Brian Kelly's tenure at LSU ended abruptly last season, but the former Tigers head coach has already secured his next move. Stepping away from the sidelines, Kelly is transitioning into the broadcast booth, joining CBS Sports Network as an analyst ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

This career pivot comes after a mid-season firing that left LSU navigating a complex and costly buyout situation. Kelly's departure, following a pivotal loss to Texas A&M, triggered an eight-figure exit package reportedly worth $54 million. This financial commitment is part of a significant long-term burden for the LSU athletic department, which is also now invested in new head coach Lane Kiffin's contract.

For Kelly, the move to television is a strategic play. It allows him to remain deeply connected to the sport he knows while fulfilling the terms of his lucrative LSU buyout. He recently made his analyst debut, breaking down draft prospects on air, suggesting this may be more than a temporary gig.

While embracing his new role, Kelly hasn't completely closed the door on a return to coaching. In a March interview, he stated, "I don’t know that I’ve made the decision that I want to get back in... I think while you wait, you need to work. And so, I need to stay in the game." He plans to visit programs this spring to observe practices and operations, keeping his football instincts sharp.

Kelly leaves Baton Rouge with a 34-14 record, a period marked by high expectations and an expensive conclusion. As the Tigers rebuild under new leadership, Kelly's next chapter unfolds in the commentary box, offering fans a seasoned coach's perspective on the game from a different angle.