The Golden-Domers of South Bend are getting what they paid for when they hired Brian Kelly as Notre Dame’s head football coach: change. You can say what you want about Charlie Weis, but he did bring in big name recruits while Kelly has so far this recruiting season gone after lesser coveted recruits that can play multiple positions. The flash of the big names like Jimmy Clausen and Michael Floyd didn’t help the Fightin’ Irish last year very much as Charlie Weis was fired after a terrible 2009 season.

Kelly over his career has helped turn around two Division I programs in Central Michigan and Cincinnati. The 48-year-old coach won two Division II National Championships with Grand Valley State, a Mac Championship with Central Michigan, and this past season had Cincinnati playing in a BCS bowl game. Brian Kelly might be doing things differently, but he does have a track record for success. Notre Dame will be one of the most scrutinized teams in the NCAA this year as everyone waits to see how Brian Kelly fares in his first year at the Irish’s helm.