Brian Kelly Takes Subtle Shot At Ole Miss Head Coach Lane Kiffin

Usually, it's Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin who takes friendly jabs at other coaches and programs. This time, however, he was on the receiving end from LSU head coach Brian Kelly.

Kiffin is known for his youthful and trendy social media personality. Whether he's posting photos at other SEC schools on recruiting trips or making funny videos with his team, he seems to always be looking to entertain.

In a recent press conference, Kiffin addressed the media ahead of the 2024 college football season's kickoff.

In a recent press conference ahead of the 2024 college football season, Kiffin took an unexpected turn when the conversation shifted to the negative health impacts of Coca-Cola—ironically, a longtime sponsor.

"Does anybody drink coke?" he asked. "You realize that 130 percent of your sugar for the entire day is in this one bottle. 65 grams of sugar."

The comments didn’t go unnoticed by Kelly, who decided to inject some humor of his own into his next media appearance. Two days later, during LSU’s press conference, Kelly walked out holding a bottle of Smartwater—another product of The Coca-Cola Company—and seized the opportunity for a playful clapback.

"Just a shoutout to our sponsor, Coke," Kelly said jokingly. "You know, Smartwater, great Coke product. Minerals, vitamins, it's just great for you. It's refreshing, healthy, and Coke provides you all the products that you need depending on what you like. And I love smart water."

No. 13 LSU will begin the season on Sunday, September 1, in a primetime matchup against No. 23 USC. Redshirt junior Garrett Nussmeier will be at quarterback for the Tigers, aiming to continue the success of the high-flying Jayden Daniels-led offense.

No. 6 Ole Miss will kick off the season against Furman. The Rebels have high expectations for the upcoming year. Kiffin has brought in 25 new transfers, many of whom are considered high-profile. They will also have their senior signal-caller, Jackson Dart, back for another year. Dart has already been named to multiple preseason quarterback watch lists.

Fans will be interested in the coming days to see if Kiffin acknowledges Kelly's joke.

Related: Can LSU’s offensive line be even better than last year?