Brian Kelly’s NFL Flirtation Expected To End With Pay Raise, Notre Dame Extension

Much like Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly’s flirtation with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns before returning to the college ranks, Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly appears to have the same agenda.

Kelly reported interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday following Notre Dame’s loss to Alabama in the BCS National Championship. Kelly is currently out of the country, but there is belief that the two sides will continue there talks when he returns to the states.

There are also reports surfacing that the Chicago Bears could have interest in Kelly, but there has been no confirmed mutual interest.

Executives for the Eagles and Bears may be hoping to land a big name college coach, however, it is more likely that they are being toyed with rather than involved in a legitimate interview process with a candidate. In simple terms, Kelly isusing the NFL interest to raise his price tag and receive a new contract.

Sports Illustrtated’s Pete Thamel spoke with a Notre Dame source and it wasn’t good news for the NFL teams in pursuit of Kelly:

Kelly’s camp appeared to have no issue with reports immediately coming out about his meeting with the Eagles. In fact, they could very well be the people who put the report out there.

It’s hard to be mad at Kelly for this little stunt. It is something we would all do if we were in his position. The ultimate goal is to find stability for yourself and he would do just that with a contract extension at Notre Dame.