2016 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame in the 2016 NCAA Division I FBS football season . The team was coached by Brian Kelly and played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend , Indiana . They competed as an independent . They finished the season 4 – 8 , Notre Dame 's worst record since 2007 . Despite the disappointing season , athletic director Jack Swarbrick found the 2016 Irish to be a remarkable bunch , citing the team 's " enthusiasm " and " willingness to practice " . The 2015 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team finished the regular season with a 10 – 2 record . They lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes 44 – 28 in the Fiesta Bowl
independent
NCAA Division I FBS independent schools
2016 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team