Former LSU head coach Brian Kelly has indicated his interest in the Florida State coaching position, stating that a role with the Seminoles would be an "honor and a privilege." Kelly, who previously coached at Notre Dame and most recently LSU, made the comments on SiriusXM.
"Yeah, I mean, look, when you’re talking to an unemployed football coach, every job’s a great job, you know? But Florida State, look, I’ve got a great history with Florida State, great games," Kelly said. "I know what that’s like, the history and tradition of Florida State, playing in that state, and the fan base. So anytime you have an incredibly brand driven, great tradition and history, there’s a want and desire to be part of somebody that has had that success and, certainly, leading that program, from anyone’s perspective, would be an honor and privilege."
Florida State fired head coach Mike Norvell on Sunday, reportedly owing him $50.3 million. Norvell's tenure followed a successful 2023 season where the Seminoles were controversially excluded from the College Football Playoff after starting quarterback Jordan Travis suffered an injury. The team experienced consecutive losing seasons in 2024 and 2025 under Norvell.
Kelly, currently a pundit for CBS Sports, had a coaching career that included a successful run with Cincinnati from 2006-09, followed by 11 years at Notre Dame. He moved to LSU at the end of 2021, where he compiled a 34-14 record before his mid-season dismissal in 2025.
He also mentioned the evolving landscape of college football, referencing Indiana's national championship win as an example of how brand recognition and perceived limitations can change. "When people talk relative to, ‘It’s not what it used to be,’ nothing’s what it used to be! Everything has changed," Kelly observed.
Kelly was previously linked to the Rutgers job in September, but expressed discomfort with those discussions at the time. Florida State has named Rick Stockstill as the interim coach.