Reports indicate that Kelly is preparing to join CBS Sports as a color analyst in 2026. In this new role, he would join a broadcast lineup that still holds rights to one Big Ten game per week and full coverage of the Mountain West Conference. This arrangement positions Kelly to bring his on-field insights to viewers from a commentator’s chair, offering analysis based on years of coaching experience.
In the forthcoming season, Charles Davis is slated to replace Gary Danielson alongside Brad Nessler for Big Ten game coverage. Kelly is expected to participate as part of a three-man booth for Mountain West games on the network, contributing his perspective to a broadcast team that values strategic, in-depth commentary.
Kelly’s move reflects a broader trend of former coaches transitioning into sports media roles, where their expertise can enhance broadcasts for fans seeking deeper understanding of formations, play-calling decisions, and game management. His anticipated presence on CBS Sports will provide audiences with a former head coach’s viewpoint on how teams approach various situations, from clock management to defensive schemes and offensive tendencies.
As Kelly transitions toward this media role, he continues to remain a relevant voice in college football conversations, offering distinct insights drawn from a career spent coaching at a high level. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how his analysis translates to the broadcast booth and what unique perspective he brings to the table.
This development underscores how former coaches can extend their influence in the sport beyond the sidelines, shaping how audiences interpret complex games and appreciate the strategic nuances that define modern football. Kelly’s anticipated involvement with CBS Sports marks a new chapter in a career dedicated to football, one that continues to engage and inform fans across major college football moments.
