Expansions could lead ND to join conference
Staff, news services
Notre Dame’s football program could have a dramatic change on the horizon, while the team made a minor position change Tuesday.
Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick told reporters in New York that the possible expansions of the Big Ten and Pac-10 could force the university to give up its football independence.
Also, football coach Brian Kelly said running back Theo Riddick will move to receiver this season.
Kelly and Swarbrick were in New York to watch the Notre Dame men’s basketball team play in the Big East tournament, and they attended various events around the city Tuesday.
When the Big Ten announced it was exploring expansion in December, Swarbrick said Notre Dame’s preference was to remain independent. The Pac-10 also made it known in January that it would consider adding schools.
On Tuesday, Swarbrick said it will be up to him and university president the Rev. John Jenkins to “evaluate the landscape” if realignment happens.
“You can each come up with a scenario that would force our hand,” he told a small group of reporters at a Manhattan restaurant. “We’re trying like hell to maintain our football independence. I think it’s good for college football, and it’s good for Notre Dame.”
Notre Dame – which has been a non-football Big East member since 1995 – has flourished on its own thanks to the university’s relationship with NBC, which airs all Irish home games. Notre Dame’s current deal with NBC ends after the 2010 season and was reportedly worth $9 million per year. A new five-year deal is set to begin in 2011.
The Irish also receive guaranteed money from the BCS every year, no matter how they play. And Notre Dame automatically qualifies for a BCS game if it finishes in the top eight of the BCS standings and is eligible for an at-large bid if it is in the top 14.
“What if realignment impacts the shape of the BCS?” Swarbrick said. “The Big East has been a great conference for us. If there is a fundamental change to the Big East, what does that do?”
As uncertain as Notre Dame’s future could be depending on possible conference realignments, Riddick’s playing receiver is definite.
Riddick ran for 160 yards on 29 carries, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and returned 37 kickoffs for 849 yards last season. He also caught six passes for 43 yards.
Riddick’s transition could be slowed down as he recovers from shoulder surgery entering spring practice, when Kelly will install his spread offense.