2016 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team


The 2016 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Brian Kelly and played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. They competed as an independent. They finished the season 4–8, Notre Dame's worst record since 2007. Despite the disappointing season, athletic director Jack Swarbrick found the 2016 Irish to be a remarkable bunch, citing the team's "enthusiasm" and "willingness to practice".

Before the season

Previous season

The 2015 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team finished the regular season with a 10–2 record. They lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes 44–28 in the Fiesta Bowl.

2016 NFL draft

The following former Notre Dame players were selected in the 2016 NFL Draft:
RoundSelectionPlayerPositionTeam
16Ronnie StanleyOffensive TackleBaltimore Ravens
121Will FullerWide ReceiverHouston Texans
234Jaylon SmithLinebackerDallas Cowboys
250Nick MartinCenterHouston Texans
374Keivarae RussellCornerbackKansas City Chiefs
390C. J. ProsiseRunning backSeattle Seahawks
4103Sheldon DayDefensive tackleJacksonville Jaguars

Transfers out / departures

Notre Dame lost FS Max Redfield and CB Devin Butler in the offseason for violating team policies.

Coaching changes

was relieved of his duties as defensive coordinator. Defensive Analyst Greg Hudson took over as the Irish's Defensive Coordinator. Kelly said, "I have the utmost respect for Brian as both a person and football coach, but our defense simply isn't where it should be and I believe this change is necessary for the best interest of our program and our student-athletes.

Recruiting class

Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame coaching staff accepted 23 commitments for the 2016 recruiting cycle, including two 5-stars: Daelin Hayes and Tommy Kraemer. The class included student-athletes from 11 different states, and one Canadian province.

Personnel

Coaching staff

Roster

Season

Schedule

Game summaries

Texas

9–22015ND, 38–3

Nevada

1–02009ND, 35–0

Michigan State

48–28–12013ND, 17–13

Duke

3–12007ND, 28–7

Syracuse

North Carolina State

0–12003NCSU, 28–6

The Notre Dame vs NC State game was played during Hurricane Matthew where the two teams combined for only 311 total yards. The only touchdown of the game was scored by NC State on a blocked punt leading NC State to win it 10-3.

Stanford

19–112015STAN, 38–36

Miami (Florida)

17–7–12012ND, 41–3

Navy

76–12–12015ND, 41–24

Army

38–8–42010ND, 27–3

Virginia Tech

USC

46–36–52015ND, 41–31

Rankings