Brian Kelly, fired as LSU's head coach, discusses his future coaching plans after a disappointing season. He was let go following a significant loss to Texas A&M, marking the end of his tenure at LSU.
Key points
Brian Kelly was hired as LSU head coach in late 2021.
He was fired after a poor performance in the 2025 season.
Kelly's departure followed a significant loss to Texas A&M.
LSU football tabbed Brian Kelly to be head coach in late 2021, poaching the big-name coach from Notre Dame. The move sent shockwaves through the college football world -- a sitting Notre Dame head coach choosing to leave for another job wasn't something we've seen before.
Kelly arrived at LSU with big aspirations, hoping Baton Rouge would be the place he could win a national title. LSU began 2025 ranked in the top-10 after signing the top-ranked transfer portal class in the nation, but the year did not go to plan.
Kelly was fired in October after LSU was blown out by Texas A&M at home. The Kelly era came to an abrupt end, and LSU began its pursuit of Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin.
As for Kelly, he didn't take another job. It's unclear how heavily Kelly pursued openings or how heavily any school pursued him. Kelly recently spoke to USA TODAY about his future plans.
The story revealed Kelly hasn't completely stepped away from the game. Kelly is working as a consultant, which has included work for Charles Huff's Memphis program.
Kelly reflected on some lessons at LSU and what he could change if he gets another chance.
"This past transition for me gave me some time to think about the things I would have done differently or better. We were in a real new change in college football, where building a front office was crucial. Making sure that your hires were the right hires. I think most of the hindsight for me, would be based upon not the culture or process of building a championship program but probably the hiring process. And, making sure that you have the pieces in place to handle where college football is today. Building out a really good front office immediately. I think we may have been in a great place at the end, but we didnāt get there soon enough, maybe. I think continuity with your coordinators is very important."
Kelly made it clear -- he wants to coach again. Kelly told USA TODAY that he misses the relationship aspect of coaching.
"I think the motivator for me is what you miss," Kelly said.
Q&A
What led to Brian Kelly's firing from LSU?
Brian Kelly was fired after LSU suffered a heavy defeat to Texas A&M, which marked a disappointing end to his tenure.
What are Brian Kelly's future coaching plans?
Brian Kelly has not taken another coaching job yet, and his future plans remain unclear as he discusses potential opportunities.
How did Brian Kelly's time at LSU compare to his tenure at Notre Dame?
Kelly's move from Notre Dame to LSU was unprecedented, but his time at LSU ended abruptly with less success than expected, contrasting with his achievements at Notre Dame.
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