Brian Kelly informed his team Sunday that he has relieved defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder of his duties as defensive coordinator.

This, a day after Kelly defended VanGorder, saying he was "pleased" with his coaching in yesterday's 38-35 loss to Duke.

Greg Hudson will take over for VanGorder in the interim.

"Obviously, this is a difficult day for our coaching staff, but I'm excited and honored about the opportunity that coach Kelly has afforded me," Hudson said. "We've got to improve on defense, without a doubt, and I'm confident that we will. We have great student-athletes and a tremendous defensive coaching staff. I can't wait to get started with our group."

The struggles of VanGorder's defense have highlighted Notre Dame's 1-3 start to the 2016 season. The Irish allowed 50, 36 and 38 points in losses to Texas, Michigan State and Duke,

:"When you're 1-3 at Notre Dame, changes are going to be made" Kelly said on his weekly teleconference.

The Irish will travel to MetLife Stadium this week to take on Syracuse. Kickoff scheduled for noon ET.