Ivan Maisel | Dec. 27, 2012 | ESPN.com
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Brian Kelly arrived at Notre Dame three years ago with a long résumé of winning in the small time. Kelly had won at Grand Valley State, bringing two Division II national championships to Central Michigan, where he won more than he lost in the Mid-American Conference. He stepped up in class and took Cincinnati to an undefeated regular season and the Sugar Bowl.
With no disrespect to the Lakers, the Chippewas or the Bearcats, Kelly hadn't coached on Broadway. He hadn't coached as a celebrity. When he got to Notre Dame, he embraced that role, even if it didn't always return the hug. Kelly spoke to alumni clubs. He spoke to Rotary clubs. If asked, he would have spoken to a set of golf clubs.