Brian Kelly (American football coach)
{{Short description|American football coach (born 1961)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox college coach
| name = Brian Kelly
| image = Brian Kelly Coaches LSU 06 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Kelly in 2023
| current_title = Head coach
| current_team = LSU
| current_conference = SEC
| current_record = 29–11
| contract =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1961|10|25}}
| birth_place = Everett, Massachusetts, U.S.
| alma_mater = Assumption University (1983)
| player_years1 = 1979–1982
| player_team1 = Assumption (club)
| player_positions = Linebacker
| coach_sport1 = Football
| coach_years2 = 1983–1986
| coach_team2 = Assumption (DC/LB)
| coach_years3 = 1987–1988
| coach_team3 = Grand Valley State (GA/DB)
| coach_years4 = 1989–1990
| coach_team4 = Grand Valley State (DC/RC)
| coach_years5 = 1991–2003
| coach_team5 = Grand Valley State
| coach_years6 = 2004–2006
| coach_team6 = Central Michigan
| coach_years7 = 2006–2009
| coach_team7 = Cincinnati
| coach_years8 = 2010–2021
| coach_team8 = Notre Dame
| coach_team9 = LSU
| coach_years9 = 2022–present
| coach_sport10 = Softball
| coach_team11 = Assumption
| coach_years11 = 1984–1987
| overall_record = 292–107–2{{#tag:ref|On November 22, 2016, Notre Dame was forced to vacate all 12 wins and its appearance in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game from the 2012 season, and all nine wins from the 2013 season, including its victory in the Pinstripe Bowl.{{Cite magazine |last=Gartland |first=Dan |date=February 13, 2018 |title=Notre Dame Forced to Vacate Wins From National Runner-Up Season |url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2018/02/13/notre-dame-fighting-irish-wins-vacated-ncaa-violations |access-date=January 9, 2013 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724213758/https://www.si.com/college-football/2018/02/13/notre-dame-fighting-irish-wins-vacated-ncaa-violations |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author= |title=NCAA Statistics |url=https://stats.ncaa.org/people/434?sport_code=MFB |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |access-date=December 2, 2021 |archive-date=December 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202145112/https://stats.ncaa.org/people/434?sport_code=MFB |url-status=live }}|group="n"|name=vacatedwins}}
| tournament_record = 11–4 (NCAA D-II playoffs)
0–2 (CFP)
| championships = 2 NCAA Division II (2002–2003)
3 MIFC (1992, 1997–1998)
3 GLIAC (2001–2003)
1 MAC (2006)
2 Big East (2008–2009)
1 SEC Western Division (2022)
| awards = 2× AFCA Division II Coach of the Year (2002–2003)
2× AP College Football Coach of the Year (2012, 2018)
Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (2012)
3× Home Depot Coach of the Year Award (2009, 2012, 2018)
SN Coach of the Year (2012)
Walter Camp Coach of the Year (2012)
Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award (2018)
GLIAC Coach of the Year (2001)
3× Big East Coach of the Year (2007–2009)
ACC Coach of the Year (2020)
| coaching_records =
}}
Brian Keith Kelly (born October 25, 1961) is an American college football coach. He is the head football coach at Louisiana State University (LSU), a position he has held since the 2022 season. Kelly served as the head football coach at Grand Valley State University from 1991 to 2003, Central Michigan University from 2004 to 2006, the University of Cincinnati from 2006 to 2009, and the University of Notre Dame from 2010 to 2021. He led the Grand Valley State Lakers 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 Fighting Irish teams made appearances in the College Football Playoff.
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Early life
Kelly was born in Everett, Massachusetts and raised in a Catholic Irish-American family in Chelsea, Massachusetts.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=keown/091208 |title=Irish coach: the weirdest job in sports |first=Tim |last=Keown |work=ESPN.com |date=December 8, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206161944/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=keown%2F091208 |archive-date=December 6, 2010 }} He attended St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers, Massachusetts. His father was a Boston politician.{{Cite web |last=Starkey |first=Joe |date=October 2, 2007 |title=Bearcats' success met with excitement in Cincinnati |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3045895 |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=January 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117162539/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3045895 |url-status=live }} He was a four-year club football player at Assumption University as a linebacker.{{Cite web |last=Toland |first=Jennifer |date=November 30, 2020 |title=Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly, an Assumption U. grad, has name attached to alma mater's stadium |url=https://www.telegram.com/story/sports/college/2020/11/30/notre-dame-football-coach-brian-kelly-assumption-grad-has-name-attached-alma-maters-stadium/6465578002/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=The Worcester Telegram & Gazette |language=en-US |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725054318/https://www.telegram.com/story/sports/college/2020/11/30/notre-dame-football-coach-brian-kelly-assumption-grad-has-name-attached-alma-maters-stadium/6465578002/ |url-status=live }} After graduating from Assumption in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in political science, he served as linebackers coach, defensive coordinator and softball coach from 1983 to 1986.{{Cite web |last=McWilliams |first=Julian |date=December 21, 2021 |title=At LSU, Mass. native Brian Kelly has reached the top of college football. The journey started as a softball coach at Assumption |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/20/sports/how-brian-kellys-path-top-college-football-began-assumption-college-worcester/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629090020/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/20/sports/how-brian-kellys-path-top-college-football-began-assumption-college-worcester/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Matthews |first=Tom |date=November 30, 2020 |title=Assumption University names stadium after alum, Notre Dame football head coach Brian Kelly |url=https://www.masslive.com/worcester/2020/11/notre-dame-football-coach-brian-kelly-has-stadium-at-assumption-university-in-worcester-named-after-him.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=masslive |language=en |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626112005/https://www.masslive.com/worcester/2020/11/notre-dame-football-coach-brian-kelly-has-stadium-at-assumption-university-in-worcester-named-after-him.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://assumptiongreyhounds.com/sports/softball/coaches/year|title=Softball Head Coaching Records|publisher=Assumption University|access-date=February 21, 2025}}
Coaching career
=Grand Valley State=
Kelly joined the Grand Valley State University staff in 1987 as a graduate assistant and defensive backs coach for Tom Beck and became the defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator in 1989.{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Greg |date=January 3, 2013 |title=For Irish's Kelly, Grand Valley Remains Near |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/03/sports/ncaafootball/for-notre-dames-brian-kelly-grand-valley-remains-near.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112042813/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/03/sports/ncaafootball/for-notre-dames-brian-kelly-grand-valley-remains-near.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=June 7, 2009 |title=Brian Kelly headlines GVSU Hall of Fame class |url=https://www.mlive.com/lakers/2009/06/brian_kelly_headlines_grand_va.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=mlive.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321194415/https://www.mlive.com/lakers/2009/06/brian_kelly_headlines_grand_va.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Daniels |first=Casey |date=November 30, 2021 |title=From GVSU To LSU-Brian Kelly Is On The Move Again |url=https://wfgr.com/brian-kelly/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=98.7 WFGR |language=en |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005220738/https://wfgr.com/brian-kelly/ |url-status=live }} Kelly took over as head coach in 1991. In his final three seasons the Lakers went 41–2, at one point winning 32 consecutive games.{{Cite web |last=Waechter |first=Neil |date=December 10, 2009 |title=Brian Kelly is New Notre Dame Fighting Irish Head Football Coach |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/306676-brian-kelly-is-new-irish-head-football-coach |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=February 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209182040/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/306676-brian-kelly-is-new-irish-head-football-coach |url-status=live }} The Lakers went 14–0 in 2002 en route to their first national title and went 14–1 in 2003 when they claimed their second national championship.{{Cite web |last=Wallner |first=Peter J. |date=January 2, 2013 |title=Brian Kelly memories: GVSU director looks back on the making of champions |url=https://www.mlive.com/lakers/2013/01/brian_kelly_memories_grand_val.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=mlive.com |language=en |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402211035/https://www.mlive.com/lakers/2013/01/brian_kelly_memories_grand_val.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Football Records By Year |url=https://gvsulakers.com/sports/2014/7/31/FB_0731145938.aspx |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Grand Valley State University Athletics |language=en |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114132909/https://gvsulakers.com/sports/2014/7/31/FB_0731145938.aspx |url-status=live }} Kelly was named the AFCA Division II Coach of the Year after each of these championship years.{{Cite web |last=Elchlepp |first=Kimberly |date=December 5, 2018 |title=Notre Dame Head Coach Brian Kelly Winner of The Home Depot Coach of The Year Award; Iowa's T.J. Hockenson Named the 2018 John Mackey Award Recipient |url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2018/12/notre-dame-head-coach-brian-kelly-winner-of-the-home-depot-coach-of-the-year-award-iowas-t-j-hockenson-named-the-2018-john-mackey-award-recipient/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=ESPN Press Room U.S. |language=en-US |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205085112/https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2018/12/notre-dame-head-coach-brian-kelly-winner-of-the-home-depot-coach-of-the-year-award-iowas-t-j-hockenson-named-the-2018-john-mackey-award-recipient/ |url-status=live }}
In his 13 years as head coach at Grand Valley State, the Lakers won five conference titles and made six Division II Playoff appearances.{{Cite web |date=October 17, 2010 |title=Ex-Coach Brian Kelly is inducted into Grand Valley Hall of Fame – Grand Central Magazine |url=http://gcmag.org/ex-coach-brian-kelly-is-inducted-into-grand-valley-hall-of-fame/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=GCMag.com |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630162015/http://gcmag.org/ex-coach-brian-kelly-is-inducted-into-grand-valley-hall-of-fame/ |url-status=live }}
The 2001 Grand Valley team set 77 NCAA, GLIAC, and school records, including the all-time Division II scoring record, averaging 58.4 points per game.{{Cite web |last=VanOchten |first=Brian |date=June 8, 2011 |title=Grand Valley State expected to name indoor facility in honor of ex-football coach Brian Kelly |url=https://www.mlive.com/lakers/2011/06/grand_valley_state_expected_to.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=mlive.com |language=en |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402211039/https://www.mlive.com/lakers/2011/06/grand_valley_state_expected_to.html |url-status=live }}
Kelly's record in 13 years at Grand Valley State was 118–35–2.{{Cite web |date=June 25, 2011 |title=Grand Valley unveils Kelly Family Sports Center |url=https://www.gvsu.edu/gvnext/2011/grand-valley-unveils-kelly-family-sports-center-5397.htm |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=GV Next |language=en |archive-date=June 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607095548/https://www.gvsu.edu/gvnext/2011/grand-valley-unveils-kelly-family-sports-center-5397.htm |url-status=live }}
