Will ex-LSU head coach Brian Kelly be a candidate for the NC State job?

Last week, NC State named Dave Doeren as their former head coach and abruptly ended his tenure. This early firing in the hiring process may open the door for former LSU head coach Brian Kelly to be considered for the job. While there has not been much reporting on NC State's specific targets in this search, if they seek a veteran head coach, Kelly's experience could make him a viable candidate.

Kelly enjoyed considerable success during his tenure at Notre Dame, winning the SEC West in 2022. However, his time in LSU ended in disappointment after the 2024 season, where the Tigers started with a 5-3 record. Despite not winning an FBS national title, Kelly has demonstrated success across various programs throughout his career.

Given that NC State is not a program with championship aspirations, Kelly's presence could significantly elevate the team's floor performance. Nevertheless, it is understandable that NC State might prefer to bring in new leadership. While Kelly no longer calls plays on the field, his extensive coaching background and expressed interest in returning to the profession make him a potential fit for the Wolfpack's coaching search.