Sources: Cincinnati coach Brian Kelly will replace Charlie Weis at Notre Dame

According to sources, Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly will become the next head coach at Notre Dame.

Kelly, who coached Cincinnati to a 12-0 record this season and a berth into the Sugar Bowl will be named to replace recently fired coach Charlie Weis. Neither Cincinnati nor Notre Dame has confirmed the acceptance of the position by Kelly and he could not be reached for comment.

Last season, Kelly took the Bearcats to an 11-3 record and this year he followed with an undefeated season and a spot in a BCS bowl game. Neither source could confirm whether Kelly would coach Cincinnati (No. 3 BCS, No. 4 AP) against fifth-ranked Florida in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day. The Bearcats have won 18 straight regular-season games.

Notre Dame fired Weis on Nov. 30 despite having six years left on his contract. Weis was 35-27 in five seasons, third-worst among coaches who worked at least three years at the school. Despite having a roster full of talent, Weis was unable to garner success this season and took tough losses to Connecticut and Navy.

Kelly will have his hands full turning around the football program at Notre dame especially with the loss of starting quarterback Jimmy Clausen and wide receiver Golden Tate. Both players have already announced their intentions to enter the upcoming NFL draft.

Kelly is amongst seven finalists to win the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. The award is voted on by the Football Writers Association of America and will be announced at a reception on Jan. 5 in Newport Beach, Calif.

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