Brian Kelly’s Net Worth, Awards, Endorsements, Achievements, Contracts, Career Life, and Timeline
Net Worth
Brian Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be around $35 million1. His lucrative contract with LSU significantly contributes to this figure.
Awards
Brian Kelly has received numerous awards throughout his coaching career, including:
- AFCA Division II Coach of the Year (2002, 2003)
- AP College Football Coach of the Year (2012, 2018)
- Also Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (2012)
- Home Depot Coach of the Year (2009, 2012, 2018)
- SN Coach of the Year (2012)
- Also Walter Camp Coach of the Year (2012)
- Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award (2018)
- Also GLIAC Coach of the Year (2001)
- Big East Coach of the Year (2007, 2008, 2009)
- ACC Coach of the Year (2020)23
Endorsements
These typically include partnerships with sports brands and local businesses.
Achievements
Brian Kelly’s notable achievements include:
- Leading Grand Valley State to consecutive NCAA Division II Football Championships in 2002 and 20032.
- Also Winning multiple conference championships across different schools, including the Mid-American Conference (MAC), Big East, and SEC Western Division2.
- Becoming the winningest coach in Notre Dame history2.
- Also Leading Notre Dame to the 2013 BCS National Championship Game and also multiple College Football Playoff appearances2.
Contracts
Kelly’s first significant head coaching role was at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. He took over the program in 1991 and also quickly turned it into a powerhouse in Division II football. Over 13 seasons, Kelly led the Lakers to a remarkable record of 118–35–2. His tenure was also highlighted by back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championships in 2002 and 2003. These achievements established Kelly as a rising star. In the coaching world.
Central Michigan University (2004-2006)
In 2004, Kelly moved to Central Michigan University, where he faced the challenge of revitalizing a struggling program. His impact was immediate, and by 2006, he had led the Chippewas to a Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship. This success caught the attention of larger programs and also set the stage for his next career move.
University of Cincinnati (2006-2009)
Kelly’s tenure at the University of Cincinnati was marked by significant success. He took over the Bearcats in 2006 and led them to two Big East championships in 2008 and 2009. Under his leadership, Cincinnati achieved an undefeated regular season in 2009 and also earned a berth in the Sugar Bowl. Kelly’s ability to turn around the program and achieve sustained success further solidified his reputation as an elite coach.
University of Notre Dame (2010-2021)
In December 2009, Kelly was named the head coach at the University of Notre Dame, one of the most storied programs in college football. His tenure at Notre Dame was marked by multiple successful seasons, also including an undefeated regular season in 2012 and a trip to the BCS National Championship Game. Kelly became the winningest coach in Notre Dame history, also surpassing Knute Rockne’s record with his 106th win in 2021. His time at Notre Dame included multiple College Football Playoff. Appearances and numerous individual coaching awards.
Louisiana State University (LSU) (2022-present)
His contract with LSU is one of the most lucrative in college football, reflecting his status as one of the top coaches in the sport. Kelly’s arrival at LSU also marked a new chapter in his career, with high expectations for continued success in the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Career Life and Timeline
- 1983-1986: Graduate Assistant and Defensive Backs Coach at Assumption College.
- 1987-1989: Graduate Assistant, Defensive Coordinator, and Recruiting Coordinator at Grand Valley State.
- Also 1991-2003: Head Coach at Grand Valley State, winning two NCAA Division II National Championships.
- 2004-2006: Head Coach at Central Michigan University.
- Also 2006-2009: Head Coach at the University of Cincinnati, winning two Big East Championships.
- 2010-2021: Head Coach at the University of Notre Dame, also leading the team to the 2013 BCS National Championship Game and multiple playoff appearances.
- 2022-present: Head Coach at Louisiana State University (LSU), also with a contract valued at $95 million4.