Feb. 06--Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly has had some shakeup on his staff so far this month, but it appears as if Kelly will retain a key assistant who was receiving overtures from the NFL.
Defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder is expected to stay at Notre Dame for a second season and has no interest in other offers, a source told the Tribune on Friday.
VanGorder, who served as linebackers coach for the Jets and Jaguars and as defensive coordinator for the Falcons, had popped up as a possible candidate for the Radiers' vacant defensive coordinator position.
VanGorder coached under new Radiers coach Jack Del Rio with the Jaguars in 2005. VanGorder's aggressive defense helped Notre Dame get off to a 6-0 start in 2013 before injuries decimated the unit in the second half of the season. CBS Sports reported Seahawks linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. is expected to fill that vacancy.
VanGorder's son, Montgomery, is a freshman quarterback on the Irish roster.
Defensive backs coach Kerry Cooks left the Irish staff recently to take the same position at Oklahoma with former Irish All-American Todd Lyght reportedly in line to succeed Cooks on the Irish staff. Quarterbacks coach Matt LaFleur is expected to take a job with the Falcons.
chine@tribpub.comTwitter @ChristopherHine
