1917 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team  The 1917 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame during the 1917 college football season, led by fifth-year head coach Jesse Harper. The Irish won six of their eight games, with a loss at Nebraska, and a tie at Wisconsin. This was the final season for Harper, who stepped away from coaching and returned to his native Kansas to ranch. Fourth-year assistant (and former Irish player) Knute Rockne was promoted to head coach for the 1918 season.