Notre Dame Shows Faith in Brian Kelly, Extends Contract Through 2016

In a show of pure faith, Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick announced that head football coach Brian Kelly will be around a little longer.

On the heels of consecutive 8-5 seasons, and a 2011 season that saw a host of controversy and a world record in crushing turnovers, Kelly's contract was extended two years, taking it through the 2016 season. 

Through "Twittergate" and questionable handling of the quarterback position, Kelly's 2011 Irish squad proved memorable for many reasons. Unfortunately, many were the wrong reasons.

Preseason BCS expectations fell by the wayside in the first half of the first game, as the Irish stumbled to a 16-point deficit they would ultimately be unable to overcome against South Florida.

The opener set a trend that would last the season, in which the Irish would thoroughly dominate an opponent, yet, in the end, find themselves losing or barely sliding by.

Turnovers were a constant, as was poor quarterback play. It was also unclear as to whether Notre Dame ever actually practiced punt returns or field goals.

Still, as the season progressed, there was marked improvement on the offensive and defensive lines. Each unit became solid, if not borderline dominant.

Kelly figured out how to alter his scheme, modifying his vertical spread system to morph into a West Coast type offense that featured straight ahead running and short to intermediate pass routes to help complement the limited Tommy Rees.

He backed away from his "Get used to it" bravado from a year ago, and learned to coach the team he has, as opposed to stubbornly, and unsuccessfully, trying to mold the team into something it is not to fit his model.

There is a lot of work to be done, yet to get to where Notre Dame wants to go, the groundwork is laid.

Recruiting classes have been the right mix of sizzle and need, creating a formidable interior unit for years to come. 

Kelly is a proven commodity who has won at every stop. If given the leash and the support, he will win at Notre Dame.

It will take time, it will take patience, but the results will come.