Assessing the chance Brian Kelly leaves for Michigan if Jim Harbaugh goes to the NFL

Even before Jim Harbaugh leaves Michigan in favor of the NFL, rumblings are occurring of who could replace him following a national championship. If you asked On3’s Andy Staples, offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore is the easy selection, especially after watching what happened to Alabama‘s roster following Nick Saban‘s retirement.

One outside name has been rumored though, with Brian Kelly potentially returning to the Midwest. Kelly began his career at Grand Valley State and got his first FBS job at Central Michigan.

If the Wolverines were to come calling, would Kelly be interested at all?

“I don’t think Brian Kelly is going anywhere,” Staples said during Monday’s episode of Andy Staples On3. “The Michigan stuff just confounded me. I don’t even know where that’s coming from. I don’t know that Michigan would definitely promote Sherrone Moore. There is always a chance they could go outside if Harbaugh leaves.

“But I don’t think Kelly would leave LSU for Michigan at this point. Even if it was open and they were looking outside. It wouldn’t make sense to me.”

Kelly arrived in Baton Rouge just two seasons ago, making a shock move down South after spending 12 years at Notre Dame. Winning the SEC West in 2022 and producing a Heisman Trophy winner in 2023 has provided a lot more immediate success than anyone could have guessed.

LSU still felt the need to revamp the coaching staff though, reworking the defensive side. Some big-time hires have been made, highlighted by DC Blake Baker. Bo Davis, Corey Raymond, and Kevin Peoples are all thought to be incredible assistants as well.

Nobody has been recruiting better in the 2025 cycle either, with LSU having the No. 1 class at this point. The top quarterback, running back, and wide receiver have all committed to play for the Tigers — all without an offensive coordinator being on staff. Kelly’s on-field success in 2023 has translated in a big way to high school prospects.

Combine those two aspects and watching Kelly step away from what he is building with LSU would be a bit of a head-scratcher.

“It would be very peculiar with what he’s done,” On3’s Jesse Simonton said. “Both from a staffing and roster management. So, I agree. It would be quite strange.”

To this point, there are nothing but hypotheticals to discuss. Harbaugh is going in for a second interview with the Los Angeles Chargers, seemingly being the favorite to be the franchise’s next head coach. But recent moves in college football have taught us that Michigan needs to act quickly if/when Harbaugh leaves.

Kelly certainly might be a candidate if Michigan looks on the outside but leaving an SEC job — after Saban retired, potentially opening the doors for others in the conference — would not make a ton of sense to Simonton and Staples.