by Leprechaun Express & Steve Welsh
“Notre Dame football mourned the loss of one of their program greats … as they began fall camp. However, the team found a way to take the legendary coach out on the playing field with them in the upcoming season. The name ‘Ara’ will be placed on the front of each helmet, above the face-mask, in place of where it normally says ‘Irish’. …”
Mass and Celebration of Life for Ara Parseghian, from the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame
“Ara Parseghian, the legendary football player and coach who led the University of Notre Dame to two national championships, died early Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017, at his home in Granger, Indiana, according to multiple news sources. Parseghian, who underwent hospital treatment recently for a hip infection, was 94. … [includes link to Guest Book]”
“Legendary coach Ara Parseghian, who guided the University of Notre Dame’s 1966 and 1973 national championship football teams and is a member of the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame, died at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday (Aug. 2) at his home in Granger, Indiana, the University’s president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., announced. He was 94. …”
“… FootballScoop.com reported Wednesday that ‘Notre Dame would be willing to negotiate an exit from the 6-year extension Kelly signed just last year should the right opportunity arise.’ His name was connected to the Oregon job, which became open Tuesday night after the school fired fourth-year head coach Mark Helfrich. …”
“‘I felt that I was clear with the media following yesterday’s game at USC when I was asked about my desire to be back as the head football coach at Notre Dame, but in light of media reports that surfaced afterward, let me restate my position. I have not been, am not, and will not be interested in options outside of Notre Dame. I’m fully committed to leading this program in the future.'”
“‘Tis’ the season to be climbing upon #Santa’s lap and hoping your wish comes true. In the case of Notre Dame football fans doing so with visions of a new leader for their favorite program in 2017, they need to be very cautious in what they are dreaming of. For if veteran Fighting Irish coach Brian Kelly is pushed out the door (or leaves on his own volition), this is a program that will have a difficult time finding someone that would do a significantly better job than he has. …”
“Following reports from Yahoo! Sports and ESPN that he was exploring other jobs through his representatives, Brian Kelly released an overnight statement to double down on staying with the Irish.”
“… NOTRE DAME: Though Brian Kelly said unequivocally that he would be back … and has publicly had the support of athletics director Jack Swarbrick, school officials were furious about reports over the weekend that his representatives are exploring coaching options for Kelly outside of Notre Dame. … The tension between Notre Dame, Kelly and his agent Trace Armstrong dates to last season when, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, there was at least a conversation on behalf of Kelly with Southern Cal, who ultimately gave the job to Clay Helton. After that, Notre Dame awarded Kelly a six-year extension, and you can’t blame the school for being upset that its loyalty is being repaid less than a year later by rumors that he’s looking to leave. ….”
“… 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. …”