Florida State’s coaching search has already turned familiar names into talking points, and Brian Kelly just added himself to the mix.
The former LSU and Notre Dame head coach spoke Tuesday on College Sports Radio on SiriusXM and made it clear he’s open to the Florida State opening. Kelly pointed to the program’s profile, its history and the pull of coaching in Tallahassee.
"When you’re talking to an unemployed football coach, every job’s a great job, you know? But Florida State, look, I’ve got a great history with Florida State, great games," Kelly said. "I know what that’s like, the history and tradition of Florida State, playing in that state, and the fan base."
"So anytime you have an incredibly brand-driven, great tradition and history, there’s a want and desire to be part of somebody that has had that success and, certainly, leading that program, from anyone’s perspective, would be an honor and privilege," Kelly added.
The Seminoles are looking for their fourth head coach since 2017 after Willie Taggart and Mike Norvell couldn’t get the program back where it wants to be. With the Early Signing Period and transfer portal window approaching, Florida State has to move carefully as it sorts through options.
Jimbo Fisher is already known to be pushing hard behind the scenes to return to Tallahassee, and Kelly is another experienced name in the conversation.
Kelly’s résumé is long. He was fired by LSU last October after going 34-14 in Baton Rouge, including a pair of losses to Florida State at neutral sites. LSU won 10 games in each of his first two seasons, but never hit the level the school expected when it handed him a 10 year/$95 million contract.
Before LSU, Kelly spent 2010-21 at Notre Dame. He led the Fighting Irish to the 2012 BCS National Championship game, where they lost to Alabama 42-14.
Notre Dame later missed the four-team College Football Playoff in 2021, finishing at No. 5, and Kelly left for LSU after that season. He finished in South Bend with a 113-40 record and seven 10+ win campaigns.
There are worse places Florida State could land, but Kelly’s abrasive personality would not be a fit for this program.
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