WATCH: Brian Kelly's family send heartfelt message on record-setting win
Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly received a special message from his family members after setting the record for most wins by an Irish coach. Now in his 12th season in South Bend, the victory over the Wisconsin on Saturday gave him win No. 106.
He surpasses Knute Rockne, who has held the record since 1930.
Those in the video include Kelly’s parents, his wife Paqui, and his children, Grace and Kenzel. Each had their own unique message for him.
“Seeing young men graduate and become contributing members of society is more important than 105 wins in my book,” Kelly’s father, Paul Kelly Sr., said. “Keep up the good work.”
After falling behind 13-10 in the second half, Notre Dame scored 31 unanswered points to come away with the victory. Former Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan passed for 158 yards and a touchdown on his old team. The Irish also returned two interceptions for touchdowns to put the game out of hand late.
After the game, Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick presented Kelly with a game ball for reaching the achievement.
“People can argue at any time who the best team is, I like to say coach saying you can be the best team,” Swarbrick said. “No one ever argues what the most important program in the country is and what the program with the most tradition is. So when you set a record in this program, an all-time record, that is a big deal.
“On behalf of Father John and I, who are so privileged to work with him and I know all of you, congratulations to the winningest coach in the history of Notre Dame football.”
A Boston native, Kelly has moved up the college football ranks. He started at Division II Grand Valley State as a grad assistant before being promoted to defensive coordinator and head coach. In his 13 seasons at the helm, he won five conference titles and made six Division II Playoff appearances.
Central Michigan hired him in 2003, where he won a MAC title in his third season and soon after left for Cincinnati. He helped the Bearcats climb to the top of the Group of Five with a No. 3 BCS ranking and appearance in the Sugar Bowl against Florida in 2009.
Brian Kelly did not coach against the Gators, however, as he had been hired by Notre Dame. With a 106-39 overall record, Kelly has taken the Fighting Irish to one BCS championship game appearance and two trips to the College Football Playoff.
“I got to tell you, I’m just an Irish-Catholic from Boston, Massachusetts, who never thought that I would ever get the opportunity or the honor to coach here at Notre Dame,” Kelly said after being handed the game ball. “And I can tell you this. I got here because of great players, like the guys I got in this room, great coaches and some of the alums who are back here today. … That’s the truth of the matter. This is just the start. Let’s keep doing this and let’s get some more ball.”
It’s clear more than just his family members are proud of Brian Kelly for breaking the record.