It was an eventful Friday at Notre Dames press conference. Head coach Brian Kelly announced his coaching changes to the media, but it was the news that had been swirling around South Bend all week about the NFL's Green Bay Packers approach Kelly and Notre Dame about the availability of assistant coach Tony Alford, that grabbed most of the attention. The Packers have recently hired Tom Clements as their offensive co-ordinator.

Clements played for the Irish where he was the starting quarterback for the Notre Dame football team from 1972 to 1974 and led the team to a national championship in 1973. He also served on the Notre Dame coaching staff as quarterbacks coach under head coach Lou Holtz from 1992-1995.

In the press conference on Friday at the Gug, Alford had the following to say about the interest shown by the 2011 World Champions:

“I foresee myself as a college football coach. Today, right now, that’s what I foresee myself doing. And I don’t want that to sound like it’s cryptic, meaning maybe tomorrow, I am coaching at the University of Notre Dame. … I enjoy the guys I work with. I feel good where I’m at.”

Alford went on to say, “My heart tells me this is where I’m supposed to be,” he said. “Can I put my finger on why? No. But this is where I’m supposed to be right now.”

Friday also saw head coach Brian Kelly shuffle his coaching staff for 2012. Perhaps the most notable move was Chuck Martin moving from defense to serve as offensive coordinator and coach the quarterbacks. The aforementioned Alford will continue to coach the running backs but will also be involved with passing game by way of coaching the slot receivers. Alford will also hold the tittle of recruiting co-ordinator.

Special teams will be headed up by Scott Booker, but each assistant coach will have an area to direct on special teams.

New additions to the coaching staff include Harry Hiestand who was hired from Tennessee as offensive line coach and serve as running game coordinator, while Bob Elliott, who was hired from Iowa State, will coach the safeties.

2012 Notre Dame Football Coaching Staff

Brian Kelly - Head Coach
Bob Diaco - Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
Kerry Cooks - Co-Defensive Coordinator/Cornerbacks
Chuck Martin - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Tony Alford - Running Backs and Slot Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator
Scott Booker - Tight Ends/Special Teams Coordinator
Mike Denbrock - Outside Wide Receivers/Passing Game Coordinator
Bob Elliott - Safeties
Mike Elston - Defensive Line
Harry Hiestand - Offensive Line/Running Game Coordinator

Full press conference HERE: