Brian Kelly (American football coach)'s Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Brian Kelly (American football coach). Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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: Second National Championship

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

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.

December 5, 2007: Big East Coach of the Year

On December 5, 2007, Brian Kelly was named Big East Coach of the Year after leading the Bearcats to a 9–3 record.

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.

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: Academic Honors and Coach of the Year Awards

In 2009, Cincinnati football achieved the highest academic rating among teams in the top 10 of the BCS standings. Brian Kelly won Big East Coach of the Year for the third time and the Home Depot Coach of the Year.

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: First Undefeated Regular Season since 2012

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

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.

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.