Is Brian Kelly Leaving LSU? Who is Brian Kelly?
by Sangamithra | Updated Dec 28, 2023
Is Brian Kelly Leaving LSU?
As of now, there is speculation about Brian Kelly possibly leaving LSU to become the head coach at Michigan. This speculation arises from the potential departure of Michigan's current head coach, Jim Harbaugh, who is linked to NFL coaching vacancies. Some believe that if Harbaugh leaves, Michigan might pursue Kelly, given his coaching credentials.
While Kelly has expressed his commitment to LSU, stating, "I want to be at LSU," and emphasizing his love for the university, the unpredictability of coaching decisions in college football leaves room for uncertainties. LSU fans are concerned about the possibility of losing Kelly after just two seasons, as coaching changes can be disruptive.
The situation is reminiscent of past instances where coaches initially expressed loyalty but later made surprising moves. However, until an official offer is made and accepted, whether Kelly is leaving LSU remains uncertain.
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Who is Brian Kelly?
Brian Kelly is an American college football coach currently serving as the head coach at Louisiana State University (LSU) since the 2022 season. Kelly played as a linebacker for Assumption University from 1979 to 1982. His coaching career began at Assumption, and he later coached at Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, and Notre Dame from 2010 to 2021. Notably, he led Grand Valley State to consecutive NCAA Division II Football Championships in 2002 and 2003.
Throughout his career, Kelly achieved multiple championships, including in the NCAA Division II, MIFC, GLIAC, MAC, Big East, and SEC Western Division. He received numerous coaching awards, such as the AFCA Division II Coach of the Year, AP College Football Coach of the Year, and the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year. Known for his success, Kelly's teams at Notre Dame made significant appearances in the BCS National Championship Game and the College Football Playoff.
Name
Brian Kelly
Current Position
Head Coach, LSU Tigers
Coaching Career
Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, LSU
Championships
NCAA Division II Championships in 2002 and 2003 with Grand Valley State
Notable Achievements
Led Notre Dame to the BCS National Championship Game in 2012
Contract
Signed a 10-year, $95 million contract with LSU in 2021
Rumors
Speculation about a potential move to Michigan amid coaching changes
Record at LSU
19-7 in two seasons
Brian Kelly Early Life
Brian Kelly, born in Everett, Massachusetts, and raised in a Catholic Irish-American family in Chelsea, had his early education at St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers, Massachusetts. Coming from a family with a political background, his father being a Boston politician, Kelly attended Assumption College, where he played club football as a linebacker for four years.
After earning a bachelor's degree in political science in 1983, he stayed at Assumption as a coach, serving in various roles, including linebackers coach, defensive coordinator, and softball coach, from 1983 to 1986. This early experience laid the foundation for his successful career as a football coach.
Brian Kelly Career
Brian Kelly's coaching career has been marked by success and notable achievements. Starting as a graduate assistant and defensive backs coach at Grand Valley State University in 1987, he later became the head coach in 1991, leading the Lakers to two consecutive national championships in 2002 and 2003. His coaching prowess continued at Central Michigan, where he turned around a struggling team, posting a 9–4 record and winning the MAC Championship in 2006.
Moving on to Cincinnati, Kelly guided the Bearcats to their first-ever outright Big East title in 2008 and earned accolades as the Big East Coach of the Year. His 2009 team went undefeated in the regular season, earning a spot in the Sugar Bowl, though he departed for Notre Dame before the bowl game. At Notre Dame, Kelly faced both successes and challenges. In 2012, his team reached the BCS National Championship Game, and in 2018, they made the College Football Playoff.
Despite a difficult 4–8 season in 2016, Kelly led Notre Dame to a rebound in 2017 with a 10–3 record, including a victory over LSU in the Citrus Bowl. The 2018 season marked an undefeated regular season for Notre Dame, but they fell to Clemson in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. Kelly's tenure at Notre Dame concluded in 2021 with a record of 92–39.
In 2022, Kelly took on a new challenge as the head coach of the LSU Tigers. Despite a close loss in his debut, the team finished the season with a 10–4 record, winning the SEC West and securing a victory in the Citrus Bowl. Kelly's coaching journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence in college football.
Brian Kelly Age
Born on October 25, 1961, Brian Kelly is currently 62 years old as of 2023. The accomplished American college football coach has had a distinguished career, marked by successful stints at various universities, including Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and currently LSU.
Despite facing challenges and successes throughout his coaching journey, Kelly's dedication and strategic leadership have earned him numerous accolades and championships. As he continues to shape the future of football teams, his age serves as a testament to the wealth of experience he brings to the sport.
Brian Kelly Net Worth
Brian Kelly, the college football coach for the Louisiana State University Tigers, boasts a net worth of $35 million. In his role at LSU, he receives an annual salary of $9.5 million from a groundbreaking 10-year contract, totaling $95 million, signed in 2021—marking the largest public school college football contract ever.
Kelly's coaching journey includes successful stints at Grand Valley State University, Central Michigan University, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Notre Dame. Notably, he achieved consecutive NCAA Division II Championships in 2002 and 2003 while leading the Grand Valley State Lakers. His financial success reflects his prominence in the world of college football coaching.
Is Brian Kelly Leaving LSU - FAQs
As of now, there's speculation amid coaching changes, but no official announcement has been made about Brian Kelly leaving LSU.
Brian Kelly has coached at LSU for two seasons, with a current record of 19-7.
Brian Kelly led Grand Valley State to consecutive NCAA Division II Championships in 2002 and 2003.
Brian Kelly signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $95 million contract with LSU in 2021.
Brian Kelly has received awards such as AFCA Division II Coach of the Year, AP College Football Coach of the Year, and the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year.