Defensive end Aaron Lynch has announced he will leave the University of Notre Dame. He will transfer from the Fighting Irish to another school at the end of the current spring semester.

Lynch had approached Notre Dame’s head coach, Brian Kelly, recently, expressing interest in returning to his home state of Florida.

Kelly told the press “Aaron recently approached me about his desire to leave Notre Dame and return to Florida.

“I’ve always known and appreciated the affinity Aaron has for his home in Florida. However, the stark reality is you can’t make it at Notre Dame if your head and heart are not here. I am proud of the effort Aaron made in the classroom and on the field at Notre Dame. I wish him all the best in the future.”

Lynch said “I want to thank Coach Kelly for giving me this great opportunity to attend Notre Dame and be part of the Fighting Irish football family.

“This was one of the toughest decisions I have had to make, but I want to go back home to Florida. I’m grateful to Coach Kelly for understanding and allowing me to return home.”

In 2011, his freshman year, Lynch started six of the 12 games he played. He recorded 33 tackles, seven for loss, and five and a half sacks.

Notre Dame has one week left in spring practices. The Fighting Irish will conclude its spring drills with the 83rd Annual Blue-Gold Spring Football Game on 21st April.