Brian Kelly likely to receive contract extension, raise from Notre Dame

Brian Kelly is expected to receive a raise and contract extension to remain the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame, according to Brian Hamilton of the Chicago Tribune.

Kelly received a two-year contract extension in January, but that extension was based more on contract language than on departmental decision. Following a perfect 12-0 season which led Notre Dame to the BCS Championship game, Kelly is expected to receive a much more lucrative extension from athletic director Jack Swarbrick.

"I'm really confident that Brian enjoys his experience at Notre Dame and when we're past (Monday), we'll sit down and talk about securing that future," Swarbrick said Sunday. "We love having him, and he loves being at Notre Dame."

Kelly was briefly mentioned among those listed as candidates for NFL head coaching vacancies, but given Kelly's background as a devout Catholic and the job he has done turning the program around from Charlie Weis' disastrous tenure, Swarbrick will likely do whatever is necessary to keep Kelly at Notre Dame.

"It feels great to have a great coach," Swarbrick said. "He's done a phenomenal job for us."

Kelly is 28-10 in his three years at Notre Dame. He was hired after a 34-6 stint as head coach at the University of Cincinnati.