Brian Kelly is wasting no time throwing his hat into the ring for one of college football's most high-profile openings. Days after Florida State parted ways with Mike Norvell, the former Notre Dame and LSU head coach made it crystal clear that he'd love to lead the Seminoles back to glory.
Appearing on SiriusXM this week, Kelly didn't just hint at interest—he practically campaigned for the job. He praised Florida State's storied history, passionate fan base, and the program's brand power, calling it an "honor and privilege" to even be mentioned as a candidate.
"I've got a great history with Florida State, great games," Kelly said, recalling his past matchups against the Seminoles. "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."
It's no secret why Kelly is positioning himself so publicly. After a rocky end to his tenure at LSU—where he was fired last year—he's looking to get back into the coaching ranks by 2027. And Florida State, with its rich history and national appeal, is exactly the kind of landing spot that could restore his reputation.
But here's the thing: while Kelly might want the job, the feeling isn't mutual among Seminoles faithful. Social media has been buzzing with skepticism and outright rejection since his comments surfaced. One fan sarcastically offered, "Appreciate the compliment BK. We'll send you some tickets." Another was far blunter: "That's a hard 'NO' in every sense of the word. Keep this man away from our program."
The backlash isn't just about Kelly's résumé; it's about how his last stop ended. After a disappointing 3-5 start this season, Florida State is looking for a fresh start, not a retread with baggage. As one fan put it, "Whoever keeps asking this bum about HC openings, please stop." Another warned, "Florida State fans should be taking this as a threat."
Kelly isn't the only name in the mix, though. The Seminoles' search is expected to be wide-ranging, with candidates like Philip Rivers emerging as a top target in the early stages. And with the program reeling from Mike Norvell's firing after a 3-5 start, the next hire will need to hit the ground running.
For now, Kelly seems content to keep his name out there, hoping that enough buzz will land him an interview. But as the fan reaction shows, he might be fighting an uphill battle. The Seminoles' decision-makers will likely take their time, with interviews not expected for at least a month. Whether Kelly makes the shortlist remains to be seen—but he's certainly making sure everyone knows he's available.
One thing's for sure: if Kelly does get the job, he'll have to win over a fan base that's already skeptical. And given the controversy surrounding Florida's ranking in the AP Top 25 this week, the pressure to perform in the Sunshine State is only getting hotter.
