Photo by Ian Gavlick and graphic by Andrea Archer page 2 The Observer N IN FOCUS Saturday, December 12, 2009 THE OBSERVER Brian Kelly ‘the right man’ for ND P.O. Box 779, Notre Dame, IN 46556 024 South Dining Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jenn Metz MANAGING EDITOR BUSINESS MANAGER Bill Brink Stacey Gill

ASST. MANAGING EDITOR: Kara King ASST. MANAGING EDITOR: Aaron Steiner

NEWS EDITOR: Madeline Buckley VIEWPOINT EDITOR: Michelle Maitz SPORTS EDITOR: Matt Gamber SCENE EDITOR: Jess Shaffer SAINT MARY’S EDITOR: Ashley Charnley PHOTO EDITOR: Ian Gavlick GRAPHICS EDITOR: Andrea Archer ADVERTISING MANAGERS: Theresa Bea Mary Clare Rodriguez AD DESIGN MANAGER: Jaclyn Espinoza CONTROLLER: Patrick Sala SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR: Steve Lagree

OFFICE MANAGER & GENERAL INFO (574) 631-7471 FAX (574) 631-6927 ADVERTISING (574) 631-6900 [email protected] EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (574) 631-4542 [email protected] MANAGING EDITOR (574) 631-4541 [email protected] ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITORS (574) 631-4324 [email protected], [email protected] BUSINESS OFFICE (574) 631-5313 NEWS DESK (574) 631-5323 [email protected] VIEWPOINT DESK (574) 631-5303 [email protected] IAN GAVLICK/The Observer SPORTS DESK Brian Kelly addresses the media Friday at the Guglielmino Athletics Complex as Director of Athletics Jack (574) 631-4543 [email protected] Swarbrick looks on. Kelly was announced as the new Irish head coach Thursday night. SCENE DESK (574) 631-4540 [email protected] conclusion that Brian Kelly was the want to win football games, and they SAINT MARY’S DESK By MICHAEL BRYAN [email protected] right person to lead this program,” want to be led. They want to be Associate Sports Editor PHOTO DESK Swarbrick said. “He was the first developed. I could tell that immedi- (574) 631-8767 [email protected] person I talked to. He was the only ately. SYSTEMS & WEB ADMINISTRATORS After weeks of rumors and specula- person I offered this opportunity to. “You do not come to the University (574) 631-8839 tion, Brian Kelly was officially intro- And it was a compelling case of Notre Dame because you want to THE duced as Notre Dame’s 29th head throughout.” be average. You want to be the best o bserver Online coach Friday. The news of Kelly’s hiring broke of the best. And that’s why I’m here. www.ndsmcobserver.com Kelly has signed a five-year deal to Thursday afternoon and was official- It inspires me to be around young POLICIES coach the Irish after leading ly announced through a university men like I had in front of me today.” to consecutive BCS release that night. Swarbrick said that throughout the The Observer is the independent, daily newspaper appearances. The 47-year old Kelly “Growing up as an Irish Catholic in process he sought the advice of sev- published in print and online by the students of the du Lac and Saint Mary’s went 34-6 in three years with the Boston, Massachusetts, I’d come eral members of the team, who College. Editorial content, including advertisements, is Bearcats, and was named Big East home from church after driving my helped the director of athletics with not governed by policies of the administration of either Coach of the Year all three seasons. parents crazy and listen to the reruns the search. institution. The Observer reserves the right to refuse Kelly also won the national Home or the replays of Notre Dame foot- “I read a lot of things about people advertisements based on content. Depot Coach of the Year award ball, and indelibly etched in my mind, saying that this was a less attractive The news is reported as accurately and objectively as Thursday night. in my vision was the job than it used to be, possible. