Former LSU head coach Brian Kelly has made his interest in the Florida State job clear. He told listeners on SiriusXM that leading the Seminoles would be an “honor and a privilege.” Kelly pointed to his past connection with the program as a key reason for his desire to return. The job opened when Florida State fired Mike Norvell on Sunday after a 3-5 start to the season.
Kelly is currently working as a pundit for CBS Sports. He was let go by LSU midway through the 2025 season. Now he is looking for his next move. The former Notre Dame and LSU coach says the Florida State brand still carries significant weight in college football. He believes the school’s history and tradition make it a top choice for any coach.
A Coach Ready to Return
Brian Kelly has spent over 20 years as a head coach. He built a strong record at Cincinnati before taking the job at Notre Dame. He stayed there for 11 years and led the Fighting Irish to many wins. In 2021, he moved to the SEC to coach LSU. His time there produced a 34-14 record. The Tigers won 10 games in both 2022 and 2023. However, he could not guide the team to a playoff appearance. LSU fired him during the 2025 campaign.
Since leaving LSU, Kelly has not been shy about his goals. He told listeners on SiriusXM on Tuesday that leading the Seminoles would be an ‘honor and a privilege.’ He knows what it takes to win in Florida. His comments on the radio show were direct. “Yeah, I mean, look, when you’re talking to an unemployed football coach, every job’s a great job, you know?” Kelly said on SiriusXM. “But Florida State, look, I’ve got a great history with Florida State, great games.”
This is not a secret wish. Kelly has been open about wanting to get back on the field. He sees the Florida State opening as a chance to fix a broken program. The Seminoles need a leader who can restore their standing. Kelly feels he fits that role because he knows the state and the fans.
The State of the Seminoles
Florida State is in a tough spot. The team went 2-10 in 2024 and 5-7 in 2025. This follows a 2023 season in which they finished the regular season undefeated and won the ACC title. The drop in performance led to the decision to fire Mike Norvell. The team fell to 1-4 in ACC play before the change. Rick Stockstill has been named the interim head coach. He will guide the team through the rest of the regular season.
The search for a permanent coach is just starting. Names like Manny Diaz, Eli Drinkwitz, and Deion Sanders have been mentioned as possible candidates. Now, Kelly has added his name to the list. The school has not started an official search yet. They have four games left on their schedule. The decision to hire a new coach must be made carefully. The next leader needs to bring the program back to national prominence.
Money is also a factor in this search. Norvell is still owed $50.3 million, ESPN reported. This large payout gives the school time to find the right fit. They do not need to rush. They can look at top-tier candidates who have the experience to turn things around. Kelly believes the school still has a strong brand. “Well, there’s still brand recognition,” Kelly added. “There’s no doubt about that.”
Why History Matters
Kelly knows the value of tradition. He played against Florida State many times during his career. He understands the pressure of coaching in that state. The fan base is passionate and expects high standards. Kelly said he appreciates the program’s culture. “I know what that’s like, the history and tradition of Florida State, playing in that state, and the fan base,” Kelly said. “So anytime you have an incredibly brand-driven, great tradition and history… There’s a want and desire to be part of something that has had that success.”
The change in college football is real. Kelly noted that things are different now. He pointed to Indiana as an example. He said that a few years ago, people would have said Indiana had no brand and could not win. Yet, they won the national championship. This shows that the old rules do not always apply. “So when people talk relative to, ‘It’s not what it used to be,’ nothing’s what it used to be! Everything has changed,” Kelly said.
Despite the changes, Kelly thinks Florida State remains a top target. He sees the job as a chance to build something special again. He is not afraid of the challenge. The program has lost its way in recent years, but the foundation is still there. A coach with his experience could help the Seminoles find their path back to the top.
The decision to hire Kelly or someone else rests with the Florida State leadership. They need a coach who can handle the pressure of the ACC. The team needs to win games and attract top talent. Kelly has the track record to do this. He has won at multiple levels. He has led teams to conference titles. His time at LSU showed he can handle big programs.
Other candidates are in the mix. The school will look at all options. They need a leader who can fix the defense and the offense. The roster has gaps that need to be filled. The new coach must be able to recruit well. Kelly has the connections to do this. He knows the players and the coaches in the region.
For now, Rick Stockstill will lead the team. He will play the remaining four games. The school will use this time to interview candidates. They will look for the best fit. If they hire Kelly, it will be a bold move. He wants the job. He has said he would be honored to take it.
