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Lane Kiffin caused a stir ahead of the 2024 College Football season with comments made during a recent press conference. These remarks revolved around a popular long-time NCAA Sponsor.
Brian Kelly comically outshone his rival at the SEC on Wednesday by endorsing that same company.
Kiffin spoke to media on Monday about his program’s preseason progress. During a break in the questioning, he turned to a Coca-Cola bottle that was on the podium.
“Does anyone drink Coke?” he asked. “Do you realize that 130% of your sugar needs for the whole day are in that one bottle? 65 grams of sugar.”
Kiffin noted that it had been a “long time” since he had enjoyed the delicious drink, but suspected that other employees might also be addicted to it.
How long will it take for Coca-Cola to withdraw its support of Lane Kiffin’s press conferences?
— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) 19 August 2024
Lane Kiffin is one of the most health-conscious coaches in the Southeastern Conference, losing 30 pounds before the 2021 season by eating healthier, cutting out alcohol (and apparently sugary drinks) and implementing a workout regimen that includes yoga and palate training.
However, Coca-Cola offers healthier alternatives!
Brian Kelly highlighted one of these products on Wednesday when he took a dig at the Ole Miss coach.
Lane Kiffin’s press conference: “Does anyone drink Coke? Do you realize that 130% of your sugar needs for the entire day are in that one bottle?”
Brian Kelly’s press conference: “Hold my Smartwater…” pic.twitter.com/3mPxJhAIic
— The Bengal Tiger (@BengalTigerOn3) 21 August 2024
“Just a shout out to our sponsor Coke,” he began his recent press conference. “SmartWater, a great Coke product. Minerals, vitamins, it’s just great for you. Refreshing, healthy and Coke gives you all the products you need depending on what you like. I like SmartWater.”
It was a clear reference to Kiffin’s destruction of Coca-Cola, but in the best sense.
It’s not the first interaction between the two coaches in this rivalry. Kiffin has criticized Kelly for his recruiting tactics at LSU, which often include awkward dancing with prospects on campus.
The Tigers struck back after a win in 2022.
Coca-Cola, on the other hand, has been a sponsor of the NCAA since 2002, but the lemonade’s placement on the podium has caused some unpleasant moments.
Nick Saban once gained notoriety for using his Coke bottle as a prop, but he always placed the soda perfectly on the stage for the media to see.
Who would have thought that just days before the start of the season we would be talking about a dispute with Coca-Cola?
Hopefully this will be referenced again later in the year. LSU and Ole Miss face off on October 12th and we can only hope the game is as entertaining as the coaches!
