Brian Kelly Responds To Rumors Linking Him To Rutgers Job

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Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano has been finding his second stint with the team far more challenging than his first, and if the team’s losing ways continue, he’ll be out of a job. But is Rutgers ready to bring Brian Kelly in as his replacement?

That’s been the rumors spreading around social media amid the Scarlet Knights’ 0-3 start. Some have noted that Kelly has previously worked alongside Rutgers president William Tate and athletic director Keli Zinn dating back to his time at LSU.

Unfortunately for New Jersey-based college football fans, it doesn’t look like Kelly has much interest in the job – or any job that isn’t vacant right now.

Kelly Speaks

In a recent radio interview, Kelly said that he doesn’t appreciate being linked to rumors since it means someone else’s job is under fire and he roots for other coaches to do well in their jobs.

“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,” Kelly said on The Early Read. “It’s uncomfortable for me. I don’t feel easy about it.

“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.”

Brian Kelly: “I don’t relish my name being mentioned for other jobs. I’m pulling for the guy that’s got that job and I want to see him do well.”

Also: “I think they feel I can fake any accent no matter where I go. I can do the Jersey accent. I can do any one you want.” https://t.co/0sTQmSJhGbpic.twitter.com/xAhsrXtGff

— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) September 23, 2026

But Kelly did joke that if he did get the Rutgers job, he’d be able to fit in pretty quickly. He joked that he could probably pull off a New Jersey accent.

“I think they just feel like I can fake any accent no matter where I go,” he said. “You know what I mean? So I could do the Jersey accent. I can do anyone you want.”

Kelly wore out his welcome at LSU after 3.5 seasons and a 34-14 record with just a 19-10 record against SEC opponents. But it is also worth noting that he hasn’t had a losing season anywhere since 2016.

Coaches who can win more than half of their games don’t grow on trees and aren’t exactly common in Rutgers’ history.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Sep 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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