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of “Nobody does it like Notre Dame,” great Lindsey Nelson or the interest was not the majority of the Editor in Chief, Managing Editor, Kelly said. “There’s a chapel in every talking about as we “They want to win what it used to be. You Assistant Managing Editors and department editors. dorm, and there’s a leader around move further into the weren’t in my shoes,” Commentaries, letters and columns present the views football games, and every corner, and we will cultivate of the authors and not necessarily those of The third quarter, the they want to be led.” Swarbrick said. “The Observer. that leadership here at Notre Dame, action, and Notre interest in being the Viewpoint space is available to all readers. The free and we will continue to move Dame playing that leader of this program expression of all opinions through letters is encouraged. towards excellence both in the class- day,” Kelly said. “That Brian Kelly was extraordinary, and Letters to the Editor must be signed and must include room and on the football field.” was all that was on the Irish coach I was so buoyed by the contact information. A veteran with 19 years of head TV in the Kelly house.” level of that interest coaching experience, Kelly will not Kelly said the Notre and the way many of Questions regarding Observer policies should be coach Cincinnati’s game Dame job has been a dream of his for the best coaches in the country were directed to Editor-in-Chief Jenn Metz. against Florida. He informed the years. really interested in being part of our Bearcats team of his decision “The story is like this: You come program.” POST OFFICE INFORMATION Thursday afternoon before the team’s home as a parent and you’re going to One trait that stood out to Swarbrick The Observer (USPS 599 2-4000) is published Monday through Friday except during banquet. tell your kids that they’re moving and was Kelly’s appreciation for the tradi- exam and vacation periods. A subscription to The Observer is $120 for one academic year; $65 for one semester. “I’m forever grateful to the players they love the friends and they love tions of Notre Dame, and he honored The Observer is published at: POSTMASTER at the for the community, and as we started to the new coach with a unique gift. 024 South Dining Hall Send address corrections to: Notre Dame, IN 46556-0779 The Observer what they gave me. They gave me tell them, tears began to well up in “There’s a tradition that we didn’t Periodical postage paid at Notre Dame P.O. Box 779 and additional mailing offices. 024 South Dining Hall this opportunity here at Notre Dame. their eyes, and Gracie came up to discuss that you may or may not be Notre Dame, IN 46556-0779 Their work on the field gave me a me, grabbed me, hugged me and familiar with. The last element of that great opportunity for my family, and said, ‘Dad, I’m so happy for you. I team Mass frequently as celebrated by for that I’m forever grateful,” Kelly know this has been your dream. And Fr. Doyle, who’s with us today, is to The Observer is a member of the Associated Press. All reproduction rights are reserved. said. “But transition is difficult. I’m sad for me just for a little bit. Is identify a saint that we’re honoring Emotion gets involved, and I only that okay?’ And I kissed her, and I that day, and every player as they wish all of them the very, very best.” said, ‘You know what, that’s what is leave the mass and head across the Director of Athletics Jack so magical about this is that my kids walk or get on the bus for an away TODAY’S STAFF Swarbrick said he had a timeline know that this was a dream for me,’” game, gets a medal to take with them. Sports Graphics with the goal of hiring a new coach Kelly said. Many of our players figure out a way Matt Gamber Andrea Archer by this weekend, and was excited to Kelly also met with the Notre Dame to affix that to their uniforms or other- Sam Werner Photos finalize the agreement with Kelly team before his press conference wise have it with them. And yes, we do Thursday. Friday, and had a strong initial keep of the saints’ won loss records. Ian Gavlick “We followed our criteria, we stuck impression. We’re careful about that,” Swarbrick to it, and at every step along the way, “They want to win,” Kelly said. said. it kept taking me back to the same “They’re like any other football pro- place. It kept taking me back to the gram that I’ve been around; they Contact Michael Bryan at [email protected] Saturday, December 12, 2009 The Observer N IN FOCUS page 3

THE CINCINNATI STAFF Kelly has ‘plan in place’ for coaching staff

Kerry Coombs Mike Elston Bob Diaco Jeff Quinn Greg Forest Lorenzo Guess Tim Hinton William Inge Charley Molnar