=Central Michigan=
Kelly became the 24th head coach at Central Michigan University after the departure of Mike DeBord following the 2003 season.{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2004 |title=Kelly Introduced as Head Football Coach |url=https://cmuchippewas.com/news/2003/12/30/Kelly_Introduced_as_Head_Football_Coach |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Central Michigan University Athletics |language=en |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402211054/https://cmuchippewas.com/news/2003/12/30/Kelly_Introduced_as_Head_Football_Coach |url-status=live }}
==2004 season==
Kelly inherited a team with limited success. Central Michigan had won more than three games only once in the previous four seasons.{{Cite web |title=Central Michigan Chippewas College Football History, Stats, Records |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/central-michigan/index.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005204118/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/central-michigan/index.html |url-status=live }} CMU finished with a 4–7 record in 2004.{{Cite web |title=2004 Central Michigan Chippewas Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/central-michigan/2004-schedule.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=June 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630001400/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/central-michigan/2004-schedule.html |url-status=live }}
==2005 season==
In Kelly's second year at Central Michigan, he coached the team to a 6–5 record—the first winning season in seven years for the Chippewas.{{Cite web |title=2005 Central Michigan Chippewas Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/central-michigan/2005-schedule.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708090704/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/central-michigan/2005-schedule.html |url-status=live }}
==2006 season==
In his third season, the Chippewas posted a 9–4 record under Kelly en route to winning the MAC Championship over Ohio and qualifying for the Motor City Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2006 Mid-American Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/mac/2006.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2006 Central Michigan Chippewas Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/central-michigan/2006-schedule.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=June 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615193355/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/central-michigan/2006-schedule.html |url-status=live }} At the end of the 2006 season, Kelly left to accept the Cincinnati coaching vacancy three days after CMU won the 2006 MAC Championship. Jeff Quinn was named the interim for Central Michigan's contest in the Motor City Bowl against Middle Tennessee. Kelly's record at Central Michigan in three seasons was 19–16.
=Cincinnati=
Kelly was named Cincinnati's head coach on December 3, 2006, following the departure of Mark Dantonio.{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2006 |title=Kelly Named Head Football Coach |url=https://gobearcats.com/news/2006/12/3/Kelly_Named_Head_Football_Coach.aspx |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=University of Cincinnati Athletics |language=en |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117054249/https://gobearcats.com/news/2006/12/3/Kelly_Named_Head_Football_Coach.aspx |url-status=live }}
==2006 season==
In an unusual move, Cincinnati elected not to appoint an interim coach and asked Kelly to assume his duties immediately by coaching the Bearcats in their bowl game. Central Michigan was also preparing for a bowl appearance, so while Kelly was in Cincinnati preparing the Bearcats, much of his staff remained at Central Michigan to coach the Chippewas. Following Central Michigan's 31–14 win in the Motor City Bowl on December 26, most of his staff joined him in Cincinnati, where they went on to coach Cincinnati to a 27–24 victory over Western Michigan University in that year's International Bowl on January 6.{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2006 |title=Kelly and New Staff to Coach Bowl Game |url=https://gobearcats.com/news/2006/12/5/kelly_and_new_staff_to_coach_bowl_game.aspx |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=University of Cincinnati Athletics |language=en |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402211033/https://gobearcats.com/news/2006/12/5/kelly_and_new_staff_to_coach_bowl_game.aspx |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=International Bowl – Western Michigan vs Cincinnati Box Score, January 6, 2007 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-01-06-cincinnati.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803194201/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-01-06-cincinnati.html |url-status=live }} Cincinnati's victory gave Kelly the unique distinction of having defeated the same team twice in a season as coach of two different teams (Central Michigan had defeated Western Michigan 31–7 earlier that season).{{Cite news |date=January 7, 2007 |title=Bearcats Go Up Early, Give Kelly Win in Debut |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2007/01/07/bearcats-go-up-early-give-kelly-win-in-debut-span-classbankhead-cincinnati-27-western-michigan-24-span/a34aea99-015d-49a8-a30e-9708bc1d35a8/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US}}
==2007 season==
In his first full season, Kelly led Cincinnati to a competitive position in the Big East; the Bearcats' second ever 10-win season (its first since 1949); and a top-25 ranking.{{Cite web |title=2007 Cincinnati Bearcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/cincinnati/2007-schedule.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=June 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615193341/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/cincinnati/2007-schedule.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bearcats College Football History, Stats, Records |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/cincinnati/index.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123130919/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/cincinnati/index.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2007 Big East Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/big-east/2007.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en}} On December 5, 2007, Kelly was named Big East Coach of the Year after leading the Bearcats to a 9–3 record.{{Cite web |title=Big East Coach of the Year Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/big-east-coy.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310052044/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/big-east-coy.html |url-status=live }} Coach Kelly later led the Bearcats to a 31–21 victory in the PapaJohns.com Bowl over Southern Miss.{{Cite web |title=PapaJohns.com Bowl – Southern Mississippi vs Cincinnati Box Score, December 22, 2007 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-12-22-cincinnati.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927195145/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2007-12-22-cincinnati.html |url-status=live }}
==2008 season==
In 2008, Kelly led Cincinnati to its first ever outright Big East title with key wins over #20 West Virginia and #20 Pittsburgh.{{Cite web |title=2008 Cincinnati Bearcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/cincinnati/2008-schedule.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=June 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612145714/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/cincinnati/2008-schedule.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2008 Big East Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/big-east/2008.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en}} The Bearcats had never defeated either team in Big East conference play. Kelly also became the first coach to win all three of the Bearcats' traveling trophies—{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}} the Victory Bell (Miami [OH]), the Keg of Nails (Louisville), and the River City Rivalry Trophy (Pitt). The Bearcats played in the Orange Bowl versus the ACC champion, #21 Virginia Tech on January 1, 2009, but lost 20–7.{{Cite web |title=Orange Bowl – Virginia Tech vs Cincinnati Box Score, January 1, 2009 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-01-01-cincinnati.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=November 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109015641/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2009-01-01-cincinnati.html |url-status=live }} He won Big East Coach of the Year for the 2008 season.{{Cite web |date=December 10, 2008 |title=Brian Kelly and Mardy Gilyard Earn BIG EAST Individual Honors |url=https://gobearcats.com/news/2008/12/10/brian_kelly_amp_mardy_gilyard_earn_big_east_individual_honors.aspx |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=University of Cincinnati Athletics |language=en |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402211045/https://gobearcats.com/news/2008/12/10/brian_kelly_amp_mardy_gilyard_earn_big_east_individual_honors.aspx |url-status=live }}
==2009 season==
After beginning the 2009 season unranked in all polls, Kelly's Bearcats reeled off 12 straight victories and finished the regular season undefeated.{{Cite web |title=2009 Cincinnati Bearcats Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/cincinnati/2009-schedule.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=June 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612145443/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/cincinnati/2009-schedule.html |url-status=live }} Going into the bowl season, they were ranked #3 in the BCS Standings{{Cite web |last=Chi |first=Samuel |date=January 20, 2014 |title=BCS Years in Review: 2009, Alabama and Texas More Equal Than Other Unbeatens |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1930252-bcs-years-in-review-2009-alabama-and-texas-more-equal-than-other-unbeatens |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020023019/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1930252-bcs-years-in-review-2009-alabama-and-texas-more-equal-than-other-unbeatens |url-status=live }} and faced the Florida Gators in the Sugar Bowl. Kelly did not coach the team in the 51–24 loss to the Florida Gators because of his departure to Notre Dame.{{Cite web |title=Sugar Bowl – Florida vs Cincinnati Box Score, January 1, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-01-01-cincinnati.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221183955/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-01-01-cincinnati.html |url-status=live }}
Among the honors that Cincinnati football achieved in 2009 was the highest academic rating among teams in the top 10 of the current BCS standings, according to the 2009 Graduation Success Rates, released Wednesday, November 18, by the NCAA.{{Citation needed|date=May 2010}} Cincinnati, which was fifth in the BCS standings, checked in with a 75 percent NCAA graduation rate and a 71 percent federal government rate, the only team in the BCS top 10 to surpass the 70 percent plateau in both.{{Citation needed|date=December 2009}} He won Big East Coach of the Year for the third time. In addition, he won the Home Depot Coach of the Year.{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2009 |title=University of Cincinnati's Brian Kelly Earns The Home Depot Coach of the Year Award |url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2009/12/university-of-cincinnatis-brian-kelly-earns-the-home-depot-coach-of-the-year-award/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=ESPN Press Room U.S. |language=en-US |archive-date=August 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807182043/https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2009/12/university-of-cincinnatis-brian-kelly-earns-the-home-depot-coach-of-the-year-award/ |url-status=live }}
Kelly finished his tenure at Cincinnati with a 34–6 record. He finished second in school history in wins.{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bearcats Coaches |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/cincinnati/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123130918/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/cincinnati/ |url-status=live }}
=Notre Dame=
File:Brian Kelly - Martins - August 2010.JPG display setup in August 2010 at the Martin's Supermarket in Mishawaka, Indiana in anticipation of Kelly's first home game with Notre Dame.]]
