Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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UNDER THE DOME coaches Ara Parseghian and Lou Holtz took unbeaten and No. 1-ranked Notre Dame teams to USC for a regular-season finale that helped them secure their first consensus national titles. In 2012, yet another third-year Notre Dame coach in In 1966 and 1988, respectively, third-year head A Coaching Brotherhood Holtz's brain and considers his feedback "extremely valuable." "I talk to him about some specific things that I would like his opinion on," Kelly said. "He knows Notre Dame, and Ara does as well. Those are great assets." Meanwhile, 1978 Notre Dame graduate Charlie Brian Kelly was on a similar path — and he cherishes how the 89-year-old Parseghian and 75-year-old Holtz remain in touch with him. "I get my weekly card from Ara," Kelly revealed. "Each week he handwrites a note to me. The great thing is he's so unassuming." Parseghian has an open invitation each week from Kelly to be his guest for a home game, but Parseghian politely maintains the best seat in the house is watch- ing from his home. Whereas the relationship with Parseghian is more fan-based, Kelly admits he will pick Weis, Kelly's predecessor from 2005-09, also reached out to him. The first-year head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks had been experiencing a nightmare ride with what was expected to be a 1-11 finish, but he did have a significant hand in assembling the roster of what became the nation's No. 1 team Nov. 17. Led by captains Manti Te'o, Tyler Eifert, Kapron Lewis- ing them the best," Kelly said. "It was really a terrific note from Charlie. Very classy." Moore and Zack Martin, plus running backs Theo Rid- dick and Cierre Wood, Weis and his staff signed more than half of the 22 starters on offense and defense. He sent a note of congratulations to Kelly for Senior Day. "It was heartfelt and talked about the seniors, wish- BCS CHAMPIONSHIP PACKAGES REGISTER ONLINE NOW! Packages Include: 3 nights Accommodations Game-day "Chalk-talk" Hotel/Stadium Transfers Reserved-seat Game Ticket Taxes and Gratuities on all included items at NotreDameTickets.com FIGHTING IRISH