College football is one of America’s most profitable pastimes, and Brian Kelly does not doubt it. The now-unemployed coach spoke with Danny Kanell and Dusty Dvoracek on “Dusty and Danny in the Morning” on SiriusXM about the economics of college sports.
At one point in the conversation, they turned to the risks of college football, and the coach admitted they exist, but added that the sport’s revenues are more than enough to keep everything running and profitable. He said that the fact that the LSU Tigers can pay him off while now paying Lane Kiffin is proof that the school is doing well enough.
When one of the analysts said the Tigers are paying for a roster worth some $40 million, Kelly quipped that it was more than that.
“Maybe a little more… More than 40, I’ll tell you that,” said Brian Kelly.
It’s important to remember that under the current rules of the House v. NCAA settlement, schools can distribute $20.5 million in revenues among players. The other $20 million or so that they pay their players probably comes through NIL deals of local companies and money put forward by boosters.
Brian Kelly on His Future Post-LSU Tigers
In the same interview, Brian Kelly spoke about his future. He said he doesn’t know yet if he will try to return in 2026, but that he will remain close to the world of college football.
“I don’t know that I’ve made the decision that I want to get back in, as all the things we’ve talked about, I’d want to see some changes. But I think while you wait, you need to work,” Kelly said. “And so, I need to stay in the game. My first order of business is this next two, three weeks, I’m gonna be visiting some places to see spring ball, get a chance to see some things relative to the football side, the operational side, some of the things we talked about today with NIL, transfer, and calendar, and get a temperature in the spring for some things.”
“I want to do that in the fall, too. I want to get out and — look, I’ve got four former assistant coaches that are head football coaches in the NFL. I’ve got four Power Four assistant coaches that we’re close to. I want to get around and see their program, see how they’re doing, get a sense of where I can grow, and I can be better. And so, that’s really my focus right now. And then if the right situation comes about and I’m ready, I’m certainly going to entertain that,” he added.
Despite his forgettable last year at LSU, it’s difficult to see a coach of Brian Kelly’s pedigree not return to the game. If he will do it at a job of the same standing as LSU, it’s a different question that time will answer.
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