NEW ORLEANS, LA – May 24, 2025 – In a development that has sent reverberations across the football landscape, both collegiate and professional, sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that Brian Kelly, currently the head coach of the LSU Tigers and formerly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, has reached a monumental agreement to become the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints. The deal, which is expected to be formally announced in the coming days, marks a stunning return to the NFL for Kelly, who previously served as an assistant with the New England Patriots in the late 1980s.
This move comes as a seismic shock, particularly for LSU, where Kelly was in the midst of a highly scrutinized tenure. Despite a strong 29-11 record in three seasons in Baton Rouge, including an SEC West title in his first year (2022), the pressure to contend for a national championship at LSU has been immense. Kelly signed a massive 10-year, $95 million contract with LSU in 2021, and his decision to depart now suggests a desire to escape the intense scrutiny and “championship or bust” mentality that permeates the SEC. His contract with LSU included a buyout clause, though the specific financial implications of his departure for LSU are yet to be fully revealed. Early reports suggest a buyout of $2 million if he leaves after December 31, 2023, for another job while Scott Woodward is still the Athletic Director.
For the New Orleans Saints, this represents a bold and unexpected pivot. The Saints had only recently appointed Kellen Moore as their 19th head coach on February 11, 2025, following a disappointing 5-12 season under Dennis Allen in 2024. Moore, who had just helped the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl LIX victory as their offensive coordinator, was seen as a promising, young offensive mind. His tenure, however, appears to be cut remarkably short, a testament to the Saints’ aggressive pursuit of Kelly. The organization has remained tight-lipped, but the decision to pursue a seasoned, high-profile coach like Kelly, even at the expense of a recently appointed hire, signals a clear intent to elevate the franchise’s standing and return to contention quickly.
Kelly’s resume speaks for itself. Prior to his stint at LSU, he enjoyed immense success at Notre Dame, becoming the winningest coach in Fighting Irish history with a 92-40 record over 12 seasons (excluding vacated wins). He led Notre Dame to a BCS National Championship appearance in 2012 and three College Football Playoff berths (2018, 2020). His overall collegiate coaching record across multiple institutions, including Central Michigan and Cincinnati, stands at an impressive 292-107-2. This extensive experience and a proven track record of building winning programs are undoubtedly what attracted the Saints’ ownership.
The transition from the college game to the NFL is not without its challenges. Kelly will face a different kind of pressure, dealing with professional athletes, free agency, and the intricacies of the salary cap. However, his reputation as a meticulous planner and a strong leader suggests he is well-equipped for the task. His offensive acumen, honed over decades in various collegiate systems, will be a key factor in revitalizing a Saints offense that has struggled to find consistency in recent years.
The coming days will be crucial as both the Saints and LSU address this momentous shift. An official press conference from the Saints is highly anticipated, where the terms of Kelly’s new deal will likely be revealed, and the future of Kellen Moore will be clarified. Meanwhile, LSU will immediately begin a search for their next head coach, a process that will undoubtedly dominate college football headlines.
This unexpected move by Brian Kelly to the New Orleans Saints signifies a new era for both parties, and the ramifications will be felt deeply across the football landscape.
