Brian Kelly’s wife Paqui Kelly has twice overcome cancer in her life. As the former Notre Dame head coach moves to LSU, let’s explore Kelly’s family.
Brian Kelly is a 60-year-old American football coach. He recently left Notre Dame to become head coach of the LSU Tigers football team at the Louisiana State University.
Kelly is a two-time AP College Football Coach of the Year, and has won two NCAA Division II Championships with Grand Valley State University and two Big East Conference with the University of Cincinnati.
After such a momentous move to LSU, people want to know more about Brian Kelly’s family, wife, and children.
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Kelly leaves Notre Dame to sign with LSU
Former Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly is officially LSU’s new head coach, replacing the outgoing Ed Orgeron.
Kelly has reportedly agreed to a 10-year deal worth $9.5 million per year, plus incentives. It makes Kelly the first coach at a public school with a nine-figure contract.
LSU athletic director Scott Woodward said: “Brian Kelly is the epitome of a winner.”
“He has built and sustained success at every program he’s led, from multiple undefeated regular seasons and national coach of the year honors to national titles and College Football Playoff berths. His credentials and consistency speak for themselves.”
Brian Kelly’s family, including wife Paqui
Given the magnitude of the move, fans are inquisitive about Brian Kelly’s family life, including his wife Paqui.
Brian and Francisca ‘Paqui’ Kelly have been married for over two decades. Paqui, who is now 55 years old, met Brian while he was coaching at Grand Valley State University.
They married on 2 July 1994, and have three children together, Patrick, Grace, and Kenzel. Kenzel, who is 21 years old, plays football at Grand Valley State.
Paqui Kelly’s battle with cancer
Paqui Kelly has shown incredible bravery and has survived two separate bouts of breast cancer.
She first discovered she had cancer in 2002, after a mammogram revealed cancerous lumps. She had a lumpectomy and chemotherapy the next year, and was able to come through it.
In 2007, Paqui Kelly discovered she had breast cancer for a second time. It came just a year after her sister Monie had also been diagnosed. In 2008, Paqui had had a double mastectomy, and that same year founded the Kelly Cares Foundation with husband Brian.
The foundation has reportedly donated millions of dollars to support the fight against breast cancer over the years.
“I didn’t choose to be a cancer patient, but I am so here’s what I can do,” Paqui Kelly said in 2011.
“Brian and I consider ourselves so blessed to have a strong, passionate and committed family and foundation team members to assist us in our life journey that allows us the blessing of helping others in need,” Paqui says on the foundation website.
