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In the world of college football, rumors and speculations about coaching changes can send shockwaves through the sports community. One such rumor that has been making headlines is whether Brian Kelly, the head coach of the LSU Tigers, is leaving LSU for a new coaching opportunity. In this article, we’ll explore the latest on Brian Kelly’s status at LSU and delve into the accomplished coach’s career to understand the context behind these rumors.
The Speculation Surrounding Brian Kelly
As of now, there is speculation about Brian Kelly possibly leaving LSU to become the head coach at Michigan. This speculation arises from the potential departure of Michigan’s current head coach, Jim Harbaugh, who is linked to NFL coaching vacancies. Some believe that if Harbaugh leaves, Michigan might pursue Kelly, given his coaching credentials.
While Kelly has expressed his commitment to LSU, stating, “I want to be at LSU,” and emphasizing his love for the university, the unpredictability of coaching decisions in college football leaves room for uncertainties. LSU fans are concerned about the possibility of losing Kelly after just two seasons, as coaching changes can be disruptive.
The situation is reminiscent of past instances where coaches initially expressed loyalty but later made surprising moves. However, until an official offer is made and accepted, whether Kelly is leaving LSU remains uncertain.
Who is Brian Kelly?
Before we delve further into the speculations surrounding Brian Kelly’s coaching future, let’s take a closer look at the man himself and his impressive coaching career.
Brian Kelly’s Early Life
Brian Kelly was born in Everett, Massachusetts, and raised in a Catholic Irish-American family in Chelsea. He received his early education at St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, Massachusetts. Coming from a family with a political background, his father being a Boston politician, Kelly attended Assumption College, where he played club football as a linebacker for four years.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1983, he stayed at Assumption as a coach, serving in various roles, including linebackers coach, defensive coordinator, and softball coach, from 1983 to 1986. This early experience laid the foundation for his successful career as a football coach.
Brian Kelly’s Coaching Career
Brian Kelly’s coaching career has been marked by success and notable achievements. Starting as a graduate assistant and defensive backs coach at Grand Valley State University in 1987, he later became the head coach in 1991, leading the Lakers to two consecutive national championships in 2002 and 2003. His coaching prowess continued at Central Michigan, where he turned around a struggling team, posting a 9–4 record and winning the MAC Championship in 2006.
Moving on to Cincinnati, Kelly guided the Bearcats to their first-ever outright Big East title in 2008 and earned accolades as the Big East Coach of the Year. His 2009 team went undefeated in the regular season, earning a spot in the Sugar Bowl, though he departed for Notre Dame before the bowl game. At Notre Dame, Kelly faced both successes and challenges. In 2012, his team reached the BCS National Championship Game, and in 2018, they made the College Football Playoff.
Despite a difficult 4–8 season in 2016, Kelly led Notre Dame to a rebound in 2017 with a 10–3 record, including a victory over LSU in the Citrus Bowl. The 2018 season marked an undefeated regular season for Notre Dame, but they fell to Clemson in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. Kelly’s tenure at Notre Dame concluded in 2021 with a record of 92–39.
In 2022, Kelly took on a new challenge as the head coach of the LSU Tigers. Despite a close loss in his debut, the team finished the season with a 10–4 record, winning the SEC West and securing a victory in the Citrus Bowl. Kelly’s coaching journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence in college football.
Brian Kelly’s Age and Net Worth
Born on October 25, 1961, Brian Kelly is currently 62 years old as of 2023. The accomplished American college football coach has had a distinguished career, marked by successful stints at various universities, including Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and currently LSU.
Brian Kelly, the college football coach for the Louisiana State University Tigers, boasts a net worth of $35 million. In his role at LSU, he receives an annual salary of $9.5 million from a groundbreaking 10-year contract, totaling $95 million, signed in 2021—marking the largest public school college football contract ever.
Is Brian Kelly Leaving LSU – FAQs
1. Is Brian Kelly leaving LSU for Michigan?
As of now, there’s speculation amid coaching changes, but no official announcement has been made about Brian Kelly leaving LSU.
2. How many seasons has Brian Kelly coached at LSU?
Brian Kelly has coached at LSU for two seasons, with a current record of 19-7.
3. What is Brian Kelly’s coaching career highlight?
Brian Kelly led Grand Valley State to consecutive NCAA Division II Championships in 2002 and 2003.
4. What is Brian Kelly’s current contract at LSU?
Brian Kelly signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $95 million contract with LSU in 2021.
5. What awards has Brian Kelly received in his coaching career?
Brian Kelly has received awards such as AFCA Division II Coach of the Year, AP College Football Coach of the Year, and the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year.
In conclusion, the question of whether Brian Kelly is leaving LSU remains a topic of speculation in the world of college football. While he has expressed his commitment to LSU, the fluid nature of coaching changes means that nothing is certain until official announcements are made. Brian Kelly’s coaching journey is a testament to his dedication and excellence in the sport, and his age and net worth reflect his prominence in the world of college football coaching.
