Brian Kelly says he will remain at Cincinnati

Dec 2, 2008 - 8:22 PM CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Brian Kelly figures to receive lucrative offers from several high-profile college football programs this upcoming offseason.

But Kelly apparently is perfectly content with his current job at Cincinnati.

Amid numerous reports that he has been contacted by other schools interested in acquiring his services, Kelly said Tuesday that he plans to stay in his current job as head coach of the Big East champion Bearcats.

Kelly, who has guided Cincinnati to a 21-5 record since joining the program two years ago, revealed his intentions during a news conference announcing plans to renovate Nippert Stadium.

"There's been a lot of interest in my services, but I want to be here at the University of Cincinnati for the right reasons," Kelly said. "It's a really good situation, and it's only going to get better."

Kelly, 47, reportedly has been contacted by Washington, which is one loss away from concluding a winless season under lame-duck coach Tyrone Willingham.

Kelly also had been linked to recent job openings at Tennessee and Clemson, which both filled those positions Monday with the official hirings of Lane Kiffin in Knoxville and Dabo Swinney in Clemson.

But despite the developments at Tennessee and Clemson, Kelly realizes that other schools likely will attempt to lure him away from Cincinnati.

"That may continue to happen, but I can tell you I'm going to be here at the University of Cincinnati," he said.

The Bearcats will be seeking a school-record 11th win Saturday when they visit Hawaii. Cincinnati has reached 10 victories for the second straight season and only the third time in school history.

By virtue of winning the Big East outright title for the first time in school history, Cincinnati already has secured a BCS bowl bid - also a first for the program. The Bearcats likely will face the ACC champion in the Orange Bowl.