In December 2009, Kelly agreed to replace Charlie Weis as Notre Dame's head coach.{{Cite web |date=December 10, 2009 |title=Reports: Cincinnati's Kelly replacing Weis |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/more/t25-notre-dame-ke-0/sn-amp/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sportsnet.ca |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402211035/https://www.sportsnet.ca/more/t25-notre-dame-ke-0/sn-amp/ |url-status=live }} On December 10, Kelly announced that he had taken the position at Notre Dame.{{Cite web |last=Whiteside |first=Kelly |date=August 29, 2010 |title=New Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly getting an Irish education |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/independent1a/2010-08-29-notre-dame-brian-kelly-preview_N.htm |access-date=September 8, 2010 |website=USA Today |archive-date=December 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205173832/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/independent1a/2010-08-29-notre-dame-brian-kelly-preview_N.htm |url-status=live }} He made the decision not to coach the Bearcats in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2010, which the Bearcats lost in a blowout to the University of Florida Gators.{{Cite web |date=December 17, 2009 |title=Sans Kelly, Cincy holds 1st Sugar Bowl practice |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/bowls09/news/story?id=4752660 |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=December 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202000823/https://www.espn.com/college-football/bowls09/news/story?id=4752660 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Page |first=Fletcher |date=May 6, 2019 |title=University of Cincinnati to induct Brian Kelly, 2009 football team in Hall of Fame |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/university-of-cincinnati/2019/05/06/cincinnati-bearcats-brian-kelly-uc-notre-dame-football/1117632001/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=The Enquirer |language=en-US |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526102228/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/university-of-cincinnati/2019/05/06/cincinnati-bearcats-brian-kelly-uc-notre-dame-football/1117632001/ |url-status=live }}
==2010 season==
In 2010, Kelly beat Purdue 23–12 in his first game at Notre Dame but lost to Michigan 28–24 the following week.{{Cite web |title=Purdue at Notre Dame Box Score, September 4, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-04-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722101815/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-04-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Michigan at Notre Dame Box Score, September 11, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-11-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804193738/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-11-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} In the following game, they lost on a fake field goal in overtime against Michigan State 34–31.{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2010 |title=Michigan State Stuns the Irish With a Fake Kick in Overtime |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/sports/ncaafootball/19irish.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617094555/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/sports/ncaafootball/19irish.html |url-status=live }} His team lost again at home against #16 Stanford before beating Boston College to put the Irish at 2–3.{{Cite web |title=Stanford at Notre Dame Box Score, September 25, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-25-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225114305/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-09-25-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Boston College Box Score, October 2, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-10-02-boston-college.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420025951/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-10-02-boston-college.html |url-status=live }} On October 9, Kelly led the Fighting Irish to a 23–17 win over Pitt, snapping Notre Dame's 2-game losing streak to the Panthers taking the Irish to a 3–3 record on the season.{{Cite web |title=Pitt at Notre Dame Box Score, October 9, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-10-09-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722101808/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-10-09-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }}
In late October, Declan Sullivan, a student videographer, was killed during practice when the hydraulic lift he was using collapsed due to high winds. Kelly acknowledged it was his decision to hold practice outdoors that day.{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2010 |title=Irish remember Declan Sullivan at game |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=5744730 |access-date=October 14, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111192840/https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=5744730 |url-status=live }} The University was fined $77,500 by the Indiana Occupational Health and Safety Administration for safety violations related to the incident.{{Cite web |date=March 15, 2011 |title=Notre Dame at fault in Sullivan's death |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=6219373 |access-date=October 14, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=October 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018072654/https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=6219373 |url-status=live }}
Kelly led Notre Dame to a 44–20 win over Western Michigan to extend the Irish's winning streak to three games.{{Cite web |title=Western Michigan at Notre Dame Box Score, October 16, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-10-16-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722091420/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-10-16-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} The next week they faced Navy, losing 35–17 to drop to 4–4 overall.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame vs Navy Box Score, October 23, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-10-23-navy.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722101819/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-10-23-navy.html |url-status=live }}
File:Notre Dame at USC 1458 (5215192444).jpg]]
When the Irish faced Tulsa, they were upset 28–27.{{Cite web |title=Tulsa at Notre Dame Box Score, October 30, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-10-30-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219043107/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-10-30-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} They sent out second string quarterback Tommy Rees who threw an interception with 30 seconds left in the game as the Irish had driven to the Tulsa 28-yard line and a potential game-winning field goal attempt.{{Cite web |last=Shepkowski |first=Nick |date=July 20, 2022 |title=Brutal Notre Dame losses: 2010 vs. Tulsa |url=https://fightingirishwire.usatoday.com/gallery/notre-dame-worst-losses-tulsa-2010-football/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Fighting Irish Wire |language=en-US |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006201918/https://fightingirishwire.usatoday.com/gallery/notre-dame-worst-losses-tulsa-2010-football/ |url-status=live }} Two weeks later Notre Dame played against No. 15 Utah, who was heavily favored. Utah was leading 3–0 early, but a special teams touchdown after a deflected punt and three Rees touchdown passes lifted the Notre Dame lead to 28–3. The victory over Utah gave Kelly a 5–5 record.{{Cite web |title=Utah at Notre Dame Box Score, November 13, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-13-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308202246/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-13-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} Notre Dame followed that win up with a 27–3 victory over Army to make Kelly and the Fighting Irish bowl eligible.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Army Box Score, November 20, 2010 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-20-army.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=May 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527060814/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2010-11-20-army.html |url-status=live }} In the final game of the season, Notre Dame snapped an 8-game losing streak against its rival USC, winning 20–16 due to a strong defensive display, despite four turnovers by the Fighting Irish's offense.{{Cite web |last=Lev |first=Michael |date=November 27, 2010 |title=Final: Notre Dame 20, USC 16 |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2010/11/27/final-notre-dame-20-usc-16/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Orange County Register |language=en-US |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402211047/https://www.ocregister.com/2010/11/27/final-notre-dame-20-usc-16/ |url-status=live }} Kelly's first Fighting Irish team was invited to play in the Sun Bowl, where they beat Miami 33–17.{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2011 |title=Turbulent Season for Irish Ends With Victory |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/01/sports/ncaafootball/01bowls.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=April 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407135514/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/01/sports/ncaafootball/01bowls.html |url-status=live }}
==2011 season==
In 2011, Notre Dame returned numerous starters from the previous year and was thought to be in contention for a BCS bowl bid.{{Cite web |last=Stockrahm |first=Dan |date=February 23, 2011 |title=Notre Dame Football All the Way Back? The Irish's Path To 12–0 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/617625-notre-dame-football-could-the-irish-be-all-the-way-back-the-path-to-12-0 |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=August 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829041139/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/617625-notre-dame-football-could-the-irish-be-all-the-way-back-the-path-to-12-0 |url-status=live }} However, in the opening game against South Florida, Notre Dame outgained its opponent 508–254 in yardage but lost 23–20 due to five turnovers (most within scoring range).{{Cite web |title=South Florida at Notre Dame Box Score, September 3, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-09-03-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=November 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106222153/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-09-03-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} The next week the Irish built a 24–7 lead against its rival Michigan but lost yet again 35–31 due to five turnovers.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Michigan Box Score, September 10, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-09-10-michigan.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=November 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106222154/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-09-10-michigan.html |url-status=live }}
The following week the Irish defeated #15 Michigan State 31–13; the one-sided victory over the Spartans was the first of four wins in a row until the USC Trojans came to South Bend.{{Cite web |title=Michigan State at Notre Dame Box Score, September 17, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-09-17-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=November 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106222211/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-09-17-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} The Fighting Irish were behind early in the game but were driving toward an apparent tie when a fumbled snap on the Trojan three-yard line was returned by USC for a touchdown. Notre Dame never recovered, turning the ball over three times in the loss.{{Cite web |title=USC at Notre Dame Box Score, October 22, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-10-22-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=November 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106222201/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-10-22-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }}
Notre Dame then went on its second four-game win streak until losing to #4 Stanford 28–14 in the regular season finale.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Stanford Box Score, November 26, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-26-stanford.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006163616/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-11-26-stanford.html |url-status=live }} At 8–4, the Irish secured a bid to the Champs Sports Bowl, where they played Florida State.{{Cite web |title=Champs Sports Bowl – Notre Dame vs Florida State Box Score, December 29, 2011 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-12-29-florida-state.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=February 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217042553/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2011-12-29-florida-state.html |url-status=live }} Against Florida State, Notre Dame again built a lead (14–3 after three quarters) but lost 18–14 due to three crucial turnovers, ending the season with an 8–5 record.{{Cite web |title=2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2011-schedule.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321204825/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2011-schedule.html |url-status=live }}