Associate HC, Special Teams, Defensive Off. Coordinator, Recruiting, Passing Game, Tight Ends Linebackers Def. Backs Defensive Line Coordinator Offensive Line Running Backs Receivers

Interim head coach Rob Ianello Kelly. He was a sports manage- success of Notre Dame’s running three seasons. By BILL BRINK has taken the head coaching job at ment intern in 1991 at Grand backs coach, Tony Alford, in Coombs would replace Corwin Sports Writer Akron, leaving the positions of Valley State, Kelly’s first year. improving the run game and the Brown, the associate head coach receivers coach and recruiting Forest has had great success this fact that Hinton was the only and defensive backs coach. Notre Charlie Weis is gone, Brian Kelly coordinator open. year with both quarterbacks Tony coach Kelly inherited at Dame’s defensive backs underper- is here, but there are two groups Bearcats offensive coordinator Pike and . Notre Cincinnati, Hinton is less likely formed this season based on pre- of assistants and coordinators Jeff Quinn has been with Kelly the Dame’s quarterbacks coach, Ron than others to make the jump. He vious performance and perceived whose job situation remains longest, back to Kelly’s days at Powlus, has helped develop has coached multiple positions, level of talent. uncertain. Grand Valley State. Quinn played Clausen into one of the nation’s however, which adds to his Cincinnati’s linebackers coach, Some Irish assistants led their football and wrestled at Elmhurst top passers. appeal. William Inge, has coached at departments to success this sea- College and was a third-team All- Charley Molnar has run the Lorenzo Guess, Cincinnati’s tight Cincinnati for two years but in son and coached their players to America selection in football in Bearcats passing game for the ends coach, has a background in 2008 three of the team’s top four drastic improvement, but other 1993. He coached football and past four years and worked with strength and conditioning in both tacklers were linebackers — not position groups took steps back. wrestling at DePauw starting in Kelly while he was at Central football and basketball. He has not the case at Notre Dame. Notre Kelly has not yet announced who 1984 and moved to Northern Michigan, where he coached Dan coached with Kelly long. Bernie Dame’s linebackers coach Jon he would bring with him and who, in 1986. LeFevour during his freshman Parmalee, Notre Dame’s tight ends Tenuta has enjoyed great success if any, of Notre Dame’s assistants Quinn has coached alongside year. At Cincinnati, along with the coach, helped Anthony Fasano elsewhere, but his blitz-happy he will retain, but did say he Kelly for 19 years and joined success of Pike and Collaros, and John Carlson reach the NFL. style of defense hasn’t produced would interview all of Notre Cincinnati’s staff for the 2007 sea- Molnar coached receiver Mardy Given Notre Dame’s struggles on results during his tenure at Notre Dame’s assistants. son. He also served as the offen- Gilyard to a great season. defense, Kelly will likely make Dame. “I’ve got a plan in place. I clearly sive line coach. Weis functioned as The closest parallel at Notre changes to the defensive staff. Bob Defensive line coach Mike Elston know where I want to go,” he said. Notre Dame’s offensive coordina- Dame is Ianello, who previously Diaco took over as the Bearcats’ spent his first year coaching the “I want to make sure I talk to tor. served under Weis as receivers offensive coordinator before this linemen after two years as the everyone involved in the process.” Quinn’s offensive line counter- coach and recruiting coordinator. season. Previously he served as tight ends coach. Elston would Kelly said he would begin the part, Frank Verducci, joined the Ianello helped receivers Michael defensive coordinator at Virginia replace Notre Dame defensive line process Monday. staff this season and helped the Floyd and Golden Tate flourish and as linebacker and special coach Randy Hart, who has 39 “That’s a process that won’t take line’s play, keeping junior quarter- during his tenure and also knows teams coach before that. years of college coaching experi- very much time,” he said. “I’ve got back off his back Notre Dame’s recruiting inside Kerry Coombs, Kelly’s associate ence, 21 of them at Washington. a lot of those pieces already put and allowing the running game to and out, giving him a strong case head coach and defensive backs Notre Dame recorded 20 sacks together.” improve. The Irish rushed for 3.8 to stay around. coach at Cincinnati, may make the and 73 tackles for loss this season. Some seem like logical choices yards per carry this year. Cincinnati’s recruiting coordina- trip with him. Coombs started in to keep; others seem as though Quarterbacks coach Greg Forest tor, Tim Hinton, also serves as the the high school ranks and has Contact Bill Brink at their jobs might be in jeopardy. has also spent a long time with running backs coach. Given the coached with Kelly for the past [email protected]

