Brian Kelly comments on USC rumors, future at Notre Dame

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly made it clear on Monday that he’s not going anywhere, not now, and probably not ever.

Kelly, who is currently preparing to lead the 10-1 Fighting Irish versus Stanford this weekend, cleared up the speculation. Reporters asked if rumors around his potential interest in the USC Trojans job held any weight. The 60-year-old coaching vet called it “smokescreens.”

“No,” Kelly said. “I mean, look, I think Mike Tomlin had the best line, right? Unless that fairy godmother comes by with that $250M check, my wife would want to take a look at it first. I’d have to run it by her.”

Coaching salaries are getting crazy but we’re still a few years away from $250 million deals. Michigan State reportedly offered Mel Tucker an extension with Michigan State worth $95 million over 10 years.

Through 12 seasons under Brian Kelly, the Fighting Irish have earned bowl eligibility in 11 seasons. His overall record is 112-40.

Mike Tomlin shuts down college rumors

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has been one of the many high-profile names linked to the USC football head coaching vacancy since Clay Helton was fired earlier this season.

Almost a month ago, Tomlin addressed the rumors that he could possibly leave his NFL career to take the USC job.

“I don’t have time for that speculation,” Tomlin said emphatically. That’s a joke to me. I’ve got of one of the best jobs in all of professional sports. Why would I have any interest in coaching college football?”

It’s important to note Mike Tomlin has no background or experience in coaching at the collegiate ranks and he’s widely regarded one of the top NFL coaches year after year.

The Steelers frontman closed out his response with another statement that made it abundantly clear he’s not leaving his current post in Pittsburgh.

“Never say never, but never,” Tomlin added. “There’s not a booster with a big enough blank check.”