Brian Kelly switches from sidelines to CBS for the 2026 college football season

Brian Kelly, the former LSU head coach, is set to take a different path during the 2026 college football season, shifting from coaching to television. According to a report from Yahoo Sports, Kelly will take the year off coaching and instead serve as an analyst for CBS, contributing both in the broadcast booth and in the studio.

Kelly’s name is closely tied to high-profile SEC coaching and a fast-moving recruiting and game-planning environment, and his transition to TV reflects how major networks increasingly build their college football coverage. An analyst who has run major programs brings a perspective on preparation, in-game adjustments, and the way talent development shows up week to week, especially in a sport where schemes can change dramatically between opponents.

For LSU, the move is notable for what it does not suggest, even if it arrives amid broader offseason movement across the college football landscape. Kelly is no longer an active sideline figure in 2026 per the report, and that removes one of the most recognizable coaching voices from the weekly coaching carousel. The franchise in Baton Rouge will continue to rely on its current staff and leadership, while fans will watch for whether Kelly’s television presence carries over into how the sport is discussed publicly.

For CBS, the report places Kelly into a dual role that combines game coverage and studio analysis. That format typically means he will be part of the weekly rhythm of broadcast storytelling, connecting what viewers see on the field with what coaches tend to prioritize in practice and during game week. His experience, including the pressures of producing results at a program with national expectations, is likely to shape the way the network frames matchups and tactical questions.

Kelly’s media shift also fits a wider pattern in college football where former head coaches and prominent coordinators find continued relevance after stepping away from the daily demands of managing a program. It is a change of job description, but not necessarily a change of influence, since television analysis can still shape public understanding of coaching decisions and team identity.

The details of the schedule and the exact matchups associated with Kelly’s booth work were not included in the available report. What to watch next is whether CBS assigns him to specific weekly windows or marquee matchups, and whether his analysis focuses more on offensive and defensive strategy or on the recruiting and roster-building realities that drive on-field performance.