PLAYER REACTION Irish players impressed by new coach’s energy, passion

Notre Dame, said he’s talked By BILL BRINK to friends of his on the Sports Writer Bearcats and even a manager of the team throughout the One word emanated from process. He’s heard nothing the players and resonated but positive responses and throughout the Guglielmino saw it himself Friday morn- Athletics Complex Friday ing. afternoon. “The way he carried him- The word stemmed from self, very passionate, he has a new coach Brian Kelly’s meet- love for the game,” Rudolph ing with the players that said. morning and came to light Rudolph said the Cincinnati when Kelly started speaking. basketball team used to be The word was energetic. the main attraction in town, The players echoed it and but Kelly had turned the foot- Kelly broadcast ball program it, reminiscing into a front- about listening “Coach Kelly is a lot runner. He to Notre Dame hopes Kelly can football as a kid more energetic and do the same for in Boston, his outgoing.” Notre Dame. voice crescen- “When we doing as he Kapron Lewis-Moore were being answered ques- recruited it was Irish defensive lineman tions. back-to-back PAT COVENEY/The Observer “Coach Kelly BCS bowls,” Sophomore speaks to the media Friday after Brian Kelly was introduced as Notre is a lot more Rudolph said. Dame’s new head football coach. Crist is expected to be the team’s starting quarterback next season. energetic and outgoing,” “That’s where we want to get sophomore defensive lineman back to.” be more upbeat, more excit- getting to work and making a Kelly’s energy shone through, Kapron Lewis-Moore said Sophomore receiver Michael ed,” he said. great impression.” but that wasn’t what really when asked about the com- Floyd said Kelly conveyed his That high-energy style also Kelly’s ability to motivate caught his ear. parison between Kelly and expectations to the team and carries over to the field. players, Crist said, will bene- “It’s really something else to former coach Charlie Weis. they weren’t much different Sophomore quarterback fit the Irish. hear a coach that’s been win- Kelly met the team Friday from his behavior. Dayne Crist said although he “I feel that everyone fed off ning all these games to say morning to introduce himself “Just him coming in, just hadn’t watched tape of of his energy in the team it’s been his dream to coach and allow the team to get to wanting to talk about what he Cincinnati, he saw enough of meeting,” he said. His passion Notre Dame,” Johnson said. “I know him, he said. wanted in the team, us being the Bearcats to get excited was very contagious, his com- guess I’ll be a part of that “Basically, it was getting to a high-energize team and about the fast, quick-strike petitiveness tow in was very realization of his dream.” know him and how he does being passionate about the offense. contagious. I think it will have Johnson said he knew, how- things,” Lewis-Moore said. game,” he said. “It’ll be a little bit of a some great effects on the ever, that Kelly’s energy was Sophomore tight end Kyle The attitude, Floyd said, can change but I think we have team and we’re just excited only part of the equation. Rudolph, who is from carry over to the team. the guys on the team to do it,” about the whole situation.” Cincinnati, where Kelly “New coach coming in here, he said. “Everyone’s more Sophomore defensive line- Contact Bill Brink at coached prior to coming to different mentality, guys will excited than anything about man Ethan Johnson said [email protected] page 4 The Observer N IN FOCUS Saturday, December 12, 2009

“He has won at every level with every kind of team. He is a winner.”

Jack Swarbrick director of athletics

“You do not come to the University of Notre Dame because you want to be average. You want to be the best of the best.”

Brian Kelly Irish coach Saturday, December 12, 2009 The Observer N IN FOCUS page 5

“I want tough gentlemen.”

Brian Kelly Irish coach

“We can’t trade anybody. There’s no waiver wire. We’re going to develop our players, and they’re going to play their very best for us.”

Brian Kelly Irish coach

Photos by N IAN GAVLICK page 6 The Observer N IN FOCUS Saturday, December 12, 2009

COMMENTARY STUDENT REACTION Holtz’s ‘93 squad Students hopeful with Kelly hire a model for success

Notre Dame message blitzes, but on linemen to boards have been a free-for- generate pressure up front, all for the past month, and linebackers to contain the perhaps none more than ND run and defensive backs to Nation — the final destina- keep plays in front of them tion for dis- and go after balls in the air. gruntled and The coaches publicly often bois- respected their gifted oppo- terous Irish nent but privately exuded the fans to voice kind of contagious confidence their opin- that sparks players and wins ions, espe- games in . c i a l l y i n They challenged their players t i m e s o f to succeed “what though the c o a c h i n g odds,” and then they put transition. Matt Gamber them in position, mentally A n d w i t h and physically, to succeed. F r i d a y ’ s And they did it despite losing f o r m a l Sports Editor several stars to the NFL and announce- other key players to injury. m e n t t h a t In that epic showdown, it Brian Kelly would man the was the Seminoles’ offense Notre Dame sidelines next that mysteriously abandoned year, the boards went hay- a successful running game wire. and inexplicably disappeared In sifting through the rub- for two quarters after utterly ble of questions and com- dominating on their opening ments on the Kelly hire, I drive. It was the Seminoles’ stumbled across one nostal- defense that lamented count- gic post that linked to an less missed tackles and archived Sports Illustrated couldn’t muster an answer cover story that ran after the for a downhill ground attack. No. 2 Irish toppled top- It was the Seminoles’ coach- ranked Florida State in a ing staff whose poor time colossal clash m a n a g e m e n t of unbeatens at resulted in no N o t r e D a m e timeouts for a S t a d i u m i n This is Notre Dame, l a s t - d i t c h 1993. c o m e b a c k I w a s o n l y and there’s no attempt that four years old denying that Kelly’s eventually fell TOM LA/The Observer then, and while new job presents an short. And as Students perform their own variations of the salute to the coach during the ‘1812 Overture’ in between I’ve read plenty S e m i n o l e s the third and fourth quarter of Notre Dame’s 33-30 overtime loss to Connecticut. about the ‘93 unmatched set of coach Bobby Irish getting challenges and a Bowden put it recruits to build a winning Central Michigan is a strong By JOSEPH McMAHON robbed of a glaring national at the time, it football team. indicator that he can snap national title, was Florida Associate News Editor “I only hope that this pas- Notre Dame football out of this Austin spotlight that only his State that let sion will translate into land- its decade-long malaise. Murphy article predecessors can “the big one” Within minutes of news ing recruits and winning “Ultimately, I’d like to see from 16 years fully comprehend. get away. breaking that Brian Kelly games over the them build to a a g o w a s m y Stop. Reread would become Notre Dame’s next few championship first real foray that last para- 29th football coach, students years,” he by my senior into the way g r a p h , b u t started talking about how the said. “I just hope Kelly can year,” he said Lou Holtz’s team played that replace Seminoles with Irish, former Cincinnati coach rep- Junior Riley turn the program “He’s built pro- year. Florida State with Notre resents a new hope for the Orloff was par- around before I grams very fast It was eye-opening. Dame and Bobby Bowden Irish. t i c u l a r l y in the past, so I The cover headline — “WE with Bob Davie, Tyrone “After suffering three years impressed with graduate. I’d like to don’t think it’s DID IT! Jim Flanigan and Willingham or Charlie Weis of mediocre football, I’m the high- see at least one unreasonable Notre Dame outmuscle — no offense to the just- hopeful that Coach Kelly can octane offense winning regular to win in three Florida State” — and the tri- retired Bowden, whose 388 restore Notre Dame’s win- Kelly ran at years.” umphant