Virtually anyone will tell you that if you have to clarify that a joke was made, the attempt probably wasn't funny.
LSU coach Brian Kelly failed to get a laugh from reporters after trying to make a joke about Columbia, Mo., where the No. 23 Tigers will face No. 21 Missouri on Saturday.
“All right, we’ll see you in Columbia,” Kelly said to close out his presser. “Bring your Columbia jackets.”
Greeted with silence—and perhaps confusion—Kelly tried to salvage the awkward moment by saying “It’s a joke” as he left the podium. Then he dismissively waved to the press corps like a dad whose joke got no response at the dinner table.
Those who saw Kelly's whiff on social media made plenty of better jokes.
The fake accent was better…
— Cole (@pickens_4MVP) October 6, 2023
This guy has the charisma of a tree stump - why anyone would commit to him is a joke - I wonder if his staff is still recruiting off other teams active rosters
— CoachHedge (@Coachhedge) October 6, 2023
I assume he is referencing the brand Columbia…tough crowd down there in Baton Rouge…the lack of response then him waving it off makes it funny, lol.
— Tommy Shades (@tommytwoshades) October 6, 2023
"please clap."
— Orange rolls rule supreme 🐀 (@morris6703) October 6, 2023
I immediately regret betting on them in the spread
— Matt (@2cool2fluffy) October 6, 2023
Yet Kelly's groaner may have included some useful advice for reporters. The weather forecast for Columbia at kickoff, set for 11:00 a.m. CT, is 54 degrees. And temperatures throughout the game will be in the low-60s. So a jacket might be a good idea. Maybe a fleece or vest. Columbia Sportswear makes those too.
Really, the best approach may have been to emulate Foghorn Leghorn—especially since Kelly has tried to adopt a Southern accent since taking the LSU job.
Unfortunately for Kelly, LSU doesn't play South Carolina this season so he won't be able to try the Columbia joke again. However, the Tigers are scheduled to visit Columbia, S.C. next year. Maybe he'll have better delivery then. If the weather is appropriate for a jacket, of course.
