Denbrock left the Bearcats for the LSU offensive coordinator position after the 2021 season. He coached quarterback Jayden Daniels to a Heisman Trophy and No. 2 overall draft pick before returning to lead Notre Dame’s offense in 2024, where he coached from 2010-16.

Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua defended the Fighting Irish's status as an independent on Friday. "No secret, the expansion of the CFP from four

Notre Dame remains bullish in its belief that its independent status is the right choice and has the Irish "in a very good spot now," athletic director Pete Bevacqua told ESPN on Friday.

Notre Dame likes its independence in football, especially as its on the cusp of playing for the national title.

Heading into Thursday night's College Football Playoff semifinal against Penn State, Notre Dame faced questions about its independent status. Notre Dame's lack of conference affiliation has been a sore spot for many opposing fans,