3 Notre Dame coaches must aim to replace Brian Kelly after leaving LSU

Notre Dame Fighting Irish has been an obvious playoff contender in recent years. Under head coach Brian Kelly, Fighting Irish consistently dominated. However, things are changing in South Bend with Kelly left to take the head coach job at LSU.

With that in mind, Notre Dame will cut her job so they can replace Kelly. He is one of the best coaches in the nation and losing him will be difficult to replace. Despite that fact, there are a number of coaches that are considered legitimate alternative candidates for the program.

Currently, some believe that current Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman could replace Kelly. That may be the case, but it hasn’t been laid out at this point, and Kelly is trying to get Freeman to LSU. Notre Dame should search extensively before deciding to rent from the inside.

In the 2021 college football season so far, Notre Dame has won 11-1 and is now 6th in the nation, still with a chance to make it to the College Football Knockout Qualifiers. Leaving now is a bit of a surprise for Kelly, but sometimes a change of scenery is needed. The school is in a very good position to hire whoever it is determined to get.

All that being said, let’s dive in and look at three potential coaches, aside from Freeman, that Fighting Irish should consider hiring to replace Kelly.

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Brian Kelly top replacement for Notre Dame

3. Urban Meyer, Jacksonville Jaguars

Immediately after the news that Kelly is likely to leave Notre Dame to go to LSU, Urban Meyer is a name that many fans are interested in. Meyer is currently head coach of the Jaguars and has shown no interest in leaving that position. However, a positive offer from Fighting Irish could change that tune.

Meyer has had a rough season in Jacksonville so far and could see a return to college football as an attractive option, although there are rumors suggesting he doesn’t want to return to the big game. learn. He may also be so motivated to prove he can coach so successfully in the NFL that he won’t leave the Notre Dame job. But, he still has to be included in this list as a potential pick.

If Meyer really wants to leave the Jaguars, the Fighting Irish should definitely go after him. Meyer is a great college coach and has enjoyed great success throughout his career. Joining a program like Notre Dame with the recruiting tools available to him, Meyer would likely go on to college success in South Bend.

2. Matt Campbell, Iowa State Tornado

If Fighting Irish were to consider other current college head coaches, one name that might pop up in their search would be Matt Campbell of Iowa State. He’s had great success with the Cyclones, but moving to a bigger show like Notre Dame will be something he’s very hard to overcome. Campbell is just 42 years old and would make a great long-term deal for the Fighting Irish.

During his six years in charge of Iowa State, Campbell led the Cyclones to a solid 42-33 record. He just finished the regular season 7-5 in 2021. Although this year’s season has been relatively mediocre, Campbell is a great coach and would be a worthy hire for Notre Dame.

It seems the Fighting Irish is very interested in hiring a younger head coach, which Campbell would fit the mold. If Our Lady came to call, the two sides might be able to solve something. Campbell is a pick that fans should keep a close eye on.

1. Luke Fickell, Cincinnati Bear Cat

How about poaching one of the top trainers in the country from Cincinnati? Notre Dame did it with Kelly, and Luke Fickell would be a very attractive choice and also a worthy tenant. He’s led the Bearcats to an undefeated 12-0 record, and they’re looking like a potential playoff team this season.

Can you imagine what he could do with a show as powerful as Notre Dame? He’s turned Cincinnati from a tough show into a national championship contender. Acquiring the resources that Fighting Irish could provide him would be a deal Fickell might not be able to refuse.

If the Fighting Irish decide not to pick Freeman as their next head coach, Fickell would be their best candidate. He will immediately come and give Notre Dame a breath of fresh air and at the age of 48 will lead the show for many years to come. This is a hire that Fighting Irish should seriously consider.