Brian Kelly has carved out a prominent place in college football, leading powerhouse programs like Notre Dame and LSU. However, his journey began as a young football coach striving to make his mark. Behind every accomplished man, there often stands an equally remarkable woman — and for Kelly, that woman is Paqui Kelly.
A two-time cancer survivor, former teacher, devoted mother of three, and now a full-time philanthropist, Paqui’s story is one of extraordinary courage and unwavering resilience.
Meet Brian Kelly’s Wife, Paqui Kelly
Paqui, born Francisca Barbara Craig in Feb. 1966, may not be as widely recognized as her husband, but her life story is truly compelling. Nicknamed “Paqui” (a diminutive Spanish term meaning “happy”), she has consistently radiated positivity, even amidst life’s most formidable challenges.
She first encountered Brian in the early 1990s while both were employed at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Brian was ascending the ranks of college football as an assistant coach, and Paqui worked in the financial aid department. They married in 1994 and went on to raise three children: Patrick, Grace, and Kenzel.
Before fully embracing the world of football, Paqui established herself as a dedicated high school chemistry teacher and coach. She found joy in working with students and coached volleyball and basketball teams with the same tenacity and passion she later applied to her personal battles.
“I loved what I did,” she once reflected on her teaching career. “One of the toughest things I had to do when I was ill was to go into work and inform them that I couldn’t go to work anymore.”
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That difficult day arrived in 2003 when, during a routine mammogram, doctors detected tiny cysts in her breast. Although the initial diagnosis appeared benign, a subsequent lumpectomy confirmed stage one breast cancer.
Paqui underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy — all while Brian led Grand Valley State to a Division II National Championship.
Just when they believed the ordeal was behind them, cancer recurred in 2007 — this time more aggressively. Far from retreating, Paqui confronted it with renewed courage, opting for a double mastectomy and additional rounds of treatment.
“Just like that, the odds changed from a 96% likelihood that the cancer would not come back to those odds switching totally the other way,” she shared with Strong of Heart in an interview at Notre Dame.
Her daughter, Grace, later spoke to Paqui’s strength, saying, “She never tried to show that weakness—or—that struggle—and, as a kid, she made it easier for me to understand in the sense that there are hard times and there are good times.”
Paqui’s Impact Through the Kelly Cares Foundation
Rather than allowing these dark chapters to define her, Paqui channeled her pain into purpose. In 2008, she and Brian co-founded the Kelly Cares Foundation, an organization that transforms their personal experiences into advocacy, health education, and community outreach.
The foundation has raised millions of dollars to support cancer awareness, early detection, and educational initiatives.
One of the foundation’s most significant achievements is the Paqui and Brian Comprehensive Breast Center at St. Joseph Medical Center in Mishawaka, Indiana — a vital center that assists hundreds of women annually with screenings and treatment.
Through events such as Football 101 (a women’s football clinic) and educational scholarships, Paqui has established a legacy that extends far beyond the football field.
“I love what I do now,” Paqui has stated. “And my hope is to ensure that one person goes and gets their mammogram that wouldn’t have; then I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.”
While Paqui rarely seeks the spotlight, she has been a vocal advocate for health literacy, self-advocacy, and women’s empowerment. Her blend of candid humor and unwavering sincerity has made her a beloved figure at events and fundraisers alike.
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As one event organizer recalled, “When Paqui takes the stage, people listen — and they tear up, then they laugh.”
Brian’s coaching career is undeniably impressive. Following successful tenures at Central Michigan, Cincinnati, and a record-setting period at Notre Dame, he made a bold move to LSU in 2021. With each transition, whether relocating the family across state lines or adapting to new fan bases and expectations, Paqui has been his constant support.
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