Brian Kelly’s $15 million-plus parachute is likely protecting the Notre Dame Fighting Irish coach if his team improves its record just a bit in the 2017 season.
That’s the opinion of the Associated Press’ Ralph D. Russo, who nevertheless put Kelly on his “Pick 6” of coaches on the hot seat.
Kelly knows another clunker after Notre Dame went 4-8 last season would likely force the hand of athletic director Jack Swarbick. Kelly's position is bolstered by the six-year contract extension he signed after the 2015 season. Notre Dame does not make Kelly's contract public, but a safe guess is that his buyout is upward of $15 million.