know this: I’m a tough sell, even after living in South Bend, Ind., during the national championship 1966 season.

That’s how impressed I am with Brian Kelly, the University of Cincinnati coach who’s expected to outshine the Golden Dome as the Irish’s next great coaching hope.

Is BK worthy? All you have to do is recall how UC football ranked somewhere below Xavier football in interest.

UC’s run the last three seasons has been impressive. And it’s all trumped by how Kelly groomed quarterback Tony Pike — and even backup Zach Collaros — into all-world first-teamers. What might he do with top-shelf recruits?

Heck, before Kelly’s three years there, Greater Catholic League football ruled the Queen City.

Not anymore.

That’s the kind of new-life touch that the Irish faithful are counting on Kelly bringing. It won’t be easy.

Because of its ultra-high academic standards and refusal to redshirt, many promising coaching careers have been buried under Irish real turf of late.

Still, after Bob Davie, Ty Willingham and Charlie Weis, the ND brain trust might finally have gotten it right.

If he hasn’t already, Kelly should beat a path north on U.S. 31. There is much work to do.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2381 or mpendleton@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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