Report: Brian Kelly to explore coaching options outside Notre Dame

The Brian Kelly era at Notre Dame could be coming to a close, as sources told Pat Forde of Yahoo Sports that the veteran coach has reached out through representatives to explore other coaching opportunities.

The report comes just hours after the Fighting Irish coach assured reporters that he would be back with the program next year, despite a disappointing 4-8 season capped by a loss to USC.

Related: Brian Kelly confident despite 4-8 season: 'I'll be back'

According to Forde, Kelly's decision to explore other opportunities is not due to the fact Notre Dame was hit with NCAA sanctions this past week. His willingness to explore other options predates that news.

Kelly has been the most successful coach at Notre Dame since Lou Holtz left the program in the late 1990s, compiling a record of 59-31 in seven years with the school.

The NFL has long been a rumored landing spot for Kelly, but with more than a month remaining in that league's season, expect the rumor mill around the veteran coach to swirl.