As Rutgers stumbles to an 0-3 start, speculation has swirled that the program might look to make a splashy hire to replace Greg Schiano. One name that keeps popping up? Brian Kelly. But the LSU coach isn't exactly embracing the chatter.
During a recent appearance on The Early Read, Kelly made it clear that he doesn't appreciate being caught up in rumors, especially when they involve someone else's job security. "You can imagine, coming from my perspective as a sitting football coach when I was in that position, you hate hearing the rumors because it means somebody's job is being evaluated," he said. "It's uncomfortable for me. I don't feel easy about it."
Kelly, who spent three and a half seasons at LSU before being let go, knows the coaching carousel all too well. He posted a 34-14 record with the Tigers, including a 19-10 mark in SEC play, but that wasn't enough to keep his job. Still, he's quick to point out that he hasn't had a losing season anywhere since 2016, a track record that would make him an attractive candidate for any program looking for stability.
Despite the speculation, Kelly insists he's focused on his current role and not on potential openings. "Look, we all know it's something that gets out in the media and it's talked about because it's juicy, right? But for me, I just focus on what I'm doing on a day-to-day basis and those things take care of themselves," he said.
But that doesn't mean he can't have a little fun with the rumors. When asked about the possibility of coaching in New Jersey, Kelly joked that he'd fit right in—at least when it comes to the local accent. "I think they just feel like I can fake any accent no matter where I go," he said with a laugh. "So I could do the Jersey accent. I can do anyone you want."
The rumors linking Kelly to Rutgers stem partly from his past working relationship with Rutgers president William Tate and athletic director Keli Zinn, both of whom were at LSU during Kelly's tenure. But Kelly's comments suggest he's not actively seeking a move, and he emphasized that he roots for other coaches to succeed.
For Rutgers fans, the idea of a proven winner like Kelly taking over is tantalizing, especially given the team's current struggles. But as some fans dream of a Kelly hire, others are already calling for Schiano's dismissal after a historic loss to UMass. The pressure is mounting, but Kelly's remarks make it clear he's not interested in being the center of that storm.
While Kelly's name has been floated, he's not the only coach dealing with rumors. Bill Belichick recently dismissed speculation about his personal life, and Deion Sanders handled a heckler with grace after a big win. The coaching carousel is always churning, but Kelly seems content to stay out of it—at least for now.
Whether Rutgers decides to make a change remains to be seen, but Kelly's response suggests he's not planning to pack his bags for Piscataway anytime soon. For now, he's happy to keep his focus on the field and let the rumors fade into the background.
