TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – A familiar face is returning to the University of South Florida. USF President Judy Genshaft has named Michael Kelly as USF’s new vice president of athletics.  

Kelly is currently the chief operating officer for the College Football Playoff. Kelly previously served as associate athletic director for external affairs at USF under former AD and Tampa Bay legend Lee Roy Selmon. He returns to the university with nearly 25 years of experience in college and professional athletics. 

“Michael Kelly is a proven leader with a wealth of experience across the national collegiate athletic landscape, as well as within Tampa Bay,” Genshaft said. “He has a track record of promoting competitive excellence, building strong community relationships, developing marketing campaigns, reaching fundraising goals and supporting academic achievement.

“I am truly honored to return to the University of South Florida and Tampa Bay.  This is a dream opportunity for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful to President Genshaft and the USF Board of Trustees,” Kelly said.  “It’s a very exciting time with the university and the entire region on such strong upward trajectories.  I can’t wait to get started with our student-athletes, coaches, staff, Bulls fans, donors and alumni everywhere.”

Since becoming COO of the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2012, Kelly has directed the organization’s day-to-day operations and was instrumental in launching the playoff.  In his role, Kelly managed the site selection process for the CFP National Championship and oversaw all aspects of the National Championship Game and associated ancillary events, including the event hosted by Tampa Bay in 2017. 

Kelly has also served as senior associate commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference, overseeing football, broadcasting and communications.  

Kelly was selected after a national search announced by the university on June 4. He will be officially introduced at a news conference on Friday, June 29 on the USF campus in Tampa.

Kelly, 47, earned his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and his master’s degree from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens.  He has previously served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Tampa and St. Thomas University, as well as a guest lecturer at USF and several other institutions.  

He and his wife, Lisa, have two daughters, Cara and Seana.