==2012 season==
Notre Dame opened their 2012 season with a special season opener in Dublin, Ireland. In the game, they defeated Navy 50–10.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame vs Navy Box Score, September 1, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-09-01-navy.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321204730/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-09-01-navy.html |url-status=live }} Notre Dame won their week 2 game against Purdue at home, winning 20–17, on a field goal by sophomore Kyle Brindza. In week 3, Notre Dame defeated #10 Michigan State by a score of 20–3.{{Cite web |title=Purdue at Notre Dame Box Score, September 8, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-09-08-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321204733/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-09-08-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Michigan State Box Score, September 15, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-09-15-michigan-state.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318182654/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-09-15-michigan-state.html |url-status=live }} In week 4, #11 Notre Dame defeated #18 Michigan by a score of 13–6, recovering six turnovers in the process.{{Cite web |title=Michigan at Notre Dame Box Score, September 22, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-09-22-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004223735/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-09-22-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} The Irish defeated Miami, #17 Stanford, and BYU before playing Oklahoma.{{Cite web |title=2012 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2012-schedule.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321204826/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2012-schedule.html |url-status=live }} At 7–0, Notre Dame traveled to Norman and defeated #8 Oklahoma 30–13, only the fifth home loss for the Sooners under Bob Stoops.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Oklahoma Box Score, October 27, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-10-27-oklahoma.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318182651/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-10-27-oklahoma.html |url-status=live }} On November 3, the Irish narrowly avoided an upset by beating Pittsburgh 29–26 in three overtimes. Notre Dame had rallied from a fourth quarter deficit of 14 points to tie the game late in regulation.{{Cite web |title=Pitt at Notre Dame Box Score, November 3, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-03-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=October 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010104320/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-03-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} On November 10, #4 ranked Notre Dame traveled to Boston College and faced a team known for spoiling Notre Dame perfect seasons. Notre Dame won 21–6, not allowing Boston College to score a touchdown and improving to 10–0.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Boston College Box Score, November 10, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-10-boston-college.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722101623/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-10-boston-college.html |url-status=live }} On November 17, Notre Dame went undefeated at home for the first time since 1998 with a 38–0 victory over Wake Forest.{{Cite web |title=Wake Forest at Notre Dame Box Score, November 17, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-17-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=November 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111201905/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-17-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} On November 18, following the losses of #1 Kansas State and #2 Oregon, Notre Dame was voted the #1 team in the nation for the first time since 1993 and was #1 in the BCS rankings for the first time ever.{{Cite web |last=Morrow |first=Jane |date=November 19, 2012 |title=Notre Dame Football is #1 |url=https://news.nd.edu/news/notre-dame-football-is-1/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Notre Dame News |language=en |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402211039/https://news.nd.edu/news/notre-dame-football-is-1/ |url-status=live }} With a 22–13 defeat of USC, Notre Dame finished the regular season 12–0.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at USC Box Score, November 24, 2012 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-24-southern-california.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=November 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120172822/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2012-11-24-southern-california.html |url-status=live }} On Monday, January 7, 2013, Kelly and the Fighting Irish lost, 42–14, to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.{{Cite web |last=Gribble |first=Andrew |date=January 8, 2013 |title=Alabama dominates Notre Dame to claim third BCS national championship in four years |url=https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2013/01/alabama_dominates_notre_dame_t.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=AL.com |language=en |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528064403/https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2013/01/alabama_dominates_notre_dame_t.html |url-status=live }} Kelly's Irish finished the season ranked #3 in the USA Today Coaches poll and #4 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll.{{Cite web |title=2012 College Football Rankings for Final Rankings |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2012/seasontype/3 |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=February 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211121938/https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2012/seasontype/3 |url-status=live }} In 2014, Notre Dame discovered that an athletic trainer had provided impermissible help to eight players during this and the following season. Notre Dame reported this violation to the NCAA, and was then controversially forced on November 22, 2016, to vacate all of their 2012 (and 2013) victories,{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/11/22/503036252/notre-dame-must-vacate-2012-2013-football-wins-over-academic-violations |title=Notre Dame Must Vacate 2012, 2013 Football Wins Over Academic Violations |work=NPR |last=Domonoske |first=Camila |date=November 22, 2016 |access-date=September 15, 2021 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122204519/http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/11/22/503036252/notre-dame-must-vacate-2012-2013-football-wins-over-academic-violations |archive-date=November 22, 2016 }} finishing the season with an adjusted record of 0–1, after the NCAA rejected Notre Dame's appeal on February 13, 2018.{{Cite web |title=Football Coaching Records |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2018/coaching.pdf |access-date=August 28, 2018 |website=NCAA.org |archive-date=September 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921162036/http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2018/coaching.pdf |url-status=live }} Kelly earned AFCA Coach of the Year, AP Coach of the Year, Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, Bear Bryant Coach of the Year, Walter Camp Coach of the Year, and Home Depot Coach of the Year for his 2012 season.{{Cite web |date=January 9, 2013 |title=AFCA Honors Brian Kelly With Coach Of The Year Honor |url=https://und.com/afca-honors-brian-kelly-with-coach-of-the-year-honor/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Official Athletics Website |language=en-US |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402211039/https://und.com/afca-honors-brian-kelly-with-coach-of-the-year-honor/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Russo |first=Ralph D. |date=December 20, 2012 |title=Notre Dame's Kelly wins AP coach of the year |url=https://www.staugustine.com/story/sports/2012/12/21/notre-dames-kelly-wins-ap-coach-year/16158336007/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=St. Augustine Record |language=en-US |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402211038/https://www.staugustine.com/story/sports/2012/12/21/notre-dames-kelly-wins-ap-coach-year/16158336007/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/robinson.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201234738/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/robinson.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/bryant.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227201257/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/bryant.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Home Depot Coach of the Year Award Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/home-depot-coy.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227201841/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/home-depot-coy.html |url-status=live }}
==2013 season==
The Spring of the 2013 season saw Notre Dame lose its starting quarterback Everett Golson for academic violations{{Cite web |last=Aarthun |first=Sarah |date=May 27, 2013 |title=Notre Dame quarterback suspended for 'poor academic judgment' |url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/26/sport/sport-notre-dame-quarterback/ |access-date=February 23, 2017 |website=CNN.com |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220120137/http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/26/sport/sport-notre-dame-quarterback/ |url-status=live }}(later revealed to be cheating on a test{{Cite magazine |last=Staples |first=Andy |date=October 29, 2013 |title=Everett Golson admits to cheating at Notre Dame, discusses future |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20131029/everett-golson-notre-dame-fighting-irish |access-date=March 15, 2014 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226185756/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20131029/everett-golson-notre-dame-fighting-irish/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |last=Hinnen |first=Jerry |date=October 29, 2013 |title=Everett Golson admits Notre Dame expulsion was over test cheating |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/everett-golson-admits-notre-dame-expulsion-was-over-test-cheating/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005001400/https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/everett-golson-admits-notre-dame-expulsion-was-over-test-cheating/ |url-status=live }}) leading Brian Kelly to name Tommy Rees as the starting quarterback.{{Cite web |date=June 6, 2013 |title=Rees gets keys to Notre Dame offense |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/rees-keys-notre-dame-offense-article-1.1365148 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |website=New York Daily News |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220080202/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/rees-keys-notre-dame-offense-article-1.1365148 |url-status=live }} Notre Dame opened the season playing Temple and won 28–6.{{Cite web |title=Temple at Notre Dame Box Score, August 31, 2013 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-08-31-notre-dame.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318182700/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-08-31-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} The following week was against Michigan in Ann Arbor{{Cite magazine |last=Rosenberg |first=Michael |date=September 4, 2014 |title=Michigan bitter going into final rivalry game with Notre Dame |url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2014/09/04/michigan-notre-dame-rivalry-ending |access-date=February 23, 2017 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220082351/http://www.si.com/college-football/2014/09/04/michigan-notre-dame-rivalry-ending |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/07/sports/ncaafootball/michigan-and-notre-dame-have-different-versions-of-their-breakup.html|title=Notre Dame Gives Michigan a Powerful Parting Shot|first=Mark|last=Viera|newspaper=The New York Times|date=September 6, 2014|access-date=February 23, 2017|archive-date=January 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104014028/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/07/sports/ncaafootball/michigan-and-notre-dame-have-different-versions-of-their-breakup.html|url-status=live}} with Notre Dame losing 30–41. Due to academic violations, Notre Dame was controversially forced on November 22, 2016, to vacate all nine of their 2013 victories, finishing the season with an adjusted record of 0–4, after the NCAA rejected Notre Dame's appeal on February 13, 2018.
