Kelley was the first general manager and head coach of the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association (WHA).
He previously served as head coach at Boston University, leading the Terriers to back-to-back NCAA hockey championships in 1971 and 1972.
In his 10-year coaching career at Boston U (1962–72), he compiled a .720 winning percentage and won six Beanpot Tournaments.
After leaving the Whalers, he later worked in the front offices of the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins.
[citation needed] In 2010, he was elected as an inaugural inductee into the World Hockey Association Hall of Fame in the coaching category.