Notre Dame AD: Brian Kelly will 'lead this team out of the tunnel' next year

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly has gotten a vote of confidence with the Irish off to their worst start in his eight seasons at the school.

In an interview with ESPN.com, athletic director Jack Swarbrick was clear Kelly's job was not in danger with Notre Dame at 2-5.

"Brian will lead this team out of the tunnel opening day next year," Swarbrick said.

Not much has gone right for since the Irish began the season in the top 10. All five of their defeats this season have been by eight points or less. Kelly, who is 57-28 with Notre Dame, fired defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder after a loss to disappointing loss to Duke.

"Just as I wouldn't single out any individual player, it's unrealistic to say: Oh, the result of this lays solely at the feet of the head coach," Swarbrick said. "I bear responsibility. I'm ultimately responsible for our performance, so all of us are in this together. But I can tell you I continue to have complete confidence in Brian. I think you really see what you've got in a coach with how they manage times like this, and I think he has done a great job of it."

The last time the Irish started 2-5 was 2003 under Tyrone Willingham.

THIS WEEK'S 10 BEST GAMES