Brian Kelly, the former head coach of Notre Dame and LSU, will join CBS Sports as a color analyst for the 2026 college football season, bringing his extensive playing and coaching background to the network's Mountain West slate and Inside College Football.
A Strategic Broadcast Addition
The move marks a significant addition to CBS's roster, as the network seeks fresh perspectives for its expanding college football coverage.
Kelly will pair with veteran play‑by‑play voices to dissect the nuances of each game, offering insight drawn from more than three decades on the sidelines.
His coaching résumé includes a 297‑109‑2 record, a BCS national championship game appearance with Notre Dame in 2012, and a two‑year stretch at LSU in which he won 20 games before a 5‑3 start in 2025 led to his dismissal.
The university paid a $54 million buyout to part ways with Kelly, a figure that underscored the high expectations placed on his program.
Beyond the numbers, Kelly has spoken openly about his desire to return to coaching, emphasizing player development and mentorship as core values.
In a recent interview he described his current role with the Memphis football program as an unpaid advisory position focused on recruiting, a step he hopes will keep him connected to the game while he prepares for the next head‑coaching opportunity.
CBS will also refresh its Big Ten presentation by replacing Gary Danielson with Charles Davis, a veteran analyst who brings a distinct style to the network's college football coverage.
The changes come as the network aims to broaden its footprint across multiple conferences, positioning itself as a go‑to destination for college football fans across the country.