In 1937 Kelly moved to the University of Minnesota as the head track coach. Kelly's start at Minnesota was slow, but he eventually built a successful program; the Minnesota Golden Gophers won the NCAA team championship in 1948, the only time they have won the title.
Kelly's arrival at the University of Minnesota in 1937 marked the beginning of his track coaching career. He gradually built momentum and developed a successful program; the Minnesota Golden Gophers secured the NCAA team title in 1948, a milestone that underscores their dominance during that era.