Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly reiterated Sunday he will return to South Bend for an eighth season in 2017.
Kelly told reporters exactly that following Notre Dame's season-closing loss to USC on Saturday, but then came reports he could explore employment opportunities elsewhere this winter.
"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," Kelly said in a statement. "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 am fully committed to leading this program in the future."
There has been no indication the Irish would look to part with Kelly, with athletic director Jack Swarbrick saying in late-October that Kelly "will lead this team out of the tunnel" next year.
The 55-year-old is 59-31 since taking over the Irish. His 4-8 record this year marked his first losing season at Notre Dame.