When LSU hired Brian Kelly in November 2021, he was expected to lift the program to another national title. Instead, he was fired just four seasons into a 10-year, $95 million contract.
LSU was so desperate to get Kelly out of the building despite the fact he had a $54 million buyout. The veteran coach finished his time in Baton Rouge with a 34-14 record, which is simply not good enough for a school that has championship aspirations every fall.
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Although no team pursued Kelly this offseason, it sounds like he’s interested in coaching again. At least that’s what he suggested during an appearance on SiriusXM’s “Dusty and Danny in the Morning” this Friday.
“I don’t know that I’ve made the decision that I want to get back in, as all the things we’ve talked about, I’d want to see some changes. But I think while you wait, you need to work. And so, I need to stay in the game. My first order of business is this next two, three weeks, I’m gonna be visiting some places to see spring ball, get a chance to see some things relative to the football side, the operational side, some of the things we talked about today with NIL, transfer and calendar, and get a temperature in the spring for some things,” Kelly said, via On3.
“I want to do that in the fall, too. I want to get out and — look, I’ve got four former assistant coaches that are head football coaches in the NFL. I’ve got four Power Four assistant coaches that we’re close to. I want to get around and see their program, see how they’re doing, get a sense of where I can grow and I can be better. And so, that’s really my focus right now. And then if the right situation comes about and I’m ready, I’m certainly going to entertain that.”
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Oct 11, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly looks on against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Will Brian Kelly get another chance?
Back in November, Kelly’s lawyers said LSU made it “nearly impossible” for their client to get another coaching job because they didn’t formally terminate his deal.
“LSU’s conduct, including its failure to confirm that Coach Kelly was terminated without cause and its unsupported allegations of misconduct on the part of Coach Kelly, has made it nearly impossible for Coach Kelly to secure other football-related employment,” Kelly’s lawyers wrote. “LSU’s conduct continues to harm Coach Kelly, particularly during this critical hiring period.”
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Luckily for Kelly, it only takes one interested party for him to find a new job.
And despite Kelly’s shortcomings at LSU, he still owns a 297-109-2 record for his career. We’d have to imagine a program will have interest in him.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Mar 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
