Brian Kelly Has Special Message For Nick Saban

LSU head coach Brian Kelly spoke with the media on Monday to preview the big matchup with Alabama.

Kelly surprisingly had a special message for Alabama head coach Nick Saban as he opened the media session.

“It’s a big day as you know, it’s Nick Saban’s birthday, so I want to wish him a happy birthday to start this off and maybe that will soften things up a little bit,” said Kelly. “You can always start a press conference by throwing a little happy birthday wish out to your opposing coach.”

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Many fans on both sides had lots to say on social media after this video was posted. 

Some LSU fans were not so happy about Kelly wishing a rival head coach, and most notably a former LSU head coach, happy birthday. 

On the other side, some Alabama fans speculated that Kelly’s “heavy breathing” in the video may be a result of nerves heading into the game.

This will be the third time these two head coaches face off, but the first with Kelly at the helm in Baton Rouge. Saban’s 2013 Alabama team defeated Kelly’s Notre Dame squad 42-14 in the BCS National Championship. The Tide once again rolled over the Irish in the second meeting between these two coaches, by a score of 31-14 in the 2020 College Football Playoff Semifinal.

Kickoff between Alabama and LSU is set for 6:00 p.m. CST on ESPN.