Could Notre Dame jump from independent to ACC long term? Posted Dec 18, 2020 What would happen if (gasp!) Notre Dame ever joined a conference? John Swofford isn't holding his breath for a permanent Notre Dame-ACC marriage, though he did point out that if the university decides to join a conference any time between now and 2036, the contract states it would move into the ACC. And it doesn't hurt that both sides benefited this season. (ESPN.com)