2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team
The 2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was led during the regular season by Brian Kelly in his 12th and final season at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish played their home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana.
2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football
Independent
No. 9
No. 8
11–2
- Brian Kelly (12th season; regular season)
- Marcus Freeman (bowl game)
Tommy Rees (2nd season)
Marcus Freeman (1st season)
Avery Davis
Kyle Hamilton
Kurt Hinish
Jarrett Patterson
Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa
Drew White
Kyren Williams
On November 29, Kelly resigned to become the head coach at LSU.[1] He finished at Notre Dame with a 12-year record of 113–40 on the field, and an official record of 92–40 due to games vacated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Marcus Freeman was named the program's new head coach.[2] The Irish played in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State. They would lose 37–35 after blowing a 28–7 lead in the 2nd quarter.
Offseason[edit]
Coaching changes[edit]
On December 14, 2020 defensive coordinator Clark Lea left the school to become the head coach at Vanderbilt.[3][4] On January 8, 2021, the school named Cincinnati defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman to replace Lea.[5]
Departures[edit]
NFL