Search for new coach begins now

It's time for the University of Cincinnati to begin the search for a new head football coach after the resignation of Brian Kelly, Thursday, Dec. 10.

Director of Athletic Mike Thomas confirmed Kelly was leaving for Notre Dame, Friday, Dec. 11, and the search for a new coach begins immediately. Thomas did not set a timetable for the hiring of the next coach.

"I'd like to thank Brian and his staff for leading our program to new heights over the past three seasons" Thomas said. "The legacy of his tenure at UC will be that of doing things the right way, on and off the field. We wish Brian, Paqui and their family well as they move on to accept a new challenge in life and look forward to continuing our Bearcats' winning ways in the upcoming Allstate Sugar Bowl and on into the future."

Offensive coordinator Jeff Quinn will coach the Bearcats in Kelly's stead in the 76th Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, New Year's Day. Quinn has been with Kelly for the last 22 seasons at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan and Cincinnati.

"We're pleased that Jeff has accepted the opportunity to coach UC in the Sugar Bowl," Thomas said. "He has experience in leading a team during a bowl transition. I have confidence that he will have our football team focused and prepared as we take on Florida in New Orleans on New Year's Day."

Perhaps Quinn is on his way out too, following Kelly to Notre Dame. Currently, Quinn is thinking about finishing the job first.

"The most important thing right now is our players," Quinn said. "This has been a tremendous season, but we still have another game to finish off. We will handle our preparations for the Sugar Bowl with class and distinction. We have a great challenge ahead of us and look forward to representing the University of Cincinnati in New Orleans on Jan. 1."

Tickets sold out

Despite Kelly leaving Cincinnati for what he called his "dream job" at Notre Dame, the Cincinnati faithful purchased the allotted 17,500 tickets to the Allstate Sugar Bowl, in only four days since the tickets first went on sale.

“This is a momentous occasion for our department,” said Director of Athletics Mike Thomas. “The energy and excitement our fans are generating around our campus and this city is electric. I am sure with the help of our friends at the Sugar Bowl more and more UC fans will find a way to be in New Orleans for the New Year and be a part of the biggest football game in our program’s history.”