Brian Kelly’s Top Five Offenses: A Look at His Best Units from 21 Years of Coaching in the FBS

Brian Kelly, the head coach of LSU football, has earned a reputation for building high-powered offenses throughout his 21-year career in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Known for his ability to adapt to changing football trends and maximize the talent at his disposal, Kelly has crafted some of the most explosive offenses in college football. As Kelly begins his tenure at LSU, it’s worth taking a look back at the top five offensive units he has coached during his career, which spans from his early years at Central Michigan to his time at Notre Dame. These offenses not only defined his coaching legacy but also had a profound impact on the evolution of the teams they represented.

5. 2019 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Offense

One of the more underrated offenses in Kelly’s career came in 2019, when his Notre Dame squad boasted a balanced attack that kept defenses on their heels. With quarterback Ian Book leading the charge, the Irish offense was efficient and potent, averaging 34.3 points per game and totaling over 400 yards of offense per game.

What made the 2019 offense stand out was its consistency. The team had a solid offensive line anchored by All-American candidate Liam Eichenberg, which gave Book the time he needed to distribute the ball to a talented receiving corps. Wide receiver Chase Claypool emerged as one of the top targets in the nation, finishing the season with 1,037 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Additionally, the running back duo of Jafar Armstrong and Tony Jones Jr. provided a solid ground attack, each contributing over 700 yards and five touchdowns.

While Notre Dame didn’t necessarily have the high-flying, explosive offense some of Kelly’s other teams have boasted, this unit’s effectiveness and efficiency were a testament to Kelly’s ability to adapt to the strengths of his players and tailor the system to their talents.

4. 2017 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Offense

The 2017 Notre Dame offense was one of Kelly’s most explosive units, averaging 34.2 points per game and over 450 yards of offense. In a season that saw the Irish rebound from a disappointing 4-8 season in 2016, this offense helped propel them to a 10-3 record and a New Year’s Six bowl appearance.

At the heart of the offense was quarterback Brandon Wimbush, who proved to be a dynamic dual-threat. He passed for over 1,900 yards and ran for another 804 yards, showcasing his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs. Wimbush’s top target, wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown, was a reliable deep threat, finishing the season with 961 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of this offense was its commitment to the run game. The trio of Josh Adams, Tony Jones Jr., and Dexter Williams combined for over 2,300 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. Kelly’s offense was as balanced as it was explosive, with the Irish ranking in the top 20 in both rushing and passing yards per game. This unit proved to be a balanced juggernaut that set the tone for Kelly’s future teams at Notre Dame.

3. 2022 LSU Tigers Offense

Brian Kelly’s first season at LSU brought a new era of football to Baton Rouge, and one of the most exciting parts of that era was the offensive resurgence that the Tigers experienced in 2022. With the combination of an experienced quarterback in Jayden Daniels, an explosive wide receiver corps led by Malik Nabers, and an emerging star in running back Josh Williams, LSU’s offense ranked as one of the most dangerous units in the SEC.

The 2022 offense averaged 32.8 points per game and over 420 yards of total offense per game. Daniels, known for his dual-threat ability, accounted for over 3,000 total yards and 28 touchdowns (16 passing, 12 rushing), becoming the catalyst for the Tigers’ offensive success. His ability to extend plays with his legs while also showcasing an improved passing game was pivotal in LSU’s success.

What made the 2022 LSU offense stand out was its ability to strike quickly. Daniels connected with Nabers for explosive gains, and the offense showed an uncanny ability to break off big plays when needed. The offensive line, although not the most dominant in the SEC, protected Daniels well enough for him to make plays and allowed running backs like Williams to find success on the ground.

In Kelly’s first season at LSU, the offense showcased both balance and big-play ability, making it one of the most efficient units in recent LSU memory.

2. 2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Offense

The 2011 Notre Dame offense was the pinnacle of Kelly’s efforts to integrate his high-tempo, spread offense with traditional power football. This unit was led by quarterback Tommy Rees, a reliable passer who made great strides under Kelly’s tutelage, and a stable of talented skill players. Although they didn’t always put up astronomical numbers in terms of raw yardage, this offense excelled in key moments and helped lead the Irish to an 8-5 record and a strong performance in the Sun Bowl.

Rees, who threw for over 2,700 yards and 20 touchdowns that season, benefitted greatly from an effective rushing attack. The backfield duo of Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray combined for over 1,800 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, allowing Notre Dame to balance the offense and keep opposing defenses guessing. Tight end Tyler Eifert also emerged as a key weapon, with 68 receptions for 703 yards and five touchdowns, becoming one of the top tight ends in college football.

While this offense didn’t always have the firepower to match some of the best units in college football, it was a well-balanced, highly efficient system that laid the foundation for Kelly’s future successes at Notre Dame. Its physicality in the run game combined with Rees’ solid passing helped the Irish remain competitive in every game they played.

1. 2020 Notre Dame Fighting Irish Offense

It’s hard to overstate just how dominant the 2020 Notre Dame offense was. Averaging 34.5 points per game and ranking 13th in the nation in total offense, this was one of Kelly’s most complete and well-rounded units. Quarterback Ian Book, in his final season at Notre Dame, led an offense that was both efficient and explosive. He threw for over 2,800 yards and 15 touchdowns while also contributing with his legs, rushing for an additional 430 yards and eight touchdowns.

What made this offense truly exceptional was its depth of talent across all positions. The running back committee, led by Kyren Williams and Chris Tyree, produced a balanced ground game that kept defenses honest. Williams rushed for over 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Tyree’s speed and versatility provided a great complement.

The wide receiver corps, featuring playmakers like Ben Skowronek and Javon McKinley, gave Book multiple reliable targets to stretch the field. The offense was also anchored by a stout offensive line that featured standout players such as Liam Eichenberg and Aaron Banks. Together, they allowed the offense to operate at a high level, whether in the air or on the ground.

The 2020 Notre Dame offense was a textbook example of Kelly’s ability to blend traditional power football with modern, fast-paced spread concepts. It was a complete unit that not only put up impressive stats but also found ways to win games in critical moments. This offense helped Notre Dame reach the College Football Playoff for the first time under Kelly and solidified his reputation as one of the top offensive minds in college football.

Throughout his 21-year career in the FBS, Brian Kelly has developed a variety of high-caliber offenses that have had success at nearly every level of college football. Whether it’s through a balanced rushing attack, a dynamic passing game, or an ability to capitalize on big plays, Kelly has shown his prowess in molding offenses that can excel in any system. As he continues to build upon his legacy at LSU, fans can expect more electrifying and high-performance units, continuing a tradition of excellence that Kelly has maintained throughout his coaching career.