Has Brian Kelly ever coached a Heisman winner? A look at LSU HC's career achievements

Brian Kelly has been a college football head coach since 1991, first taking over the reins at Grand Valley State before enjoying stints at Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Notre Dame and currently, LSU. Kelly has earned several plaudits and titles along the way, winning two NCAA Division II championships, three MIFC titles, three GLIAC titles, two Big East championships, one SEC Western Division and more.

Coach Kelly has also racked up some personal honors as well, including two AFCA Division II Coach of the Year awards, two AP College Football Coach of the Year awards and three Home Depot Coach of the Year awards. He has coached his fair share of collegiate football standouts, but how many of them won the prestigious Heisman Trophy?

Brian Kelly has coached one Heisman Trophy winner

In 2023, Jayden Daniels became the first player coached by Brian Kelly to win a Heisman Trophy. The dual-threat quarterback secured the honor after an impressive two-year stint with the LSU Tigers. He secured a spot alongside Manti Te'o as the only Heisman finalists that Brian Kelly coached.

Jayden Daniels enjoyed a standout 2023 season with the Tigers, leading the FBS in total yards and passer rating. Speaking on Daniels' Heisman Trophy win, Brian Kelly said,

"I am so excited and happy for him. It is an exciting night for Jayden Daniels and Louisiana State University."

After beating out significant competition for the award, Daniels went on to declare for the 2024 NFL draft, where the Washington Commanders selected him with the No. 2 overall pick. He'll now look to lead the Commanders' rebuild for the foreseeable future. It'll be interesting to see how his skill set translates to the highest level.

Which LSU Tigers star has the best chance of winning the Heisman Trophy next?

The LSU Tigers enter the 2024 college football season as one of the dark horses for a postseason run. The franchise has a few standouts that could compete for the prestigious award next season.

However, arguably no Tiger has a better chance than quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. Nussmeier inherited Daniels' starting quarterback job and is expected to slot in seamlessly into the offense.

The Edward S. Marcus High School product operates behind an impressive offensive line, and he has the mechanics to thrive in the LSU system. Expect him to be in and around the Heisman conversation if the Tigers post a solid record at the business end of the season.