photo of the Irish wins at the Division I level ning tradition,” junior Cincinnati, and season.” H o w e v e r , stud defensive tackle turned rank second all-time. Richard Paulius said. “I said he hopes junior Marcus me on to that ‘93 squad and Now, how often have we guess this means the shirt the new coach Mike Delach Perez is not convinced me that the next heard that over the last 12 next year will be Kelly can develop junior c o n v i n c e d Notre Dame head coach years? Too many, and that’s green.” Notre Dame’s Kelly may be should look to that team, and why Kelly is here now. While watching Kelly’s talented play- the perfect that game, as his model. He’ll do it his own way, as introductory press confer- ers into national award-win- coach for Notre Dame, noting Holtz was the last success- well he should, and I hope it ence, junior Scott McIntosh ning stars. that Kelly is known as an ful Irish coach, at least by works. For the record, I think said he was really impressed “If he can turn [Cincinnati offensive guru while the Notre Dame’s lofty standards. it will, considering the way in with how the coach handled quarterback] Tony Pike into Irish’s biggest problem under And while every coach has which Kelly built and sus- the media’s questions calmly a BCS quarterback, [Irish Weis was an anemic defense. his own strengths, his own tained successful programs and politely — a departure quarterback] Dayne Crist is “I would have liked to see a style and his own approach, at Grand Valley State, Central from former coach Charlie going to win the Heisman,” more defensive-minded Kelly would be well-served to Michigan and Cincinnati. Weis’ gruff handling of the Orloff said. coach, but I trust that Kelly make note of what Holtz’s ‘93 This is Notre Dame, and media. F r e s h m a n will be able to lead the team team did, especially in that there’s no denying that Kelly’s “ E v e n Adam Schmitz to a great season next year,” “Game of the Century” new job presents an though he’s said although Perez said. against the Seminoles. unmatched set of challenges just taken “I only hope that this his first Notre For the Class of 2011, next The offense dominated the and a glaring national spot- over the pro- Dame football year represents their last line of scrimmage, starting light that only his predeces- gram, Kelly passion will translate season was dis- opportunity to see a winning with All-American left tackle sors can fully comprehend. has really into landing recruits appointing, he regular season while at Aaron Taylor, a physical But it also presents an incred- impressed me and winning games thinks Kelly pos- Notre Dame. Junior Mike specimen who hustled all ible array of opportunities, with the pas- sesses the quali- Delach said he would like to over the field, sold out on from elite resources to the sion that he over the next few ties of a suc- see Kelly have a successful every play and helped spread promise of legendary status has for years.” cessful Notre first year to help heal some that approach to his team- that accompanies all those coaching at Dame coach. of the worst scars of the Weis “He’s very era, including avenging loss- mates. They punched people who bring success to South Notre Dame,” Scott McIntosh in the mouth and would grind Bend. he said. “For charismatic and es to Navy. teams out with a power run- Holtz was the last man to not having junior he’s pumped up “I just hope Kelly can turn ning game for four quarters. accomplish that feat, and, in gone here, about our foot- the program around next They didn’t turn the ball over truth, it’s no real secret how. Brian Kelly ball team,” he year before I graduate,” or suffer mental lapses. The blueprint is right there in fits the Notre said. “Plus, he Delach said. “I’d like to see The defense played funda- that Sports Illustrated article. Dame type. He’s very affa- knows the tradition.” at least one winning regular mentally sound football, did- I’ll give you the link — I ble.” Schmitz said Kelly’s record season.” n’t allow big plays and forced wouldn’t want you to have to McIntosh said he hopes of quickly turning around turnovers. It relied not on sift through the message Kelly’s passion for the Irish historically losing programs Contact Joe McMahon at complicated stunts and boards for it. can help land top-flight such as Cincinnati and [email protected] Saturday, December 12, 2009 The Observer N IN FOCUS page 7

