Brian Kelly jokes about being linked to Rutgers job: ‘I can do the Jersey accent’
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Greg Schiano served as the Rutgers Scarlet Knights’ head coach from 2001-2011. He oversaw an 11-win season (2006) and led them to six of their 13 all-time bowl game appearances during that stint. He returned to Piscataway hoping to recapture that magic. Thus far, though, he has failed to do so.
The writing is on the wall for Schiano following an 0-3 start, which includes a loss to UMass, to open the 2026 campaign. With Rutgers’ struggles, names — including Brian Kelly’s — are being linked to the Scarlet Knights. Kelly leaned into the rumors on Wednesday morning, teasing that he could fit in New Jersey.
“[My family feels] I can fake any accent no matter where I go,” Kelly joked on Sirius XM’s College Sports Radio. “I can do the Jersey accent. I can do any one you want.”
While Kelly surely appreciates the chance to possibly get back into coaching, being tied to a program with a head coach under contract has him feeling queasy.
“You hate hearing the rumors, because that means somebody’s job is being evaluated. It’s uncomfortable for me,” the former LSU coach said. “I don’t feel easy about it… I’m pulling for the guy that’s got that job and I want to see him do well.”
Rutgers (0-3, 0-1 Big Ten) hosts the Howard Bison on Friday night (7:00 p.m. E.T., Big Ten Network).
