Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco was among the Irish to be recognized after the season with an award.
Diaco was awarded the Frank Broyles Award as the country's top assistant coach recently after helping the Irish finish the season with the No. 1 scoring defense.
"It really is a team award," Diaco said at Notre Dame's BCS championship media day Monday. "It's very special to all assistant coaches to try to achieve it. It's a reference and a reassurance of a job well done by our organization of service.
"That's what's really exciting. It's humbling and an incredible honor, and one that I don't take lightly at all."
Few have taken the job Diaco has done with the Irish since arriving with coach Brian Kelly three years ago lightly.
And now Diaco's name is being linked to head-coaching job openings. He was reported to be in the running for job openings at Boston College and California, and his name has been mentioned for the open Wisconsin job.
"I would imagine there are opportunities out there, but I'm not in direct conversation with anyone anywhere in the country," Diaco said. "I'm not trying to be coy in any way.
"It's an honor to be in the conversation. I'm very proud of that, and I'm honored by it. I don't run and hide from that, either."
While Diaco is not hiding from any possible head-coaching chances, he is also not getting distracted from helping No. 1 Notre Dame (12-0) to prepare to play No. 2 Alabama (12-1) for the national title Jan. 7 in Miami.
"It hasn't been a problem to manage any of that," Diaco said. "The commitment to the players and the daily process and the focus now shifts to Alabama, so because it's already in our DNA to work that way, that doesn't just go away.
"You still stay focused. We're focused on our preparation for Alabama and the national championship game, and I love the job that I have."
With Notre Dame's success, it could be only a matter of time before Diaco leaves, but he isn't focusing on much past the job he currently holds with the Irish.
"I really believe that I have the best assistant coaching job in America," Diaco said. "I love who I work for; I love where I work. I don't want to change who I work for, and I don't want to change where I work. So, I love my job."