==2014 season==
In 2014, #17 Notre Dame started off the season with a 48–17 victory over Rice.{{Cite web |title=Rice at Notre Dame Box Score, August 30, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-08-30-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203932/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-08-30-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} In the next game, they defeated Michigan by a score of 31–0.{{Cite web |title=Michigan at Notre Dame Box Score, September 6, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-09-06-notre-dame.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203929/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-09-06-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} The team won their next four games to go to 6–0 and a #5 ranking. The Irish dropped their matchup with #2 Florida State 31–27.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Florida State Box Score, October 18, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-10-18-florida-state.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727175743/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-10-18-florida-state.html |url-status=live }} The Irish closed the season by losing four of the next five games before upsetting LSU 31–28 in the Music City Bowl to finish 8–5.{{Cite web |title=2014 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2014-schedule.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=December 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226221830/http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2014-schedule.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Music City Bowl – Notre Dame vs LSU Box Score, December 30, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-12-30-louisiana-state.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007211120/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-12-30-louisiana-state.html |url-status=live }}
==2015 season==
Notre Dame started the season with a #11 ranking in the AP Poll.{{Cite web |title=2015 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2015-schedule.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601220733/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2015-schedule.html |url-status=live }} They opened their 2015 season against Texas with a 38–3 win.{{Cite web |title=Texas at Notre Dame Box Score, September 5, 2015 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-09-05-notre-dame.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203904/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2015-09-05-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} During the game, starting running back Tarean Folston sustained an injury to his right knee ending his season.{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2015 |title=Texas vs. Notre Dame – Game Recap – September 5, 2015 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400763403 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220105504/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400763403 |url-status=live }} In the following game against Virginia, starting quarterback Malik Zaire suffered a broken ankle {{Cite web |last1=Hale |first1=David |last2=Fortuna |first2=Matt |date=September 12, 2015 |title=Irish QB Zaire has ankle surgery, out for season |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/13640029/notre-dame-fighting-irish-qb-malik-zaire-leaves-game-virginia-cavaliers-apparent-right-ankle-injury |access-date=November 30, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=November 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130135617/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/13640029/notre-dame-fighting-irish-qb-malik-zaire-leaves-game-virginia-cavaliers-apparent-right-ankle-injury |url-status=live }} leading to DeShone Kizer finishing the game for Notre Dame. Kizer remained the Notre Dame quarterback for the rest of the season, a campaign in which the Irish won 10 games against 3 losses, the latter including a loss to #7 Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.{{Cite web |title=Fiesta Bowl – Notre Dame vs Ohio State Box Score, January 1, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-01-01-ohio-state.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=December 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224100838/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-01-01-ohio-state.html |url-status=live }}
==2016 season==
Notre Dame's season started with #10 ranking in the AP Poll. Their first game was a back-and-forth 2OT 50–47 loss to Texas.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Texas Box Score, September 4, 2016 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-09-04-texas.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322084817/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2016-09-04-texas.html |url-status=live }} Kelly's Irish lost three games in which they held a double-digit first-half lead, while also losing three games to teams who were not bowl-eligible in 2016.{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2016 |title=Notre Dame blows another lead as 2016 will end without a bowl game |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/notre-dame/notre-dame-blows-another-lead-2016-will-end-without-bowl-game |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=RSN |language=en |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518204642/https://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/notre-dame/notre-dame-blows-another-lead-2016-will-end-without-bowl-game |url-status=live }} In particular, Kelly faced criticism after a 10–3 loss to NC State. In this game, Kelly called 31 passing plays in Hurricane Matthew, resulting in 17 incompletions, five sacks, and only 113 yards of total offense.{{Cite web |last=Grathoff |first=Pete |date=October 8, 2016 |title=Notre Dame coach catches heat for blaming center for snap woes during hurricane |url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article107001477.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=KansasCity.com |archive-date=February 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202200244/https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for-petes-sake/article107001477.html |url-status=live }} Notre Dame brought about a change in their defense by firing their defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder after a 38–35 home loss to Duke.{{Cite web |last=Skrbina |first=Paul |date=September 25, 2016 |title=Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly fires defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-notre-dame-brian-vangorder-fired-spt-20160925-story.html |access-date=November 30, 2021 |website=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=November 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130140009/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-notre-dame-brian-vangorder-fired-spt-20160925-story.html |url-status=live }} In 2016, Notre Dame finished 4–8, which was its worst record in a decade.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football History, Stats, Records |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/index.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=December 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225172201/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/index.html |url-status=live }}
==2017 season==
The Irish were considered to be playoff contenders for the majority of the season despite a 20–19 early loss to the Georgia Bulldogs, who went on to win the SEC Championship.{{Cite web |title=Georgia at Notre Dame Box Score, September 9, 2017 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2017-09-09-notre-dame.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321204543/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2017-09-09-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2017 Southeastern Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/sec/2017.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en}} The Irish continued to do well on the strength of running back and Heisman Trophy hopeful Josh Adams's performance.{{Cite web |last=Litman |first=Laken |date=October 28, 2017 |title=Notre Dame football: Josh Adams runs over N.C. State, into Heisman Trophy conversation |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/notre-dame/2017/10/28/notre-dame-football-josh-adams-runs-over-n-c-state-into-heisman-trophy-conversation/810781001/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US |archive-date=December 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205140046/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/notre-dame/2017/10/28/notre-dame-football-josh-adams-runs-over-n-c-state-into-heisman-trophy-conversation/810781001/ |url-status=live }} The Irish were 8–1 before dropping two of their last three games to Miami and Stanford.{{Cite web |title=2017 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2017-schedule.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321204556/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2017-schedule.html |url-status=live }} In 2017, the Irish bounced back from a 4–8 season by going 10–3, including a win over the #16 LSU Tigers in the Citrus Bowl.{{Cite web |title=Citrus Bowl – Notre Dame vs LSU Box Score, January 1, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-01-01-louisiana-state.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=December 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226011713/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-01-01-louisiana-state.html |url-status=live }} The team had two offensive linemen drafted in the top 10 of the 2018 NFL draft, Quenton Nelson by the Indianapolis Colts and Mike McGlinchey by the San Francisco 49ers.{{Cite web |title=2018 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/draft.htm |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=January 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108042100/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2018/draft.htm |url-status=live }}
==2018 season==
The Irish opened the 2018 season at home against Michigan and won, 24–17.{{Cite web |title=Michigan at Notre Dame Box Score, September 1, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-01-notre-dame.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221191330/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-09-01-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} The Irish then won the remainder of their regular season games, including victories over #7 Stanford, #24 Virginia Tech, #12 Syracuse, and Northwestern.{{Cite web |title=2018 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2018-schedule.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203705/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2018-schedule.html |url-status=live }} This led to Notre Dame's first undefeated regular season since 2012.{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2018 |title=Notre Dame Football: Let's Compare the 2012 & 2018 Offenses |url=https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/11/2/18057818/notre-dame-football-irish-college-2012-2018-offense-undefeated-everett-golson-ian-book-rees-wimbush |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=One Foot Down |language=en |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809054338/https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/11/2/18057818/notre-dame-football-irish-college-2012-2018-offense-undefeated-everett-golson-ian-book-rees-wimbush |url-status=live }} They were ranked #3 in the nation by the College Football Playoff committee as of December 2, 2018, and selected to play in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic against Clemson on December 29, 2018.{{Cite web |last=Staats |first=Wayne |date=December 19, 2018 |title=College Football Playoff: Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame and Oklahoma in top four |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2018-12-02/college-football-playoff-alabama-clemson-notre-dame-and-oklahoma |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=NCAA.com |language=en |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813152944/https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2018-12-02/college-football-playoff-alabama-clemson-notre-dame-and-oklahoma |url-status=live }} Notre Dame's undefeated streak came to an end after losing to Clemson 30–3 to finish the season at 12–1.{{Cite web |title=Cotton Bowl – Notre Dame vs Clemson Box Score, December 29, 2018 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-12-29-clemson.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203810/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2018-12-29-clemson.html |url-status=live }} He was named AP Coach of the Year and Home Depot Coach of the Year for the 2018 season.{{Cite web |last=Russo |first=Ralph D. |date=December 17, 2018 |title=Notre Dame's Brian Kelly wins second AP Coach of the Year award |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/notre-dame/2018/12/17/notre-dames-brian-kelly-wins-second-ap-coach-year-award-fighting-irish/2337103002/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US |archive-date=August 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820051956/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/notre-dame/2018/12/17/notre-dames-brian-kelly-wins-second-ap-coach-year-award-fighting-irish/2337103002/ |url-status=live }}
==2019 season==
Kelly and the Fighting Irish started off the season with a #9 ranking in the AP Poll.{{Cite web |title=2019 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2019-schedule.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203651/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2019-schedule.html |url-status=live }} Notre Dame won their first two games before dropping a 23–17 result to #3 Georgia.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Georgia Box Score, September 21, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-09-21-georgia.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=November 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126183640/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-09-21-georgia.html |url-status=live }} Notre Dame won their next three games before dropping a 45–14 game to #19 Michigan.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Michigan Box Score, October 26, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-10-26-michigan.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312173720/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-10-26-michigan.html |url-status=live }} Notre Dame closed out the regular season with victories in their last five games. Notre Dame won the Camping World Bowl 33–9 over Iowa State.{{Cite web |title=Camping World Bowl – Notre Dame vs Iowa State Box Score, December 28, 2019 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-12-28-iowa-state.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203720/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2019-12-28-iowa-state.html |url-status=live }}
