Brian Kelly

Brian Kelly is a football coach who currently serves as the head coach at LSU, a position he assumed on November 30, 2021. Prior to this, he served an impressive 11-year tenure as the head coach at the University of Notre Dame, where he departed with a commendable 92-39 record, making him the winningest coach in the institution's history. Kelly's coaching journey has seen him at the helm of teams at Grand Valley State University (1991–2003), Central Michigan University (2004–2006), the University of Cincinnati (2006–2009), and Notre Dame (2010–2021). He led Grand Valley State to consecutive NCAA Division II Football Championships in 2002 and 2003. Additionally, his 2012 Notre Dame team reached the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, and his teams in 2018 and 2020 made appearances in the College Football Playoff (CFP).

Before joining Notre Dame, Kelly was the Head Coach at the University of Cincinnati, where he led the Bearcats to two straight Big East Conference Championships and BCS appearances in the 2008 FedEx Orange Bowl and 2009 Allstate Sugar Bowl.

Kelly's coaching skills have been recognized with numerous awards. He has been named Big East Coach of the Year three times, Home Depot Coach of the Year – an honor selected by ESPN and ABC – three times, and ACC Coach of the Year in 2020. Kelly began his football career as a linebacker at Assumption College in 1979, providing a solid foundation for his subsequent successful coaching career.

At the core of Kelly’s coaching philosophy is his “Next Man In” credo. He trains every member of his team to “be ready when your time comes,” both physically and mentally. This strategic approach, instilled from the offseason, ensures that each player is prepared to step up when needed, fostering a team that is both resilient and dependable.

Off the field, Kelly is equally committed to making a difference, particularly in the health, education, and community sectors. In 2007, he established the Kelly Cares Foundation with his wife, Paqui. Together, they have donated over $5 million to organizations that align with their family's values and goals. A key focus of the foundation is battling breast cancer, a cause near to their hearts as Paqui is a two-time survivor.

As a coach, Kelly not only knows how to formulate and implement a winning program, but also how to communicate these strategies effectively. A significant part of his life outside of coaching involves sharing his passion for football with his children and enjoying a round of golf. He is also eager to explore further speaking opportunities, bringing his wealth of experience and insights to larger audiences.

Kelly and Paqui are parents to three children: Patrick, Grace, and Kenzel.