Kelly says he'll talk to Notre Dame

CINCINNATI – Coach Brian Kelly confirmed Monday that he will meet with Notre Dame officials about their open job, leaving No. 4 Cincinnati with a lot of uncertainty heading into its first Sugar Bowl appearance.

Kelly met with his players on Monday afternoon, and confirmed his interest in the Notre Dame job on his Twitter feed.

“Just informed our team that Notre Dame has contacted me, and I will listen to what they have to say,” he tweeted.

ESPN first reported that Kelly would interview with Notre Dame on Tuesday in New York, where the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is having its annual awards dinner. Kelly didn’t return a message left on his cell phone, but told Dan Patrick on his radio show that he expects to decide his future by Saturday.

Cincinnati athletic director Mike Thomas was in New York on Monday for Big East meetings. He said, through a spokesman, that the university is still negotiating with Kelly on an upgraded contract. Kelly got an improved deal at the end of last season, including a commitment by the university to build practice fields.

Kelly hadn’t posted anything on his Twitter since last week.