Brian Kelly Interviews for Maryland Coaching Job

The former Notre Dame and LSU coach met with Maryland's search committee in College Park after the school fired Michael Locksley.

Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Football

Empty college football field with green turf and white yard lines leading toward a brick stadium stand under a pale winter sky. — Maryland interviewed former Notre Dame and LSU coach Brian Kelly in College Park on Saturday as it searches for a new head football coach after firing Michael Locksley. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Brian Kelly, a former Notre Dame and LSU head coach, interviewed in person for Maryland's vacant head football coaching position in College Park on Saturday. The Terps fired Michael Locksley in November 2025 after a 4-8 season.

Why it matters

Maryland is seeking a new head coach after a losing season, and Kelly's candidacy reflects the school's push to hire an experienced program builder. The outcome will shape the direction of Terrapin football for the coming seasons.

Kelly's first two seasons at Notre Dame produced a 22-4 record, while Maryland finished 2025 at 4-8 before firing Locksley. Whether Maryland will extend an offer to Kelly remains unresolved as the search continues.

The players

Brian Kelly

Brian Kelly is a veteran college football head coach who previously led Notre Dame and LSU and is now being considered for Maryland's head coaching job.

Damon Evans

Damon Evans is Maryland's athletic director and is leading the school's search for a new head football coach.

The details

Maryland's search committee interviewed Kelly in person in College Park on Saturday, with athletic director Damon Evans leading the search. Kelly coached LSU from 2016 to 2021 and was reportedly paid a $26 million buyout after leaving, and he has been linked to other coaching searches in the past.

2016: Kelly began his tenure as LSU head coach.
2021: Kelly left LSU and received a reported $26 million buyout.
2025 season: Maryland finished 4-8 and later fired Michael Locksley.
November 14, 2026: Reports of Kelly's Maryland interview were published.

Season Trajectory

Maryland's 4-8 finish and the Locksley firing set the stage for a rebuild that now hinges on whether the program can land a proven head coach. Kelly's interview signals that the Terps are prioritizing experienced candidates with prior Power Four head coaching success.

If Maryland hires Kelly, his track record at Notre Dame and LSU would reshape the Terps' schedule planning and recruiting targets for the next several seasons. Fans tracking the program should watch for an official announcement from the athletic department.

The takeaway

Coaching hires after losing seasons often hinge on how well a candidate has rebuilt programs before, so Kelly's Notre Dame results are central to evaluating Maryland's options. Readers following the search should track official school announcements rather than interview reports alone.