Can someone please explain to me how Brian Kelly is that much of an upgrade at Notre Dame? The Irish already know how to score 30+ points per game. They need someone to come in and remind them how to play smash-mouth football. I mean, have you seen Cincy's defense? It might be the only one worse than Notre Dame's!
If they do hire Kelly, here's how I see it shake out: A rejuvenated Gator team is going to destroy the Bearcats in the Sugar Bowl, and then everyone will blame it on the "ND distraction." In reality, it will be the foreshadowing of another... yet another... forgettable hire by the Irish.
Take a lesson from Alabama, who found themselves in a eerily similar situation 3 years ago. Throw as much money as you can at a hard-nosed, defensive-minded college coach and pester the sh#t out of him until he accepts the offer. Saban said no to Bama... twice. Notre Dame's AD should be camped outside of Stoops' home... not interviewing Brian Kelly. But if Kelly's their man, I hope for their sake the next step is luring an SEC defensive coordinator to South Bend.