==2020 season==
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of regular season scheduled games, Notre Dame joined the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in football for a single season and played a full slate of conference matches.{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Michelle R. |date=July 30, 2020 |title=Answering 8 questions about Notre Dame football joining the ACC in 2020 |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/07/college-football-notre-dame-acc-explain-conference-championship |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=For The Win |language=en-US |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203619/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/07/college-football-notre-dame-acc-explain-conference-championship |url-status=live }} The Irish won all ten of their games, including a mid-season contest against perennial conference power and top-ranked Clemson. The Fighting Irish defeated the Tigers 47–40 in 2OT{{Cite web |title=2020 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2020-schedule.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203031/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2020-schedule.html |url-status=live }} However, Clemson defeated the Irish in a rematch in the ACC Championship Game 34–10.{{Cite web |last=Easterling |first=Luke |date=December 20, 2020 |title=Trevor Lawrence, Clemson win ACC title with rematch blowout of Notre Dame |url=https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/12/19/acc-championship-clemson-notre-dame-trevor-lawrence/ |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=The Draft Wire |language=en-US |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317204921/https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/12/19/acc-championship-clemson-notre-dame-trevor-lawrence/ |url-status=live }} He was named as the ACC Coach of the Year.{{Cite web |title=ACC Coach of the Year Winners |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/acc-coy.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321204448/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/acc-coy.html |url-status=live }} Notre Dame qualified for the College Football Playoff as the #4-seed.{{Cite web |last=Staats |first=Wayne |date=December 20, 2020 |title=College Football Playoff: Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Notre Dame lead rankings |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2020-12-20/college-football-playoff-alabama-clemson-ohio-state-and-notre-dame-make-semifinals |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=NCAA.com |language=en |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313183944/https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2020-12-20/college-football-playoff-alabama-clemson-ohio-state-and-notre-dame-make-semifinals |url-status=live }} In the College Football Playoff Semifinals against Alabama at the Rose Bowl, Notre Dame lost 31–14 to give Kelly a 10–2 mark in the 2020 season.{{Cite web |title=2020 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2020-schedule.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203648/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2020-schedule.html |url-status=live }}
==2021 season==
In Kelly's 11th season, the Fighting Irish were ranked in the top 10 after a playoff appearance in 2020.{{Cite web |title=2021 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2021-schedule.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203029/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/notre-dame/2021-schedule.html |url-status=live }} However, they struggled in their first two games, beating Florida State 41–38 and Toledo 32–29 before winning over Purdue 27–13 and 18th-ranked Wisconsin at Soldier Field 41–13.{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame at Florida State Box Score, September 5, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-05-florida-state.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203031/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-05-florida-state.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Toledo at Notre Dame Box Score, September 11, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-11-notre-dame.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203030/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-11-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Purdue at Notre Dame Box Score, September 18, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-18-notre-dame.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203031/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-18-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Notre Dame vs Wisconsin Box Score, September 25, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-25-wisconsin.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203031/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-09-25-wisconsin.html |url-status=live }} Following a 24–13 loss to #7 Cincinnati, Kelly helped lead the Fighting Irish to a seven-game winning streak to finish the season.{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati at Notre Dame Box Score, October 2, 2021 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-10-02-notre-dame.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321203032/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-10-02-notre-dame.html |url-status=live }} After finishing the regular season with eleven wins and one loss, Kelly resigned from his position at Notre Dame in order to become the head coach of the LSU Tigers football team.{{Cite web |date=November 30, 2021 |title=Michigan moves into top 4 of CFP rankings; coachless Irish 6 |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/michigan-moves-top-4-cfp-rankings-coachless-irish-6 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Fox News |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=September 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927032819/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/michigan-moves-top-4-cfp-rankings-coachless-irish-6 |url-status=live }}
Kelly finished his tenure at Notre Dame with a 92–39 record.
=LSU=
On November 30, 2021, Kelly was named the 33rd head coach at Louisiana State University (LSU), replacing Ed Orgeron.{{Cite web |last=Rittenberg |first=Adam |date=November 30, 2021 |title=LSU hires Notre Dame's Brian Kelly as next head football coach |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32748893/lsu-set-hire-notre-dame-brian-kelly-next-head-football-coach-sources-say |access-date=November 30, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=November 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130014427/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32748893/lsu-set-hire-notre-dame-brian-kelly-next-head-football-coach-sources-say |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|first=Jacob|last=Camenker|title=Brian Kelly contract details: LSU makes former Notre Dame coach one of college football's highest paid|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/brian-kelly-contract-details-lsu-notre-dame/22ip4ln3y64919gqrlkop2cc7|date=December 1, 2021|accessdate=December 1, 2021|website=Sporting News|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201203445/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/brian-kelly-contract-details-lsu-notre-dame/22ip4ln3y64919gqrlkop2cc7|url-status=live}} Kelly cited "wanting to be with the best" and "the commitment to excellence, rich traditions, and unrivaled pride and passion of LSU Football" for the move.{{Cite web |last=Bonnette |first=Michael |date=November 30, 2021 |title=Brian Kelly Named 34th LSU Football Head Coach |url=https://lsusports.net/news/2021/11/30/brian-kelly-named-34th-lsu-football-head-coach/ |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=LSUSports.net |language=en-US |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209050352/https://lsusports.net/news/2021/11/30/brian-kelly-named-34th-lsu-football-head-coach/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Erick |date=December 1, 2021 |title=New LSU coach Brian Kelly explains decision to leave Notre Dame: 'I wanted to be with the best' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2021/12/01/brian-kelly-decision-leave-notre-dame-lsu/8823519002/ |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=USA Today |language=en-US |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805131635/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2021/12/01/brian-kelly-decision-leave-notre-dame-lsu/8823519002/ |url-status=live }}
His contract more than tripled his previous salary, from his 2021 salary of $2.67 million to $9 million in 2022.{{cite web|first=Nick|last=Shepkowski|url=https://fightingirishwire.usatoday.com/2021/10/15/college-football-head-coach-salaries|title=College Football Head Coach Salaries|date=October 15, 2021|accessdate=January 5, 2022|website=USA Today Fighting Irish Wire|archive-date=January 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105232824/https://fightingirishwire.usatoday.com/2021/10/15/college-football-head-coach-salaries/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Glen|last=West|url=https://www.si.com/college/lsu/football/lsu-contract-details-football-coach-brian-kelly|title=A Deeper Look into the Details of Brian Kelly's LSU Contract|date=December 1, 2021|accessdate=January 5, 2022|website=Sports Illustrated Fan Nation (LSU Country)|archive-date=January 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105232819/https://www.si.com/college/lsu/football/lsu-contract-details-football-coach-brian-kelly|url-status=live}}
==2022 season==
Kelly made his LSU debut in a 24–23 loss to the Florida State Seminoles in New Orleans where a potential game-tying kick to send the contest to overtime was blocked by the Seminoles.{{Cite web |title=Florida State vs LSU Box Score, September 4, 2022 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2022-09-04-louisiana-state.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321195249/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2022-09-04-louisiana-state.html |url-status=live }} He won his first game with LSU in the following game, a 65–17 victory over Southern.{{Cite web |title=Southern at LSU Box Score, September 10, 2022 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2022-09-10-louisiana-state.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102201015/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2022-09-10-louisiana-state.html |url-status=live }} The win over Southern started a four-game winning streak for the Tigers, which was snapped against #8 Tennessee.{{Cite web |title=2022 LSU Fighting Tigers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/louisiana-state/2022-schedule.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209130024/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/louisiana-state/2022-schedule.html |url-status=live }} Following the Tennessee game, LSU went on a five-game winning streak, which included a 45–20 victory over #7 Ole Miss and a 32–31 down-to-the-wire overtime victory over #6 Alabama.{{Cite web |last1=Cooper |first1=Mark |last2=Bass |first2=Tobias |date=October 22, 2022 |title=How LSU upset Ole Miss in an SEC showdown |url=https://theathletic.com/3713388/2022/10/22/ole-miss-lsu-takeaways-analysis/ |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=The Athletic |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321200025/https://theathletic.com/3713388/2022/10/22/ole-miss-lsu-takeaways-analysis/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Brody |last2=Suttles |first2=Aaron |date=November 5, 2022 |title=No. 10 LSU shocks No. 6 Alabama in overtime |url=https://theathletic.com/3766666/2022/11/05/alabama-lsu-college-football/ |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=The Athletic |language=en |archive-date=November 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106125645/https://theathletic.com/3766666/2022/11/05/alabama-lsu-college-football/ |url-status=live }} Despite a loss to Texas A&M to finish the regular season, LSU won the SEC West.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Jon |date=November 12, 2022 |title=LSU Tigers win 2022 SEC West division |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/lsu-football/lsu-tigers-win-2022-sec-west-division/ |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321200304/https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/lsu-football/lsu-tigers-win-2022-sec-west-division/ |url-status=live }} In the SEC Championship against #1 Georgia, LSU lost 50–30.{{Cite web |title=LSU vs Georgia Box Score, December 3, 2022 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2022-12-03-georgia.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321200425/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2022-12-03-georgia.html |url-status=live }} In the Citrus Bowl, LSU defeated Purdue 63–7 to give Kelly a 10–4 record in his first season with the Tigers.{{Cite web |title=Citrus Bowl – LSU vs Purdue Box Score, January 2, 2023 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2023-01-02-purdue.html |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321200427/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2023-01-02-purdue.html |url-status=live }} In the game, LSU set new Citrus Bowl records for most points scored (63), largest margin of victory (56), and total offensive yards (594).{{Cite web |last=Fappiano |first=Dan |date=January 2, 2023 |title=LSU sets Citrus Bowl record with insane 63-point outburst vs. Purdue |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/lsu-sets-citrus-bowl-record-with-insane-63-point-outburst-vs-purdue/ar-AA15TWmv |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=MSN.com |agency=ClutchPoints |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104073432/https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/lsu-sets-citrus-bowl-record-with-insane-63-point-outburst-vs-purdue/ar-AA15TWmv |url-status=live }} The Tigers finished with a #16 ranking in the final Associated Press poll.
