When Brian Kelly made the move to LSU in December 2021, it signaled a significant moment in college football. LSU declared their search for a championship-caliber coach was over, and they placed their bet on a proven winner. This marked the latest chapter in the remarkable Brian Kelly Coaching Career, a journey defined by consistent success, program transformation, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Over three seasons with the LSU Tigers, Kelly has compiled an impressive record of 29 wins, including consecutive 10-win seasons in 2022 and 2023. His 17 SEC victories during this period place him among the elite in the conference, trailing only Georgia and Alabama. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Kelly’s impact at LSU extends beyond wins and losses; he’s building a sustainable program poised for long-term success.
Kelly’s approach combines high-level recruiting with strategic use of the transfer portal, creating a roster brimming with talent. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, LSU is positioned to contend for a College Football Playoff spot, fueled by returning starters and a continuous influx of top-tier recruits. The 2024 roster saw remarkable academic achievements with 39 players earning SEC Academic Honor Roll status, a testament to Kelly’s emphasis on holistic player development. Furthermore, the team’s active participation in community service underscores the values he instills within the program.
In 2024, despite offensive transitions and relying on a young roster, Kelly guided LSU to a 9-4 record, concluding the season with a three-game winning streak and a Texas Bowl victory. Even with the departure of Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels and other NFL Draft picks, the LSU offense remained potent, averaging 30 points per game and ranking among the nation’s best in passing offense. The significant playing time afforded to 20 true freshmen in 2024, all of whom remain with the program, speaks volumes about the future Kelly is building in Baton Rouge.
Key victories in 2024, including an overtime win against Top 10 Ole Miss and a comeback win against South Carolina, highlight Kelly’s in-game coaching acumen and his team’s resilience. His ability to rally teams from double-digit deficits has become a hallmark of his tenure at LSU. Offensive tackle Will Campbell’s consensus All-America selection in 2024 further exemplifies the high-caliber talent Kelly attracts and develops.
Brian Kelly’s journey to LSU is a story of consistent ascent through the college football ranks. His 313 career victories solidify his place as one of the most accomplished coaches in the sport. Before arriving at LSU, Kelly spent 12 seasons transforming Notre Dame into a national powerhouse, becoming the winningest coach in the program’s storied history.
His first season at LSU in 2022 showcased his immediate impact, leading the Tigers to a 10-win season and an SEC West title after inheriting a roster with limited scholarship players. Victories over Top 10 opponents like Ole Miss and Alabama, capped by a dominant Citrus Bowl win, signaled a rapid turnaround. He followed this up with another 10-win season in 2023, joining an elite group of LSU coaches to achieve this feat in their first two years. The 2023 season saw LSU boast the nation’s top offense, led by Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, underscoring Kelly’s offensive innovation and player development.
Daniels’ record-breaking season in 2023, along with the first-round NFL Draft selections of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., further cemented Kelly’s reputation for developing elite talent. His coaching tree now extends to 100 NFL Draft picks, including 15 first-rounders, a testament to his ability to identify, nurture, and prepare players for the highest level.
Even in his first year at LSU, glimpses of offensive brilliance were evident. After early-season adjustments, the Tigers’ offense found its rhythm, highlighted by victories over Florida and Ole Miss. The defining moment of the 2022 season was the win against Alabama, sealed by a dramatic two-point conversion, a play that has already become etched in LSU football lore. This victory propelled LSU to the SEC Championship game, making Kelly only the fourth first-year coach in SEC history to achieve this feat.
Kelly’s ability to overcome adversity is further illustrated by the fact that he is one of only two LSU coaches to lose a season opener and still achieve 10 wins, accomplishing this twice in his initial LSU seasons. The offensive records set in 2022, and then surpassed in 2023, demonstrate the rapid offensive transformation under his leadership.
Prior to LSU, Kelly’s 12-year tenure at Notre Dame solidified his status as a coaching legend. Becoming Notre Dame’s winningest coach with 113 victories, he surpassed the iconic Knute Rockne. Under Kelly, Notre Dame reached the BCS National Championship Game in 2012 and made two College Football Playoff appearances. He earned numerous National Coach of the Year awards, recognizing his transformative impact on the Irish program. His Notre Dame teams consistently achieved academic success as well, reflecting his commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.
Before Notre Dame, Kelly engineered a remarkable turnaround at Cincinnati, leading the Bearcats to Big East titles and BCS bowl appearances. His earlier success at Central Michigan and Grand Valley State, where he won two Division II national championships, demonstrates his ability to build winning programs at every level.
Brian Kelly’s coaching journey began at Division II Grand Valley State, where he spent 13 seasons and amassed 118 wins, laying the foundation for his remarkable career. His overall record of 313-108-2 ranks him first among active FBS coaches in victories, a testament to his enduring success and longevity in the demanding world of college football. With 18 seasons of 10 or more wins across his 35-year career, Kelly’s consistency is unparalleled.
Brian Kelly’s Accolades:
- Winningest Active NCAA Coach (313 victories)
- SEC Western Division Champion (2022)
- College Football Playoff Appearance (2018, 2020)
- BCS National Championship Game Appearance (2012)
- NCAA Division II National Champion (2002, 2003)
- Home Depot National Coach of the Year (2009, 2012, 2018)
- AP College Football Coach of the Year (2012, 2018)
- Walter Camp Coach of the Year (2012)
- Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (2012)
- AFCA Division II Coach of the Year (2002, 2003)
- Big East Coach of the Year (2007, 2008, 2009)
- Mid-American Conference Champion (2006)
- Big East Conference Champion (2008, 2009)
- Winningest Coach in Notre Dame history (113 victories)
- 1 Heisman Trophy winner (Jayden Daniels, 2023)
- 13 National Award Winners
- 11 Consensus All-Americans
- 8 Academic All-Americans
- 3 National Football Foundation Scholar-Athletes
- 15 First-Round NFL Draft Picks
- 100 Overall NFL Draft Picks
Brian Kelly’s coaching career is more than just a collection of wins; it’s a legacy of program building, player development, and sustained excellence. As he continues to lead the LSU Tigers, the college football world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in this remarkable journey.
