Randy Edsall is Notre Dame’s backup plan

Despite Connecticut coach Randy Edsall’s name floating into the conversation again Wednesday, Brian Kelly remains the front-runner for the job. That said, Notre Dame is protecting itself against unforeseen problems in negotiations with Kelly by having Edsall as a backup plan, two sources familiar with the situation told the Tribune. According to the sources, Edsall is that fall-back, a solid choice full of integrity in case of a late snag in talks with Kelly. – Philadelphia Inquirer

UConn’s Randy Edsall could meet with Notre Dame today

UConn football coach Randy Edsall may not be the front-runner, but it’s fairly clear he is a candidate for the vacant head coaching position at Notre Dame. Edsall could meet with Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick as early as today, a source close to the situation said Monday. “I’m not going talk about anything,” Edsall said when asked about the Notre Dame job. “I’m coaching at UConn. I’m here at UConn.” Edsall’s agent, Gary O’Hagan of IMG, would not confirm that his client had interview scheduled with Swarbrick when contacted Monday. “Randy’s out recruiting. That’s it,” O’Hagan said. Edsall, 51, is in his 11th season with the Huskies. – Connecticut Post

Randy Edsall impresses Notre Dame boosters

Now that the regular season is complete, Notre Dame’s search for a new head football coach goes into overdrive with athletic director Jack Swarbuck poised to interview candidates as soon as today. Brian Kelly might have competition from within the Big East Conference. Other sources said that Connecticut’s Randy Edsall impressed several Notre Dame boosters with the way he handled the tragic mid-season stabbing death of cornerback Jasper Howard. – New York Post

The Firing Line: Edsall, Addazio Emerge at Syracuse

“The Firing Line” at Football Rumor Mill focuses on coaches around the country who are in serious jeopardy. The latest edition centers on Syracuse Coach Greg Robinson…

The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Syracuse athletic director Daryl Gross had hired search consultant Chuck Neinas and had already reached out to Edsall to gauge his interest about succeeding current coach Greg Robinson, who is 8-34 with the Orange. ESPN’s Joe Schad is also reporting that Neinas had made overtures toward Edsall on Syracuse’s behalf. Gross denied the Times story to the Syracuse Post-Standard on Wednesday night and said he had not hired any search firms. Edsall opened his regular Thursday teleconference with Connecticut media by denying the reports. “I don’t deal in speculation and I just want you to know and everybody to know I haven’t been contacted by any college, any university, the NFL, any person or people regarding and jobs,” Edsall said. “End of story.” Edsall did not answer follow-up questions on the issue. – ESPN.com

Greg Robinson, Syracuse: The fit: Steve Addazio, Florida assistant coach. Former SU star Rob Konrad is pushing for Addazio, and at this point, embattled AD Daryl Gross may not have a choice. – Sporting News