==2023 season==
Kelly and the Tigers started the 2023 season with a #5 ranking in the AP Poll.{{Cite web |last=Willis |first=Jason |date=August 14, 2023 |title=LSU ranked No. 5 in college football preseason AP Top 25 |url=https://www.lsureveille.com/sports/lsu-ranked-no-5-in-college-football-preseason-ap-top-25/article_204b8e54-3af5-11ee-a0ba-677c992fd78f.html |access-date=February 17, 2024 |website=The Reveille |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Martell |first=Brett |date=August 15, 2023 |title=For No. 5 LSU, expectations for the Tigers are soaring in Year 2 of the Brian Kelly era |url=https://apnews.com/article/lsu-kelly-daniels-perkins-sec-64948368ca8e48c83c093c044ea57fae |access-date=February 17, 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}} LSU dropped the season opener to #8 Florida State 45–24.{{Cite web |title=LSU vs Florida State Box Score, September 3, 2023 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2023-09-03-florida-state.html |access-date=February 17, 2024 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en}} LSU won three consecutive games before losing to #20 Ole Miss 55–49.{{Cite web |title=2023 LSU Fighting Tigers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/louisiana-state/2023-schedule.html |access-date=February 17, 2024 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Burrows |first=Chris |date=October 1, 2023 |title=No. 20 Mississippi rallies past No. 13 LSU in fourth quarter for 55–49 victory |url=https://apnews.com/article/lsu-mississippi-ole-miss-3874265924e7dd59b88fc7f9f3eb8728 |access-date=February 17, 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}} Following another three-game winning streak, which saw LSU defeat previously-undefeated Missouri 49–39, the Tigers lost 42–28 to Alabama.{{Cite web |last=Skretta |first=Dave |date=October 7, 2023 |title=Jayden Daniels dazzles in rallying No. 23 LSU to 49–39 shootout win over No. 21 Missouri |url=https://apnews.com/article/lsu-missouri-tigers-sec-c36d2a16a9e364d34f742fd0eebf18d0 |access-date=February 17, 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Zenor |first=John |date=November 5, 2023 |title=Milroe runs, passes No. 8 Alabama to 42–28 victory over No. 13 LSU, Daniels leaves with injury |url=https://apnews.com/article/lsu-alabama-crimson-tide-tigers-sec-west-f19f876c33e95d31cd7a3069c18a6f9c |access-date=February 17, 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}} The Tigers finished out the regular season with another three-game winning streak to set up a ReliaQuest Bowl matchup with Wisconsin. LSU defeated Wisconsin 35–31 to give Kelly a 10–3 finish to the 2023 season.{{Cite web |title=ReliaQuest Bowl – Wisconsin vs LSU Box Score, January 1, 2024 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2024-01-01-louisiana-state.html |access-date=February 17, 2024 |website=Sports Reference.com |language=en}}
== 2024 season ==
Kelly entered his third season as the Tigers head coach with LSU ranked 13th in the preseason AP Poll.{{Cite web |last=Rittenberg |first=Adam |author-link=Adam Rittenberg |date=September 1, 2024 |title=USC, LSU face similarities and critical Year 3s for Lincoln Riley, Brian Kelly |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/41055188/usc-lsu-lincoln-riley-brian-kelly-critical-year-3 |access-date=September 1, 2024 |website=ESPN.com}}{{cite web | last=Magee | first=Patrick | title=The preseason AP Top 25 has arrived. Here's where LSU football stands in the rankings. | website=NOLA.com | date=2024-08-12 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/lsu/lsu-football-ap-top-25/article_fd937388-58b5-11ef-aa7c-efb22a2b3004.html | access-date=2024-09-10}} He lost his third season opener with the Tigers to the USC Trojans 27–20.{{Cite web |date=September 2, 2024 |title=Woody Marks' TD run with 8 seconds left gives No. 23 USC 27-20 win over No. 13 LSU |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401628334 |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}} He led the team to a 8–4 regular season mark, which included a win over Ole Miss.{{Cite web |title=2024 LSU Fighting Tigers Schedule and Results |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/louisiana-state/2024-schedule.html |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} The Tigers defeated Baylor in the Texas Bowl 44–31.{{cite web | title=Nussmeier throws for 304 yards and 3 TDs as LSU beats Baylor 44-31 in Texas Bowl | website=AP News | date=2025-01-01 | url=https://apnews.com/article/lsu-baylor-football-score-texas-bowl-7d4c5be7e7cde3691b7b3ff54f93a842 | access-date=2025-01-23}}
Personal life
Kelly and his wife, Paqui, have three children.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}} Paqui, after surviving breast cancer, went on to start the Kelly Cares Foundation.{{Cite web |title=Our Story – A Playbook for Hope |url=https://www.kellycaresfoundation.org/about/our-story/ |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Kelly Cares Foundation |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317204717/https://www.kellycaresfoundation.org/about/our-story/ |url-status=live }}
Awards and honors
- Home Depot Coach of the Year (2009, 2012, 2018){{Cite web |date=December 5, 2018 |title=Brian Kelly Named Home Depot Coach of the Year |url=https://irishsportsdaily.com/s/8040/brian-kelly-named-home-depot-coach-of-the-year |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Irish Sports Daily |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317204615/https://irishsportsdaily.com/s/8040/brian-kelly-named-home-depot-coach-of-the-year |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Krausz |first=Tony |date=December 5, 2012 |title=Kelly named coach of the year |url=http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20121205/BLOGS02/121209759 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214132804/http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20121205/BLOGS02/121209759 |archive-date=December 14, 2013 |access-date=December 5, 2012 |newspaper=Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette}}
- Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year Award (2012, 2018) {{Cite web |date=December 19, 2012 |title=Notre Dame's Kelly wins AP coach of year |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/8762200/brian-kelly-notre-dame-fighting-irish-wins-ap-coach-year |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317204737/https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/8762200/brian-kelly-notre-dame-fighting-irish-wins-ap-coach-year |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Glaspie |first=Akeem |date=December 5, 2018 |title=Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly wins Coach of the Year award |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/notre-dame/2018/12/05/notre-dames-brian-kelly-wins-coach-year-award/2216796002/ |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Indianapolis Star |archive-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809171805/https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/notre-dame/2018/12/05/notre-dames-brian-kelly-wins-coach-year-award/2216796002/ |url-status=live }}
- Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award (2012){{Cite web |date=January 2, 2013 |title=Notre Dame's Brian Kelly Named 2012 Walter Camp "Coach of the Year" |url=https://waltercamp.org/notre-dames-brian-kelly-named-2012-walter-camp-coach-of-the-year/ |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Walter Camp Football Foundation |language=en-US |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321194312/https://waltercamp.org/notre-dames-brian-kelly-named-2012-walter-camp-coach-of-the-year/ |url-status=live }}
- Football Writers Association of America Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award (2012){{Cite web |date=December 13, 2012 |title=Brian Kelly Named FWAA/Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year |url=https://und.com/brian-kelly-named-fwaa-eddie-robinson-coach-of-the-year/ |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Official Athletics Website |language=en-US |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321194312/https://und.com/brian-kelly-named-fwaa-eddie-robinson-coach-of-the-year/ |url-status=live }}
- Big East Coach of the Year (2007, 2008, 2009){{Cite web |date=December 9, 2009 |title=Big East Announces 2009 Postseason Football Honors |url=http://www.bigeast.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=19400&ATCLID=204846445 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091223090059/http://www.bigeast.org/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=19400&ATCLID=204846445 |archive-date=December 23, 2009 |access-date=July 30, 2018 |website=Big East Conference}}
- Grand Valley State Athletics Hall of Fame (June 7, 2009)
- Assumption College Alumni Athletics Hall of Fame (August 22, 2006){{Cite web |date=November 30, 2020 |title=Multi-sport Stadium Named for Notre Dame Football Coach Brian Kelly '83, HD '12 |url=https://www.assumption.edu/news-and-events/news/multi-sport-stadium-named-notre-dame-football-coach-brian-kelly-83-hd-12 |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=Assumption College |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321194648/https://www.assumption.edu/news-and-events/news/multi-sport-stadium-named-notre-dame-football-coach-brian-kelly-83-hd-12 |url-status=live }}
- American Football Coaches Association Division II Coach of the Year (2002){{Cite web |last=Myerberg |first=Paul |date=December 13, 2013 |title=Notre Dame's Brian Kelly named the coach of the year |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2012/12/13/brian-kelly-notre-dame-coach-of-the-year/1766575/ |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=USA Today |language=en-US |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321194550/https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2012/12/13/brian-kelly-notre-dame-coach-of-the-year/1766575/ |url-status=live }}
- American Football Coaches Association Division II Coach of the Year (2003)
Head coaching record
{{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = | bowl = | poll = both }}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = Grand Valley State Lakers
| conf = Midwest Intercollegiate Football Conference
| startyear = 1991
| endyear = 1998
