Brian Kelly denies he is eyeing Notre Dame exit

Coach Brian Kelly early Sunday morning reiterated his desire to remain at Notre Dame in 2017.

But when all was said and done with the Irish’s forgettable 4-8 season Saturday, more was said than done.

Kelly’s players also backed him after the Irish wrapped up their worst season since Charlie Weis went 3-9 in 2007 with a dreary, waterlogged loss in Los Angeles. Only a missed Irish field goal had allowed USC to hold onto its 10-7 lead.

And, no offense to USC, but Notre Dame has played better teams under Brian Kelly. Each of those foes came in the second half of the season: Stanford (9-3), Miami (8-4), Navy (9-2), Virginia Tech (9-3) and now USC (9-3). (Duke, North Carolina State and Miami also took advantage). The Irish fell short, losing 45-27 to the Trojans.

That Jackson had a record-setting afternoon, becoming the first player in school history to return a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns in one game since records were kept in 1971, did not make his decision easier.

Deep in the 2nd, Trojans with another touchdown. Even with his awful season, Kelly has posted a 59-31 record at Notre Dame, with a 12-1 season in 2012.

Notre Dame attempted an onside kick that was fielded by JuJu Smith-Schuster.

That game two years ago featured an Irish team that had suffered a lot of injuries and was actually the first time McGlinchey got to contribute in a game. Quarterback DeShone Kizer punched it in to give Notre Dame a 10-7 advantage. The opening of the floodgates began with USC sacking Kizer for a 13-yard loss.

A mere 17 seconds after Jackson made his 55-yard TD punt return shortly before halftime, Ajene Harris returned an interception 33 yards for a score to break it open for the Trojans.

He became only the fourth player in the past 20 seasons to score an offensive touchdown, along with returning a kickoff for a touchdown and a punt for a touchdown.

Pick 6 USC for the touchdown and the extra point is good!

We’re entering the third season of the annual South Point-lined Play of the Day competition, effective July 1.

It overshadowed a largely positive defensive performance for Notre Dame.

The game turned on a dime late in the first half when it appeared that the Irish had snapped the ball out of the end zone, granting the Trojans a safety. Adams continues to supply big plays for the offense, as his 74-yard run in the first quarter is his fifth career run of 60-plus yards. Even with discussions about his job taking place all over the college football landscape, when Kelly was asked if he would be back next season he replied “I’ll be back, absolutely,”.

WSBT 22 has contacted the football media relations director for further comment and information. I don’t believe I’m coming back early because I’m getting fired. Over my 21 years (in coaching), I’ll always remember this.