Notre Dame Football: The 10 Best Coaches To Replace Brian Kelly

Brian Kelly came into his second season as head coach for the Fighting Irish with high expectations. The schedule appeared to be favorable and he was starting to put together a roster of players that would fit his system.

It is safe to say that Notre Dame has failed to live up to expectations in 2011. A QB controversy, poorly timed turnovers and a little bit of bad luck are the main storylines for Notre Dame.

The pressure is mounting for Kelly and he appears to be very frustrated with the performance of the team. He can be seen on sidelines yelling at the team, trying to motivate them to play up to expectations.  

If Brian Kelly doesn't turn this team around soon, here are 10 coaches that could be great fits to be the next head coach of Notre Dame.

10. Lou Holtz

Yes, I know this sounds like a crazy idea, but it really could be a great short term solution for Notre Dame.

Lou Holtz brings a familiar face back to the Fighting Irish and had tremendous success while at South Bend.

If he could convince his son Skip to come in as Offensive Coordinator and name him the head coach in waiting, it would set up a great situation.

Lou could come back and get the program going in the right direction and turn the team over to his son once he decides to retire.

9. Bob Stoops

Although it is very unlikely Bob Stoops would leave Oklahoma, Notre Dame could be an attractive destination for Stoops.

He could be ready for a new challenge and Notre Dame would love to have a coach of his stature.

Bob Stoops would bring a Texas recruiting pipeline to Notre Dame, that could really improve the talent level for the Irish.

Notre Dame would ask Stoops, but in the end it is unlikely he has any interest at this time.

8. Kyle Whittingham

Kyle Whittingham is a name that has been thrown into many coaching searches over the past few years. 

I believe he would consider the job and Notre Dame could even be interested. He has great success since taking over as head coach for the Utes. Over the past 3 years his record is 33-6.

In the end, I don't think his spread offense would be a great fit at Notre Dame and he would be unwilling to leave Utah now that they are in the Pac-12.  

7. Jim Tressel

Jim would bring a huge Ohio recruiting base and a tremendous record to Notre Dame if he became the next Notre Dame coach.

I believe that Notre Dame would not want to have to constantly answer questions about how Jim is running the program.

At this point I think Jim is too high risk of a choice for Notre Dame and would bring too much negativity to the program.

6. Chris Petersen

Chris Petersen would be an ideal choice for the Irish. He has had tremendous success at Boise State and has been pursued by many different schools.

He has rejected every opportunity that has come his way and seems to be happy with his current situation.

Notre Dame would present a great opportunity and would have to be a place he would consider.

5. Michael Haywood

The former Notre Dame offensive coordinator is available after his short stint at Pitt. There are concerns, however, with an arrest that got him fired from the Panthers.

He had tremendous success turning around the Miami (OH) program in 2010. He could definitely come in and help rebuild the Irish program.

I think he is also too risky for Notre Dame at this time. He will be considered, but ultimately won't be a great fit.

4. Bob Diaco

Bob is the current Notre Dame Defensive Coordinator and a great young up-and-coming coach. He is a great recruiter and has done an excellent job developing the Irish LBs.

He is currently a big name in coaching circles and could be a great fit. This would be his first head coaching job, which would be a concern.

If Notre Dame wanted to keep a current coach that they know will do a great job, Bob would be the top choice.

3. Skip Holtz

Skip Holtz is the best choice for Notre Dame at this time and seems like he has the best chance of realistically becoming the next head coach.

He has a history coaching at South Bend and is a familiar name to alumni. He brings a great record of success in rebuilding teams.

At this time he would be an excellent fit for the Irish and could be the next head coach sooner rather than later.

2. Jon Gruden

Jon Gruden would be an excellent candidate to become the next Notre Dame head coach. He brings a pro-style offense and a successful NFL coaching resume.

Since his last coaching job, Jon has been seen across the country studying various different college offenses.

With Gruden at head coach he could quickly make Notre Dame a powerhouse for years to come. He would likely bring the Irish recruiting to unbelievable heights.  

The main concern for Jon is that he might rather wait for a good NFL coaching job to open up instead of trying to coach at the college level. 

1. Urban Meyer

Urban Meyer would definitely be the No. 1 target if Notre Dame decided to replace Brian Kelly.

He has stated in the past that becoming the head coach for Notre Dame would be his dream job. 

The two main issues that the Irish would face are: Has Urban Meyer's health improved enough where he could become a head coach again? And would Meyer leave his ESPN commentating job?

I believe he would definitely leave his current ESPN job for Notre Dame, but his health is a major concern.

Urban is the best option and the interest would be mutual, but Meyer's health would be an issue that could keep this from being reality.