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 1991
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 9–3
| conference = 8–2
| confstanding = T–2nd
| bowlname = NCAA Division II First Round
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| year = 1992
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 8–3
| conference = 8–2
| confstanding = T–1st
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 1993
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 6–3–2
| conference = 6–2–2
| confstanding = 3rd
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 1994
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 8–4
| conference = 8–2
| confstanding = 2nd
| bowlname = NCAA Division II First Round
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 1995
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 8–3
| conference = 8–2
| confstanding = 2nd
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 1996
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 8–3
| conference = 8–2
| confstanding = 2nd
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| year = 1997
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 9–2
| conference = 9–1
| confstanding = T–1st
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| year = 1998
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 9–3
| conference = 9–1
| confstanding = 1st
| bowlname = NCAA Division II First Round
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = Grand Valley State Lakers
| conf = Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
| startyear = 1999
| endyear = 2003
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 1999
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 5–5
| conference = 5–4
| confstanding = 7th
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2000
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 7–4
| conference = 7–3
| confstanding = 3rd
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| year = 2001
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 13–1
| conference = 9–0
| confstanding = 1st
| bowlname = NCAA Division II Championship
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking = 2
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = national
| year = 2002
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 14–0
| conference = 9–0
| confstanding = 1st
| bowlname = NCAA Division II Championship
| bowloutcome = W
| bcsbowl =
| ranking = 1
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = national
| year = 2003
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 14–1
| conference = 9–1
| confstanding = 2nd
| bowlname = NCAA Division II Championship
| bowloutcome = W
| bcsbowl =
| ranking = 4
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal
| name = Grand Valley State
| overall = 118–35–2
| confrecord = 103–22–2
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = Central Michigan Chippewas
| conf = Mid-American Conference
| startyear = 2004
| endyear = 2006
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2004
| name = Central Michigan
| overall = 4–7
| conference = 3–5
| confstanding = 5th (West)
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2005
| name = Central Michigan
| overall = 6–5
| conference = 5–3
| confstanding = 4th (West)
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| year = 2006
| name = Central Michigan
| overall = 9–4
| conference = 7–1
| confstanding = 1st (West)
| bowlname = Motor City*
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal
| name = Central Michigan
| overall = 19–16
| confrecord = 15–9
}}*resigned prior to bowl game
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = Cincinnati Bearcats
| conf = Big East Conference
| startyear = 2006
| endyear = 2009
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2006
| name = Cincinnati
| overall = 1–0
| conference = 0–0
| confstanding =
| bowlname = International
| bowloutcome = W
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2007
| name = Cincinnati
| overall = 10–3
| conference = 4–3
| confstanding = 3rd
| bowlname = Papajohns.com
| bowloutcome = W
| bcsbowl =
| ranking = 20
| ranking2 = 17
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| year = 2008
| name = Cincinnati
| overall = 11–3
| conference = 6–1
| confstanding = 1st
| bowlname = Orange
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl = yes
| ranking = 17
| ranking2 = 17
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = conference
| year = 2009
| name = Cincinnati
| overall = 12–0
| conference = 7–0
| confstanding = 1st
| bowlname = Sugar*
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl = yes
| ranking = 4
| ranking2 = 4
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal
| name = Cincinnati
| overall = 34–6
| confrecord = 17–4
}}*resigned prior to bowl game
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = Notre Dame Fighting Irish
| conf = NCAA Division I FBS independent
| startyear = 2010
| endyear = 2019
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2010
| name = Notre Dame
| overall = 8–5
| conference =
| confstanding =
| bowlname = Sun
| bowloutcome = W
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2011
| name = Notre Dame
| overall = 8–5
| conference =
| confstanding =
| bowlname = Champs Sports
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2012
| name = Notre Dame
| conference =
| confstanding =
| bowlname = BCS NCG
| bcsbowl = yes
| ranking = 3
| ranking2 = 4
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2013
| name = Notre Dame
| conference =
| confstanding =
| bowlname = Pinstripe
| bcsbowl =
| ranking = 24
| ranking2 = 20
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2014
| name = Notre Dame
| overall = 8–5
| conference =
| confstanding =
| bowlname = Music City
| bowloutcome = W
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2015
| name = Notre Dame
| overall = 10–3
| conference =
| confstanding =
| bowlname = Fiesta
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl = yes
| ranking = 12
| ranking2 = 11
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2016
| name = Notre Dame
| overall = 4–8
| conference =
| confstanding =
| bowlname =
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl =
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2017
| name = Notre Dame
| overall = 10–3
| conference =
| confstanding =
| bowlname = Citrus
| bowloutcome = W
| bcsbowl =
| ranking = 11
| ranking2 = 11
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2018
| name = Notre Dame
| overall = 12–1
| conference =
| confstanding =
| bowlname = Cotton
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl = yes
| ranking = 5
| ranking2 = 5
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2019
| name = Notre Dame
| overall = 11–2
| conference =
| confstanding =
| bowlname = Camping World
| bowloutcome = W
| bcsbowl =
| ranking = 11
| ranking2 = 12
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = Notre Dame Fighting Irish
| conf = Atlantic Coast Conference
| startyear = 2020
| endyear = 2020
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = division
| year = 2020
| name = Notre Dame
| overall = 10–2
| conference = 9–0
| confstanding = 1st
| bowlname = Rose
| bowloutcome = L
| bcsbowl = yes
| ranking = 5
| ranking2 = 5
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = Notre Dame Fighting Irish
| conf = NCAA Division I FBS independent
| startyear = 2021
| endyear = single
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2021
| name = Notre Dame
| overall = 11–1
| conference =
| confstanding =
| bowlname = Fiesta*
| bowloutcome =
| bcsbowl = yes
| ranking = 9
| ranking2 = 8
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal
| name = Notre Dame
| confrecord = 9–0
}}*resigned prior to bowl game
{{CFB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = LSU Tigers
| conf = Southeastern Conference
| startyear = 2022
| endyear =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = division
| year = 2022
| name = LSU
| overall = 10–4
| conference = 6–2
| confstanding = T–1st (Western)
| bcsbowl =
| bowlname = Citrus
| bowloutcome = W
| ranking = 15
| ranking2 = 16
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2023
| name = LSU
| overall = 10–3
| conference = 6–2
| confstanding = T–2nd (Western)
| bcsbowl =
| bowlname = ReliaQuest
| bowloutcome = W
| ranking = 12
| ranking2 = 12
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Entry
| championship =
| year = 2024
| name = LSU
| overall = 9–4
| conference = 5–3
| confstanding = T–4th
| bcsbowl =
| bowlname = Texas
| bowloutcome = W
| ranking =
| ranking2 =
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal
| name = LSU
| overall = 29–11
| confrecord = 17–7
}}
{{CFB Yearly Record End
| yearstart = 2008
| yearend =
| poll = two
}}
{{notelist|group=record}}
See also
Notes
{{Reflist|group="n"}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Twitter|CoachBrianKelly}}
- [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/brian-kelly-2.html Coaching statistics] at Sports Reference
- [https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/coach/brian-kelly/ LSU Tigers bio]
{{Southeastern Conference football coach navbox}}
{{Navboxes
|list =
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{{Notre Dame Fighting Irish football coach navbox}}
{{LSU Tigers football coach navbox}}
{{Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year Award}}
{{Home Depot Coach of the Year}}
{{Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year}}
{{Walter Camp Coach of the Year}}
{{Bobby Dodd Award}}
{{Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year}}
{{AFCA Coach of the Year}}
{{AFCA Division II Coach of the Year}}
{{2002 Grand Valley State Lakers football navbox}}
{{2003 Grand Valley State Lakers football navbox}}
{{Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kelly, Brian}}
Category:American football linebackers
Category:American people of Irish descent
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Category:Assumption Greyhounds football coaches
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Category:Coaches of American football from Massachusetts
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Category:Players of American football from Everett, Massachusetts
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Category:St. John's Preparatory School (Massachusetts) alumni