We could have had Brian Kelly

[Greenacres Griz]

Remember way back, when our powers at be chose Bobby Hauck over Brian Kelly. Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure that Brian Kelly was the other finalist with Bobby Hauck when he was at Grand Valley State.

 

[RobGriz]

He'd have just left like he has left everywhere since until he got to nd and I am not sure we would be in a better place, just my $.02

 

[George Ferguson]

Brian Kelly actually pulled his name from being a finalist when he found out what his salary package would be. So NO, the Griz couldn't have had him unless the school and the state was willing to UP what it pays the UM head coach by a substantial amount. (Edit: And I'm pretty sure at that time in his career, he was in no position to really make salary demands yet). And he would have been gone within two years anyway. Central Michigan was his next step and they would have still came calling even if he had moved to Missoula. Pflu was actually the other finalist when Bobby was hired.

 

[GrizBacker04]

Kelly pulled his name when Grand Valley State upped his salary to what Montana was offering. He simply was using UM as leverage for more money. He is a Midwest guy, as he then went to Central Michigan, then Cincy and now to Notre Dame.

 

[lotsa]

Before he pulled out there were those that said all those Division II championships meant nothing because of the level of play. Sound familiar?

 

[PhilPonder]

He's a prick. You don't want him. Remember when he deserted an undefeated Cincinnati team before their bowl game just to get a head start on recruiting at ND? Do you think he would have done that if his team were playing in the NC game? It's all about Brian. The only consolation I take in ND's current success is they will probably go to the NC game undefeated only to get utterly steamrolled by a superior SEC team on national TV in prime time.