Brian Kelly landing spots: Top 3 destinations for fired LSU HC after tumultuous 2025 season ft. Penn State and more

The LSU Tigers fired Brian Kelly after a 49-25 loss to Texas A&M. Kelly compiled a 34-14 record with the Tigers over three-plus seasons in Louisiana.

With the veteran head coach now in the market, let's look at three potential landing spots.

Top 3 destinations for fired Brian Kelly after tumultuous 2025 season

3. North Carolina Tar Heels

The North Carolina Tar Heels are 2-5 in Bill Belichick's first season at the helm. The Tar Heels have struggled for form and are currently set to miss out on bowl game eligibility.

Brian Kelly could be a coup for LSU due to his pedigree, experience, and recruiting ability. The former LSU Tigers head coach has enjoyed stints with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Cincinnati Bearcats, and Central Michigan Chippewas.

Furthermore, Kelly has experience coaching against ACC teams from his time with Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish had a five-game agreement that entered matchups against ACC programs. It could be a marked departure from the Bill Belichick era.

2. Florida Gators

The Florida Gators parted ways with Billy Napier after a disappointing start to the 2025 campaign. It's a tantalizing job for a coach with high-level and SEC experience.

Brian Kelly ticks both boxes as he's been a college football head coach since 1991. Furthermore, he compiled winning records in every full season during his time in the SEC, coaching the LSU Tigers.

A rebound in the same conference could give Kelly a chance to prove that he wasn't the problem at LSU. The bright lights of Florida might be the ideal landing spot.

1. Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State parted ways with James Franklin after over 11 years on the job. The job instantly became the biggest one available in the Big Ten.

Brian Kelly could be an interesting candidate to take over the job due to his familiarity with the conference. Kelly went 13-8 against the Big Ten at Notre Dame and 3-1 against the conference at LSU.

A lot of eyes will be on Kelly's next move. It's the first time in decades that he's in the job market, and he'll likely pick a team where he'll have a big voice in all football-related activities.

Edited by Nick Igbokwe