Brian Kelly, the former head coach of Notre Dame and LSU, has indicated that he is open to returning to the college football sidelines, though likely in a capacity other than a head coach.
After being dismissed by LSU midway through his fourth season in October, Kelly has used the past months to focus on his health and to reconnect with former players and colleagues across the sport.
In a recent statement, Kelly said he plans to visit Notre Dame to support current head coach Marcus Freeman, praising the latter for thriving in one of the most demanding positions in college football despite a lack of prior head‑coaching experience.
He also hinted at a possible return to Grand Valley State, the program where his head‑coaching career began, as a way to stay involved with the game at the foundational level.
Looking ahead
Kelly’s extensive résumé includes a 200‑76 record across stops at Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame and LSU, giving him a deep reservoir of experience that many programs could tap.
During the 2026 season, he is slated to remain visible in the sport through broadcasting, calling Mountain West Conference games for CBS, thereby keeping his analytical voice in the public eye.
When asked about his future, Kelly emphasized that he is open to a variety of roles, from coordinator to consultant, rather than being fixed on a single path.