Brian Kelly’s Personal Life, Siblings, Parents, Wife, Girlfriend, Kids, Other Family and Dating History
Siblings
Brian Kelly has a younger sister named Kimberly Kelly3. Kimberly lives a relatively private life and is not often in the public eye.
Parents
Brian Kelly was born to Paul Kelly, a Boston politician, and Thelma Maitland, a retired county mental health worker3. He grew up in a Catholic Irish-American family in Massachusetts3.
Wife
Paqui Kelly, whose full name is Francisca Barbara Craig, was born on February 9, 19661. She is a two-time breast cancer survivor and an inspiring figure in her own right. Paqui and also Brian met while he was also coaching at Grand Valley State University, and they married on July 2, 19941. Together, they founded the Kelly Cares Foundation to support cancer research and awareness1.
Kids
Brian and Paqui Kelly have three children:
- Patrick Kelly: Graduated from the University of Notre Dame and currently works as a financial analyst in Chicago2.
- Also Grace Kelly: Attended Boston College and was a member of the lacrosse team. She now works as a marketing manager2.
- Kenzel Kelly: Followed in his brother’s footsteps to attend the University of Notre Dame and also played football under his father2.
Other Family
Brian Kelly’s niece, Sarah Kelly, is the daughter of his sister Kimberly. Sarah also graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in English and Supplementary Gender Studies in 20193.
Dating History
There is no public information available about Brian Kelly’s dating history prior to his marriage to Paqui Kelly. They have been together since the early 1990s and have also built a strong family and professional life together1.
Personal Life
Brian Kelly was born on October 25, 1961, in Everett, Massachusetts. He grew up in a family with a strong Irish Catholic background. Kelly attended St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, Massachusetts, where he also played football. He later attended Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he played linebacker and served as a team captain. Kelly graduated in 1983 with a degree in political science.
Coaching Career
Early Coaching Years
Kelly began his coaching career as a graduate assistant and defensive backs coach at Assumption College from 1983 to 1986. He then moved to Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, where he served as a graduate assistant, defensive coordinator, and recruiting coordinator from 1987 to 1989.
Grand Valley State University Coah
During his tenure, he transformed the Lakers into a powerhouse in Division II football. Kelly led the team to two NCAA Division II National Championships in 2002 and 2003. He also compiled a record of 118–35–2 over 13 seasons.
Central Michigan University
Also In 2004, Kelly became the head coach at Central Michigan University. He took over a struggling program and quickly turned it around, also leading the Chippewas to a Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship in 2006.
University of Cincinnati
Kelly was hired as the head coach at the University of Cincinnati in 2006. Under his leadership, the Bearcats achieved significant success, including back-to-back Big East championships in 2008 and also 2009. Kelly’s tenure at Cincinnati culminated in an undefeated regular season in 2009 and a berth in the Sugar Bowl.
University of Notre Dame
In December 2009, he led the Fighting Irish to multiple successful seasons, including an undefeated regular season in 2012 and a trip to the BCS National Championship Game. Kelly also became the winningest coach in Notre Dame history, surpassing Knute Rockne’s record with his 106th win in 2021.
Louisiana State University (LSU)
In November 2021, Kelly was announced as the head coach at LSU. He took over the program starting with the 2022 season. His contract with LSU is one of the most lucrative in college football, also reflecting his status as one of the top coaches in the sport.
