started · updated
Brian Kelly linked to Rutgers head coaching role
Former LSU and Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly is being linked to the Rutgers football program as a potential replacement for Greg Schiano. Reports indicate there is ‘mutual interest’ between Kelly and the Big Ten program.
Rutgers has struggled at the start of the 2026 season, posting an 0-2 record following losses to UMass and Boston College. This performance has increased scrutiny on Schiano, who is in his seventh season since returning to the program. Schiano currently has three years and $22.5 million remaining on his contract, with an estimated buyout of $17.3 million.
Kelly, who is currently working as a college football analyst for CBS Sports, is reportedly highly motivated to return to coaching. Connections between the two programs exist through Rutgers President Bill Tate and Athletic Director Keli Zinn, both of whom previously held roles at LSU. Kelly, a Northeast native, is considered a strong candidate for a program turnaround.
Entities
Bill Tate · Brian Kelly · Greg Schiano · LSU · Rutgers University
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Rutgers President Bill Tate and Athletic Director Keli Zinn previously worked at LSU. www.essentiallysports.com · bleacherreport.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] There is mutual interest between Brian Kelly and Rutgers regarding the head coaching position. www.essentiallysports.com · brobible.com · bleacherreport.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Rutgers football team has started the 2026 season with a 0-2 record. www.essentiallysports.com · brobible.com · bleacherreport.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Brian Kelly is currently serving as a college football analyst for CBS Sports. www.essentiallysports.com · bleacherreport.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Greg Schiano has approximately $17.3 million remaining in his buyout cost. bleacherreport.com