Brian Kelly is an American college football coach who led Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame and LSU before LSU dismissed him in October 2025. In 2026, he is working as a college football analyst for CBS Sports.
Brian Kelly Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Brian Keith Kelly |
| Born | October 25, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Everett, Massachusetts |
| Age | 64 as of September 2026 |
| Education | Assumption College, 1983 |
| Degree | Political science |
| Wife | Paqui Kelly |
| Children | Patrick, Grace and Kenzel |
| Current role | CBS Sports college football analyst |
| Major coaching stops | Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, LSU |
Kelly was born in Everett and raised in Chelsea, Massachusetts. He attended St. John’s Preparatory School before playing linebacker at Assumption College, where he was a four-year player and team captain. He graduated in 1983 with a degree in political science.
Brian Kelly’s Coaching Career
Kelly’s coaching career began at Assumption, where he worked as a linebackers coach and defensive coordinator after graduating. He then moved to Grand Valley State, first as an assistant before becoming head coach in 1991.
Grand Valley State
Grand Valley State established Kelly as a successful head coach. During his 13 seasons from 1991 through 2003, he compiled a 118-35-2 record and won NCAA Division II national championships in 2002 and 2003. The Lakers also won five conference titles during his tenure.
Those results gave Kelly a reputation as a coach capable of building programs rather than simply inheriting established success.
Central Michigan
Kelly moved to Central Michigan in 2004 and spent three seasons there. The Chippewas improved each year, culminating in a 9-4 season and Mid-American Conference championship in 2006. His overall record at Central Michigan was 19-16.
Cincinnati
After winning the MAC, Kelly took over at Cincinnati. His three full seasons from 2007 through 2009 produced a 34-6 record, two outright Big East titles and BCS appearances in both 2008 and 2009. His undefeated 12-0 regular season in 2009 helped make him one of the most sought-after coaches in college football.
Brian Kelly at Notre Dame
Notre Dame hired Kelly in December 2009, and he officially began his tenure for the 2010 season. He remained the Fighting Irish head coach through 2021.
His Notre Dame years included some of the most successful seasons of his career. The 2012 team went 12-0 during the regular season and reached the BCS National Championship Game. Notre Dame also reached the College Football Playoff under Kelly in 2018 and 2020.
Kelly won the Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year award twice, in 2012 and 2018. His 2018 Notre Dame team completed a perfect 12-0 regular season before losing to Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
His Notre Dame departure became one of the biggest coaching stories of 2021. Kelly left South Bend after the regular season to take the LSU job.
Brian Kelly at LSU
LSU hired Kelly in November 2021 as its 34th head football coach. The school announced a 10-year, $95 million contract plus incentives at the time of his hiring.
Kelly’s LSU tenure began strongly. The Tigers went 10-4 in 2022, won the SEC Western Division and reached the SEC Championship Game. LSU followed that with another 10-win season in 2023, when quarterback Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy.
The later seasons were less successful. LSU finished 9-4 in 2024, and Kelly’s fourth season started 5-3 overall and 2-3 in SEC play. After LSU lost at home to Texas A&M on October 25, 2025, the university announced Kelly’s immediate dismissal the following day. His LSU record was 34-14, including 19-10 in SEC games.
Why Was Brian Kelly Fired by LSU?
LSU said the decision was based on the program failing to reach the level of success the university expected. At the time of his dismissal, LSU was 5-3 and had lost three of its first five SEC games in 2025.
The decision ended a four-season LSU tenure that included an SEC Western Division championship and three consecutive bowl victories, but no national championship or SEC championship under Kelly.
What Is Brian Kelly Doing Now?
Brian Kelly is no longer a college football head coach. In June 2026, CBS Sports announced his move into broadcasting, and he is serving as a college football analyst during the 2026 season. CBS has already featured him discussing the upcoming schedules for LSU and Notre Dame.
The move also gives Kelly a different perspective on the programs he previously coached. In July 2026, Reuters reported that he remained open to returning to coaching and had not ruled out another role in football.
Brian Kelly’s Wife and Children
Brian Kelly is married to Paqui Kelly. The couple have three children: Patrick, Grace and Kenzel. They have also remained involved in philanthropic work through the Kelly Cares Foundation. Assumption University says the foundation has supported breast cancer-related causes among other community initiatives.
Kelly and Paqui have maintained a long relationship with Assumption. The university named its multi-sport stadium the Brian Kelly ’83 Stadium after his contributions to the school.
Brian Kelly’s Coaching Legacy
Kelly’s career is notable for its unusual range. He won national championships at the Division II level, turned Central Michigan into a MAC champion, transformed Cincinnati into a major-conference contender, took Notre Dame to a national championship game and two College Football Playoff appearances, and later led LSU to an SEC division title.
His current broadcasting role marks the first season since he began coaching in 1983 that he has not been on a football sideline as a coach.
FAQs
How old is Brian Kelly?
Brian Kelly was born October 25, 1961, making him 64 years old as of September 2026.
Is Brian Kelly still coaching LSU?
No. LSU dismissed Brian Kelly effective October 26, 2025. He is not currently LSU’s head coach.
Who did Brian Kelly coach before LSU?
Before LSU, Kelly coached at Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Central Michigan and Grand Valley State. He also began his coaching career at Assumption College.
What is Brian Kelly doing in 2026?
Brian Kelly is working as a college football analyst for CBS Sports during the 2026 season.
Did Brian Kelly win a national championship?
Yes. Kelly won two NCAA Division II national championships with Grand Valley State, in 2002 and 2003.
Did Brian Kelly win a national championship at Notre Dame?
No. His 2012 Notre Dame team reached the BCS National Championship Game, while his 2018 and 2020 teams reached the College Football Playoff, but he did not win the national championship at Notre Dame.
Source list
- LSU Athletics: LSU Athletics Announces Leadership Change in Football, Access Date: September 11, 2026
- CBS Sports: Brian Kelly reveals game-by-game predictions for LSU, Notre Dame ahead of 2026 season, Access Date: September 11, 2026
- Reuters: Ex-LSU, Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly joins CBS Sports, Access Date: September 11, 2026
- Assumption University: Kelly ’83, HD’12 Named 34th Head Coach of Storied LSU Football Program, Access Date: September 11, 2026
- University of Notre Dame: Assumption College Names Brian Kelly 2012 Commencement Speaker, Access Date: September 11, 2026
- Grand Valley State University: Grand Valley unveils Kelly Family Sports Center, Access Date: September 11, 2026
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