CBS Expands College Football Coverage with Brian Kelly and Doug Pederson

CBS Enhances College Football Coverage

In a significant move for college football coverage, CBS Sports has announced the hiring of former Notre Dame and LSU coach Brian Kelly alongside former Super Bowl-winning coach Doug Pederson. This development is seen as a strategic effort to bolster CBS’s analytical offerings ahead of the 2026 season.

New Roles and Responsibilities

Brian Kelly will contribute as an occasional game analyst and lend his experience to CBS's studio shows. On the other hand, Doug Pederson will take on a role exclusively as an analyst on CBS Sports Network. While both coaches will bring their extensive knowledge of the game, their careers have seen their share of ups and downs, making this a pivotal point in their professional journeys.

Brian Kelly's Coaching Legacy

Brian Kelly has made a name for himself in college football, being the winningest coach in Notre Dame history. He enjoyed substantial success during his tenure, and after a significant stint at LSU, he faced challenges that led to his firing in 2025. Despite a tumultuous end at LSU, where the program struggled to remain competitive, he is looking to regain his footing in football with this new opportunity.

Kelly's coaching journey began as a defensive coordinator at Assumption College, and he quickly climbed the ranks, gaining recognition for his success at Grand Valley State and Cincinnati. His addition to CBS comes amid expectations of leveraging his experience and insights to provide fans with deep dives into college football dynamics.

Doug Pederson's Transition to College Football

While Doug Pederson is best known for leading the Philadelphia Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory in 2018, his transition to college football brings an interesting narrative. Having primarily coached in the professional ranks, Pederson will bring a fresh perspective as he attempts to navigate this new terrain. Though he has a background in high school coaching, this marks his first significant role in college football analysis.

Pederson had a notable playing career at Louisiana-Monroe, winning a national title during his time there, and his successful coaching career includes playoff appearances with both the Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars. He aims to use this new analyst role as a stepping stone towards returning to coaching.

Looking Forward

CBS's addition of Kelly and Pederson signals a commitment to elevating its narrative in college football. Both analysts possess uniquely different experiences that can resonate well with audiences and enhance the overall viewing experience. The combination of Kelly’s collegiate achievements and Pederson’s professional insights will likely enrich CBS’s sports programming as the network prepares for the upcoming college football season and beyond.

As they step into these new roles, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how both Kelly and Pederson will influence the discourse around college football in 2026 and whether they plan to return to coaching in the near future.