Veteran coach Brian Kelly, who has spent the past few years as an unpaid consultant at Memphis, is widely expected to return to the sidelines of a Power Five program once his temporary role concludes in 2026. His track record of turning struggling programs into contenders has kept him on the radar of athletic directors across the country.
The chatter has coalesced around five institutions that could use his experience: the University of Cincinnati, Boston College, Northwestern University, the University of Maryland, and Syracuse University.
Cincinnati: A Familiar Playground
At Cincinnati, Kelly already knows the terrain. He led the Bearcats to a period of sustained success just a few years ago, guiding them to a conference championship and a bowl victory that lifted the program’s national profile. A second stint could reignite that momentum, especially as the school looks to cement its place in the Big 12.
Boston College presents another intriguing option. The Eagles compete in the ACC, a conference Kelly knows well from his earlier years, and the coach’s roots in the Northeast make the move a natural fit. The program’s recent ups and downs could benefit from his steadying influence.
Northwestern and Maryland: Rebuilding Projects
Northwestern and Maryland are both programs that are in transition. At Northwestern, the Wildcats are aiming to climb out of a prolonged slump, while Maryland’s Terrapins have seen their recent form dip despite solid recruiting pipelines. Kelly’s reputation for disciplined play could provide the structure needed to turn those projects around.
Syracuse’s Future
Syracuse’s current head coach, Fran Brown, is entering a critical season in 2025. If Brown’s tenure fails to produce the desired turnaround, the Orange’s leadership has indicated they would consider experienced alternatives. Kelly’s name surfaces in that conversation, given his ability to attract talent and his familiarity with the Northeast recruiting landscape.