How Jim Kelly Became a Miami Hurricane

Prized Recruit: Jim Kelly of East Brady, PA is pictured in 1978 with then University of Miami head coach Lou Saban after signing his letter of intent to play for the Hurricanes. Kelly was a standout athlete in East Brady, a small town in rural Western Pennsylvania with a population of just 1,200. The football team at East Brady High barely had more than 25 players. Because of the small roster, Kelly played quarterback on offense and linebacker on defense. Kelly had been a Penn State fan as a kid. The Nittany Lions showed some interest and offered a scholarship. However, head coach Joe Paterno wanted Kelly as a linebacker. University of Miami coach Lou Saban was impressed with Kelly’s quarterback skills. Saban and UM assistant coach Ron Marciniak drove 57 miles in a snowstorm from Pittsburgh to East Brady to recruit Kelly. When Saban arrived at the Kelly house, Kelly’s parents were not home. Saban immediately turned on the charm. He went into the kitchen, put on an apron and started cooking dinner. When the Kellys returned home, they found a spaghetti dinner waiting for them. Saban promised Kelly an opportunity to play quarterback at Miami, a then struggling program. Kelly was so impressed with Saban, it was an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Jim Kelly would never play a down for Saban. Kelly sat out his freshman year in 1978 as a redshirt. The nomadic Saban left UM after the 1978 season to accept the head coaching job at Army. After Saban announced his departure to West Point, Kelly considered transferring to Tennessee. In 1979, UM hired former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Howard Schnellenberger as new head coach. Schnellenberger brought in a pro style offense and an impeccable track record of success working under coaches like Bear Bryant, George Allen and Don Shula. After weighing his options, Kelly decided to stay at UM and play for Schnellenberger. To read more stories about the Orange Bowl, visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ghostsoftheorangebowl