Brian Kelly is an American football coach who is currently the head coach at LSU. He was announced as the Tigers' head coach on November 30, 2021. Kelly previously served as the head football coach at Grand Valley State University (1991–2003), Central Michigan University (2004–2006), the University of Cincinnati (2006–2009), and the University of Notre Dame (2010–2021). He led Grand Valley State to consecutive NCAA Division II Football Championships in 2002 and 2003. Kelly's 2012 Notre Dame team reached the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, while his 2018 and 2020 teams made appearances in the College Football Playoff (CFP).

At the heart of Kelly’s philosophy is his “Next Man In” credo. An essential aspect of his long-term strategy, Kelly trains every member of his team to “be ready when your time comes” both physically and mentally. Kelly says, “We start in the offseason building trust with the entire group that when it’s your time, you better be ready, and that means you better do all the things that are necessary. There are going to be injuries. There are going to be times you’re called upon. You can’t let your teammates down.”

Prior to joining the University of Notre Dame, Kelly was the Head Coach at the University of Cincinnati where he led the Bearcats to two straight Big East Conference Championships and BCS appearances in the 2008 FedEx Orange Bowl and 2009 Allstate Sugar Bowl.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Kelly spends his time in various philanthropic areas. Along with his wife, Paqui, Kelly established The Kelly Cares Foundation to support organizations, initiatives, and programs that closely align with the Kelly family goals and values relating to health, education, and community. One of the foundation’s greatest emphasis is the fight against breast cancer, a personal battle for Paqui, a two-time survivor. Brian is passionate about not only helping others during their struggle with cancer, but sharing how he and Paqui were able to overcome the disease together.

Kelly understands how to plan, build and execute a winning program. Furthermore, as a coach, he knows how to communicate and transfer these ideas to others.

Kelly and Paqui have three children: Patrick, Grace, and Kenzel.

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