Brian Kelly could be 'serious candidate' at Florida, Mortensen says

Ken Bradley

Brian Kelly could be 'serious candidate' at Florida, Mortensen says image

On Monday, ESPN's Chris Mortensen backed up another name that was getting mentioned as a potential candidate at Florida.

"The reason Brian Kelly is an interesting name is, I'm hearing his name in NFL circles," Mortensen said on SVP & Russillo on Monday. "I do believe he's probably a pretty serious candidate for the Florida job if he chooses to explore that, but he's also in season. That's why you have agents - to do that work."

MORE: Florida search updates | HAYES: Is third time charm for Stoops, Gators? | LINEMAKERS: Odds on who Florida hires

In his fifth season in South Bend, Kelly, 53, is 44-18. The Irish played for the BCS title two seasons ago, but suffered a lopsided loss against Alabama. Prior to Notre Dame, Kelly was 34-6 in three seasons at Cincinnati (plus coaching the Bearcats to a win in a bowl game after he was hired). He also won back-to-back Division II national titles at Grand Valley State.

According to a report from Gatorbait.net, Mortensen shares agents with Kelly. Former Florida lineman Trace Armstrong, who lives in Gainesville, represents both.

Notre Dame is 7-3 this season. After starting the season 6-0 and narrowly losing to FSU, 31-27, it looked like the Irish would be a playoff contender. But losses to Arizona State and Northwestern in their past two games have ended any hopes of that happening.

Thanks to: Florida.247Sports.com

Ken Bradley