Kelly a Great Hire But Unproven Because Irish?

As Brian Kelly arrived in South Bend with a winning mindset, the Irish faithful were given something they haven't felt in the last three seasons—hope. 

The job that Kelly has done with the Cincinnati Bearcats justifies his hiring, but the 47 year-old, who is living his lifelong dream, is missing the same thing that forced former Notre Dame head football coach, Charlie Weis, out of town;a signature BCS win. 

Kelly would have been able to get that win under his belt, when his former team goes up against the defending National Champion Florida Gators, in just three weeks. 

Cincinnati (12-0) plays Florida (12-1) in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day.

With all of the scrutiny surrounding Weis's inability to show up in big games, why not observe the way Kelly handles himself against Urban Meyer and the most successful college football program in recent memory?

Coach Kelly has received scrutiny for his departure from the young men whom he guided to the most important football game in Bearcats’ history

He may receive the same heat from Notre Dame and its fan base if he cannot return the Irish to national prominence.

"You would always want it to end with the best story. The best story would be that I get to coach in the Sugar Bowl, but I'm at Notre Dame now and this is where I want to be," said the new leader of the Irish.

Maybe Notre Dame should have waited for the story of Brian Kelly and Cincinnati to conclude before they rewarded him with one of the most prestigious positions in all of sports.