Sports 'N Torts

Brian Kelly Gets the Boot — Coaching Chaos and Midseason Dawg Grades


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The crew returns from Georgia’s bye week with plenty to unpack across the college football landscape. Josh, Laurence, and Jason dive into another entertaining week of SEC chaos, highlighted by Brian Kelly’s firing at LSU, Alabama’s narrow win at South Carolina, and Lane Kiffin’s continued rise at Ole Miss.

They discuss which programs have the best coaching openings (LSU, Florida, Penn State), what’s next for Lane Kiffin, and how NIL and the transfer portal are reshaping hiring decisions. The group debates playoff implications, assessing which SEC teams still control their destiny, and preview the world’s largest outdoor cocktail party as Georgia prepares for Florida.

In true “Last Call” fashion, the guys mix in plenty of humor — from Six Flags mishaps and Garth Brooks karaoke to their annual Jacksonville “Trail of Tears” trip stories. The episode wraps with Laurence’s “Sucker Bet,” Jason’s “Jimbo of the Week,” and predictions for the Dawgs’ showdown with the Gators.

🏈 Show Notes — Week 9 HighlightsOpening Banter
  • Josh admits no intro this week but launches straight into post-bye-week chatter.
  • Laurence recounts a busy family weekend — Fright Fest, homecoming, and his wife’s birthday — while Jason starts his “winter beach body” routine.
  • The guys swap Six Flags stories, including a lesson learned: “Always buy the fast pass.”

Main Games Recapped

1. Alabama vs. South Carolina

  • Alabama survives another scare on the road.
  • Laurence points out this is two straight years South Carolina had Bama on the ropes.
  • Discussion on Alabama’s strong resume despite early struggles.

2. Texas vs. Mississippi State

  • Jason calls it a “blown game” by Mississippi State.
  • Arch Manning takes a big hit; speculation about his status.
  • Texas shows resilience but concern grows before their Athens trip.

3. LSU and the Firing of Brian Kelly

  • Jason and Laurence unload on Kelly’s “fake accent,” poor culture fit, and massive $50M+ buyout.
  • Discussion of potential replacements: Jon Sumrall (Tulane), Joe Brady, and Lane Kiffin.
  • Speculation about which top jobs (LSU, Florida, Penn State) are most attractive.

Coaching Carousel & NIL Era
  • The group breaks down what coaches value most now:
    1. NIL war chest
    2. Path to playoffs
    3. Autonomy with staff and administration

  • Predictions that this offseason could see chaos with many Power 4 jobs opening.
  • Discussion of Lane Kiffin’s staying power at Ole Miss and why he may choose stability over prestige.

Playoff Picture
  • Nine SEC teams still alive: A&M, Bama, Georgia, Vandy, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas, Mizzou, Oklahoma.
  • Consensus: A&M, Bama, Georgia, and Ole Miss likely make the playoff; fifth SEC team possible if Vandy finishes 10–2.
  • Josh raises “what if” scenarios involving 2-loss and 3-loss SEC teams and committee decisions.

Georgia Midseason Report
  • Offense: A+ — Gunner Stockton and the O-line earn high praise.
  • Defense: D — Glenn Schumann’s unit underwhelming.
  • Special Teams: Excellent — Woodring and Thorson shine.
  • Coaches of the Year (UGA version): Mike Bobo and Stacy Searles.
  • Laurence calls out underperformers like KJ Bolden, but confidence remains high heading into Florida.

Florida Preview & Predictions
  • Florida interim coach “Fake Juice” Gonzalez gets some laughs.
  • Laurence predicts a tight 31–24 Georgia win (no cover).
  • Jason and Josh more confident: Dogs 41–17, covering easily.
  • Nostalgia over Jacksonville trips, including “Big Rob” — their massive unofficial bodyguard.

Sucker Bet of the Week
  • Laurence picks Florida State (-7.5) over Wake Forest, calling Wake the sucker side.
  • He also flags odd lines in Virginia–Cal and Mississippi State–Arkansas games.

Jimbo of the Week
  • Jason gives it to Shane Beamer for blowing another winnable game vs. Alabama.
  • Josh nominates Scott Woodward, LSU’s AD, for back-to-back bad hires and $135 million in buyouts.
  • Honorable mentions: Jeff Lebby and Lane Kiffin’s postgame antics.

Closing Thoughts
  • The crew jokes that Jason should be Commissioner of College Football for his sensible contract ideas.
  • Preview of the Georgia–Florida showdown next week and a reminder to “keep chopping.”

🎯 Key Quotes
  • “Brian Kelly just comes across as the most unlikable person on the planet.” – Lawrence
  • “Pay these coaches more, but don’t lock them up as long.” – Jason
  • “Six and one before Florida? I’ll take it every time.” – Josh
  • “It works half the time… fifty percent of the time.” – Laurence, on his betting record

As always, this episode is powered by the J. Stein Law Firm - a personal injury law firm in Atlanta, Ga - www.jsteinlawfirm.com.

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Sports 'N TortsBy Joshua Stein

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