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Lane Kiffin made waves ahead of the 2024 college football season with comments made during a recent press conference. Those remarks surrounded a popular longtime NCAA sponsor.
Brian Kelly hilariously shaded his SEC rival on Wednesday with an endorsement of that very same company.
Kiffin spoke to media members on Monday to talk on his program’s preseason progress. During a break in the questioning, he turned to a Coca-Cola bottle positioned on the podium.
“Does anybody drink Coke?” he asked. “You realize that 130% of your sugar for the entire day is in this one bottle? Sixty-five grams of sugar.”
Kiffin noted that’s “it’s been a long time” since he enjoyed the tasty beverage, though he suggested that others on staff might addicted.
How long before Coca-Cola pulls its endorsement of Lane Kiffin’s press conferences?
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) August 19, 2024
Lane Kiffin is one of the more health-conscious coaches in the Southeastern Conference. He shed 30 pounds before the 2021 season by eating cleaner, cutting out alcohol (and apparently sugary beverages), and implementing an exercise routine that includes yoga and palates.
That said, Coca-Cola does offer healthier options!
Brian Kelly brought attention to one of those products on Wednesday while jabbing the Ole Miss coach.
Lane Kiffin’s press conference: “Does anybody drink Coke? You realize 130% of your sugar for the entire day is in this one bottle?”
Brian Kelly’s press conference: “Hold my Smartwater…” pic.twitter.com/3mPxJhAIic
— The Bengal Tiger (@BengalTigerOn3) August 21, 2024
“Just a shoutout to our sponsor, Coke,” he started his most recent presser. “SmartWater, a great Coke product. Minerals, vitamins, it’s just great for you. Refreshing, healthy, and Coke provides you all the products you need depending on what you like. I like SmartWater.”
It was a clear reference to Kiffin’s annihilation of Coca-Cola, but in the best way possible.
It’s not the first interaction seen between the two coaches in this rivalry. Kiffin has crushed Kelly for his recruiting tactics at LSU, many of which involve awkwardly dancing with prospects on campus.
The Tigers fired back after a win in 2022.
As for Coca-Cola, the company has been a sponsor of the NCAA’s since 2002, though the soda’s placement at the podium has caused a few uncomfortable moments.
Nick Saban once went viral for using his Coke bottle as a prop, though he always kept the soda perfectly positioned on the stage for media members to see.
Who would’ve thought we’d be talking about a Coke beef just days out from the season opener?
Hopefully we’ll see this referenced again later in the year. LSU and Ole Miss face off on October 12th, and we can only hope the game provides as much as entertainment as the coaches!