Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Brian Kelly (American football coach)

How Brian Kelly (American football coach) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Brian Kelly is an American college football coach currently at Louisiana State University (LSU) since 2022. Prior to LSU, Kelly held head coaching positions at Grand Valley State University, Central Michigan University, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Notre Dame. He achieved significant success, leading Grand Valley State to NCAA Division II Football Championships in 2002 and 2003. His 2012 Notre Dame team played in the BCS National Championship Game, and the 2018 and 2020 teams reached the College Football Playoff, establishing Kelly as a prominent figure in college football.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1949: Cincinnati's first 10-win season since 1949

In his first full season, Kelly led Cincinnati to its second ever 10-win season, the Bearcats' first since 1949.

1986: End of Coaching Role at Assumption

In 1986, Brian Kelly concluded his role as linebackers coach, defensive coordinator, and softball coach at Assumption University, which he had held since 1983.

1987: Joined Grand Valley State University Staff

In 1987, Brian Kelly joined the Grand Valley State University staff as a graduate assistant and defensive backs coach for Tom Beck.

1989: Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator

In 1989, Brian Kelly became the defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Grand Valley State University.

1991: Head Coach at Grand Valley State

In 1991, Brian Kelly became the head football coach at Grand Valley State University.

1993: Voted #1 Team in the Nation

On November 18, 2012, Notre Dame was voted the #1 team in the nation for the first time since 1993 and was #1 in the BCS rankings for the first time ever.

1998: Undefeated at Home

On November 17, Brian Kelly and Notre Dame went undefeated at home for the first time since 1998 with a 38–0 victory over Wake Forest.

2001: Record-Setting Season

In 2001, the Grand Valley team under Brian Kelly set 77 NCAA, GLIAC, and school records, including the all-time Division II scoring record, averaging 58.4 points per game.

2002: NCAA Division II Football Championship

In 2002, Brian Kelly led the Grand Valley State Lakers to an NCAA Division II Football Championship.

2002: First National Title

In 2002, the Lakers, led by Brian Kelly, went 14–0 en route to their first national title.

2003: Head Coach at Central Michigan University

Following Mike DeBord's departure after the 2003 season, Brian Kelly became the 24th head coach at Central Michigan University.

2003: Second National Championship

In 2003, Brian Kelly led the Lakers to a 14-1 record, claiming their second national championship.

2003: End of Tenure at Grand Valley State

In 2003, Brian Kelly's tenure as the head football coach at Grand Valley State University concluded.

2004: Head Coach at Central Michigan University

In 2004, Brian Kelly became the head football coach at Central Michigan University.

2004: First Season at Central Michigan

In 2004, during Brian Kelly's first season as head coach, Central Michigan finished with a 4–7 record.

December 3, 2006: Named Cincinnati's Head Coach

On December 3, 2006, Brian Kelly was named Cincinnati's head coach, succeeding Mark Dantonio.

2006: Head Coach at Cincinnati

In 2006, Brian Kelly transitioned from Central Michigan University to become the head football coach at the University of Cincinnati.

2006: MAC Championship and Departure

In 2006, Brian Kelly's third season, the Chippewas won the MAC Championship and qualified for the Motor City Bowl. Kelly left to accept the Cincinnati coaching vacancy three days after CMU won the 2006 MAC Championship. His record at Central Michigan in three seasons was 19–16.

2008: Big East Title and Trophies

In 2008, Brian Kelly led Cincinnati to its first ever outright Big East title, winning all three of the Bearcats' traveling trophies. He was also named Big East Coach of the Year for the 2008 season.

January 1, 2009: Orange Bowl Loss

On January 1, 2009, Brian Kelly's Cincinnati team played in the Orange Bowl versus Virginia Tech but lost 20–7.

December 2009: Agreed to Replace Charlie Weis

In December 2009, Brian Kelly agreed to replace Charlie Weis as Notre Dame's head coach.

2009: Undefeated Regular Season

In 2009, Brian Kelly's Bearcats had an undefeated regular season with 12 straight victories and were ranked #3 in the BCS Standings. Kelly did not coach the team in the Sugar Bowl due to his departure to Notre Dame.

2009: End of Tenure at Cincinnati

In 2009, Brian Kelly's tenure as the head football coach at the University of Cincinnati concluded.

January 1, 2010: Departure Before Sugar Bowl

On January 1, 2010, Brian Kelly made the decision not to coach the Bearcats in the Sugar Bowl, due to accepting the head coach position at Notre Dame.

2010: Head Coach at Notre Dame

In 2010, Brian Kelly became the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame.

2012: Undefeated Regular Season and BCS National Championship Game Appearance

In 2012, Brian Kelly led Notre Dame to an undefeated regular season, earning them the #1 ranking and a spot in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.

2012: BCS National Championship Game Appearance

In 2012, Brian Kelly's Notre Dame team reached the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.

2012: First Undefeated Regular Season since 2012

In the 2018 season, Brian Kelly led Notre Dame to its first undefeated regular season since 2012.

January 7, 2013: BCS National Championship Game Loss

On January 7, 2013, Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish lost the 2013 BCS National Championship Game to the Alabama Crimson Tide, 42–14.

2013: BCS National Championship Game

Brian Kelly's 2012 Notre Dame team played in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.

2014: Music City Bowl Victory

In 2014, Brian Kelly's #17 Notre Dame team finished the season with an 8-5 record, upsetting LSU 31-28 in the Music City Bowl.

2017: Citrus Bowl Win

In 2017, Brian Kelly's Irish bounced back from a 4–8 season by going 10–3, including a win over the #16 LSU Tigers in the Citrus Bowl.

December 2, 2018: College Football Playoff Ranking

As of December 2, 2018, Brian Kelly's Notre Dame team was ranked #3 in the nation by the College Football Playoff committee.

December 29, 2018: Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

On December 29, 2018, Brian Kelly's Notre Dame team played in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic against Clemson and lost 30-3.

2018: College Football Playoff Appearance

In 2018, Brian Kelly's Fighting Irish team made an appearance in the College Football Playoff.

2020: College Football Playoff Appearance

In 2020, Brian Kelly's Fighting Irish team made an appearance in the College Football Playoff.

2020: Notre Dame Joins ACC and Qualifies for College Football Playoff

In 2020, Notre Dame joined the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, winning all ten regular-season games, including a victory over Clemson. They lost to Clemson in the ACC Championship Game but still qualified for the College Football Playoff as the #4 seed. Notre Dame lost to Alabama in the Semifinals, finishing the 2020 season with a 10-2 record. Brian Kelly was also named ACC Coach of the Year.

2020: Fighting Irish Ranked Top 10 After Playoff Appearance

In 2020, the Fighting Irish were ranked in the top 10 after a playoff appearance.

November 30, 2021: Brian Kelly Named Head Coach at LSU

On November 30, 2021, Brian Kelly was named the head coach at Louisiana State University (LSU). He replaced Ed Orgeron, citing LSU's commitment to excellence and rich traditions as his reasons for the move.

2021: End of Tenure at Notre Dame

In 2021, Brian Kelly's tenure as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame came to an end.

2022: Head Coach at LSU

In 2022, Brian Kelly became the head football coach at Louisiana State University (LSU), a position he currently holds.

2022: Kelly's Salary More Than Tripled

In 2022, Brian Kelly's contract more than tripled his previous salary, increasing from $2.67 million in 2021 to $9 million.

2023: LSU Finishes Season 10-3 with ReliaQuest Bowl Win

In 2023, Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers started the season ranked #5 in the AP Poll. They finished the season with a 10-3 record after defeating Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl 35-31.