Brian Kelly has decided to stay at Notre Dame. He will not be the next head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. He claims his decision was “motivated purely” by his love for Notre Dame.

“This decision was motivated purely by my love for Notre Dame and the entire Fighting Irish community, the young men I have the great fortune to coach, and my desire to continue to build the best football program in the country,” Kelly said. “We still have a lot of work to do and my staff and I are excited about the challenges ahead.”

Riiight. We suspect his pure motivation might have had something to do with (a) the Eagles opting to go in a different direction or (b) Notre Dame meeting his demands for an extension, a raise and improved assistant compensation.

Jack Swarbrick claims the interview was not used for leverage. Again, Riiight. This is an interesting predicament for Notre Dame. It’s not a program accustomed to hiring a coach and having him become a flight risk. See you next winter when some more NFL jobs come available.

[Photo via USA Today Sports]