Brian Kelly, the former head coach of Notre Dame and LSU, will join CBS Sports as a college football analyst for the 2026 season. According to sources, Kelly is expected to be part of a three-man commentary team covering Mountain West games on CBS's broadcast network. This marks a significant step in Kelly’s transition from coaching to media, following his media appearances during the NFL Draft on CBS Sports Network.

CBS Sports holds broadcast rights for one Big Ten football game weekly and the Mountain West Conference. For the Big Ten games this season, Charles Davis will replace Gary Danielson as Brad Nessler’s commentary partner. Meanwhile, Kelly's role will focus more on the Mountain West broadcasts, reflecting CBS’s strategy to enhance its college football coverage by integrating well-known football figures like Kelly into its booth.

Kelly’s coaching career spanned 22 years, beginning at Central Michigan and culminating at LSU. He holds the position as Notre Dame’s winningest coach with 113 victories, having led the Fighting Irish to two College Football Playoff appearances and a BCS Championship game in 2012. His tenure at LSU ended mid-2025 season, after which LSU agreed to pay out his full $54 million buyout following a legal dispute.

Despite his current role in broadcasting, Kelly has expressed a strong desire to return to coaching. In a recent interview with USA Today, he emphasized his commitment to mentoring players and rebuilding successful programs, highlighting that his motivation goes beyond financial considerations. Kelly’s presence on CBS this season serves as a bridge between his coaching history and his goal to eventually coach again.