Several Notre Dame sports to join ACC; football, hockey exceptions

Chicago, IL, United States (NewsBahn) – Notre Dame will shift to the Atlantic Coast Conference in every sport except football, as the Fighting Irish will remain an independent program according to league officials and those in the Big East, as well.

Big East officials did their best to shake off the move, at least publicly.

“The University of the Notre Dame has informed us that it is joining the Atlantic Coast Conference in all sports other than football,” Big East commissioner Mike Aresco said in a statement. “Notre Dame has been a valued member of the Big East Conference and we wish them success in the future … However, Notre Dame’s departure does not change our plans. We have prestigious institutions that are excited to be a part of the Big East. We remain committed to making the Big East stronger than it has ever been.”

The Irish football program is pleased to keep its status, while Notre Dame’s other sports teams are expected to join the ACC in 2014 according to ESPN.

“Today is a great day for the University of Notre Dame and our athletics department, including the football program,” Irish football coach Brian Kelly said in a statement. “Speaking strictly from a football standpoint, we have further solidified our future as an independent in college football, maintained our unique ability to schedule nationally and greatly improved our postseason bowl game options.

---

---