As Oklahoma State looks toward the future of its football program, one name that’s bound to generate attention is Brian Kelly. He's a veteran coach with a long, accomplished career at Notre Dame and LSU which looks very appealing to any team in search of a new head coach. On paper, Kelly checks nearly every box the Cowboys could be looking for in their next coach: experience, success, recruiting connections, and familiarity with the modern college football landscape.
But when it comes to Oklahoma State, a program long defined by culture and stability under Mike Gundy, the question becomes less about credentials and more about fit.
A Proven Winner with an Elite Resume
Few coaches in college football can match Brian Kelly’s track record. His career record of 200-76 and 10-6 in bowl games speaks for itself. He’s also a two-time AP Coach of the Year, a distinction that underscores just how respected he’s been in coaching circles for decades.
Kelly rebuilt Notre Dame into a perennial playoff contender, and during his first couple of seasons at LSU, he guided the Tigers to notable success in the SEC, arguably the toughest conference in college football. His ability to recruit, develop players, and adapt schematically makes him one of the most accomplished coaches available.
On paper, it’s a home-run hire for almost any program.
But Fit Matters More Than Flash
Still, Oklahoma State is not just any program. The Cowboys have built their identity around continuity, culture, and player development which are all values deeply rooted in the long tenure of Mike Gundy.
That’s where questions about Kelly’s fit begin to surface. Reports from LSU have pointed to a fractured locker room and tension between players and staff. Kelly’s leadership style has sometimes been described as aloof, rigid, or overly corporate, qualities that can clash with a program like Oklahoma State that thrives on unity, blue-collar work ethic, and authenticity.
Even with Kelly’s pedigree, bringing in a coach who could potentially disrupt locker room chemistry would be risky for a program that prides itself on internal stability.
A Cautionary Tale from LSU
When Brian Kelly took the LSU job, expectations were sky-high. The Tigers had one of the most talented rosters in the country and are a top-five job by almost any metric, given their recruiting pipeline, resources, and brand power. This brings up the valid argument of can Kelly proper develop players both physically and mentally. The talent has never been a problem around him as a coach but it was getting his guys to take that next step in their games individually and as a team to bring success to everyone apart of the program.
But despite flashes of success, LSU never quite reached the level many expected under Kelly. This season’s underachievement, coupled with whispers of locker room discontent, raised eyebrows across the college football landscape. If Kelly couldn’t sustain momentum in Baton Rouge, where talent is rarely a problem, it’s fair to wonder how he’d handle the more nuanced challenges in Stillwater.
Why Oklahoma State Should Be Cautiously Interested
None of this is to say Oklahoma State shouldn’t at least entertain the idea if Kelly expresses interest. Coaches with his résumé don’t come along often. His experience, recruiting ties, and proven ability to win could elevate the program’s national perception overnight.
But Oklahoma State’s decision-makers must weigh more than wins and losses. In college football’s current era; where locker room dynamics, NIL management, and transfer portal relationships matter as much as play calling, fit trumps flash.
Kelly’s arrival might look great in the headlines, but if the chemistry isn’t right, it could unravel quickly. Don't hire for the introductionary press conference headlines, sometimes "boring" is the right way to go so your team isn't in a search for another coach in the near future. Prime example of this is Mike Elko at Texas A&M.
The Bottom Line
Brian Kelly is, without question, one of the most successful coaches in college football over the last 20 years. His resume alone would make him an attractive candidate for nearly any open job. But for Oklahoma State, where culture and cohesion have always defined the program’s identity, the fit may not be ideal.
The Cowboys should listen if Kelly comes calling but they should also tread carefully. In Stillwater, fit means more than fame.