BRIAN KELLY PROFILE Coach brings winning history to Notre Dame Résumé highlighted by 19 years of head coaching experience at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati

previous four seasons. East title and BCS berth. This By SAM WERNER After a 4-7 record in his first year, Cincinnati is currently Associate Sports Editor year, Kelly led the Chippewas undefeated and will play to a 6-5 mark in 2005, Central Florida in the Sugar Bowl. Brian Kelly comes to Notre Michigan’s first winning sea- Sabelhaus said that Kelly’s Dame with more collegiate son in seven years. decision to not coach the accolades and achievements The next year, Central Bearcats in arguably the than any other Notre Dame Michigan went 9-4, won the biggest game in their history coach in recent history — at MAC and qualified for the could irk some in the Queen least in the last decade. Motor City Bowl. Before Kelly City. From Grand Valley State to could coach the team in the “I think what people might Central Michigan to Cincinnati, bowl game, though, he accept- be a little concerned with, and Kelly has blazed a trail of foot- ed an offer from Cincinnati to maybe turn on B.K. a little bit, ball success all the way to take its head coaching posi- is if he leaves before the bowl South Bend. tion. game,” Sabelhaus said. After four years playing line- In his first full season with While Kelly brings a potent backer, Kelly graduated from the Bearcats, Kelly led the offensive attack to Notre Assumption College in 1983. team to their first 10-win sea- Dame, Sabelhaus also said Four years later, he joined the son since 1949, and was that the defense was likely to coaching staff at Grand Valley named Big East Coach of the improve under the new State as a graduate assistant Year. regime. and defensive backs coach. He “[Mark] Dantonio left, and “The thing is, [Cincinnati’s was promoted to defensive everyone was kind of like, defense] is a motivated group coordinator in 1989, and then ‘What’s going to happen now?’ of guys,” Sabelhaus said. to head coach in 1991. Are they going to go back to “You’ve got to think that if Kelly led the Lakers to win- just mediocrity?’” Garrett Brian Kelly gets the kind of ning seasons in each of his 13 Sabelhaus, Sports Editor of the recruits that Notre Dame gets, years at Grand Valley State, Cincinnati News-Record stu- he’s going to do something compiling a 118-35-2 overall dent newspaper, said earlier with them, whether it’s on record. In his final three sea- this week. “Then Brian Kelly offense or defense.” sons in Grand Rapids, the came along, picked up right Sabelhaus added that Kelly Lakers went 41-2, at one point where Dantonio left off and was savvy enough with the winning 20 games in a row. just took it to heights nobody media to handle the intense Kelly’s 2001 team set a had ever imagined could hap- spotlight in South Bend. Division II record by averaging pen at UC.” “The way he handles the 58.4 points per game. Sabelhaus said a big part of media is almost kind of a In 2002 and 2003, Kelly led the transition was getting the genius way,” Sabelhaus said. Grand Valley State to back-to- team used to Kelly’s potent “He gets everybody on his back Division II national spread offensive scheme. side.” championships, and was “He just installed his system Kelly will get to face the named AFCA Division II Coach over the offseason, and then media scrutiny right away, as of the Year in both seasons. the next year they started to a talented roster has many Kelly was hired by Central be that machine on offense Irish fans hoping for a BCS Michigan in 2004, and imme- that you see now as pretty pol- berth in 2010. diately turned around a pro- ished,” Sabelhaus said. Photo courtesy of COULTER LOEB/Cincinnati News-Record gram that had won more than In 2008, Kelly led the Contact Sam Werner at Irish coach Brian Kelly talks to his players on the sideline dur- three games only once in the Bearcats to their first ever Big [email protected] ing Cincinnati’s 47-45 win over Connecticut Nov. 7. page 8 The Observer N PAID ADVERTISEMENTS Saturday, December 12, 2009