1.24: Weekend Ready H1

not the normal work week because of the holiday. Same thing the next week for New Years, and then after that we just got hit with a bunch of snow, and I guess we did technically have I had a day where I had to make some arrangements with childcare because there was an NTI day. But for some reason, this feels like the first normal week in quite some time. And I always, like, you know, when we get interrupted and we get a day off or a snow day something like that, but it always it's always nice to

be in routine, and we made it. It's Friday, feels like a Friday, which means it feels good. So we're taking you up till six o'clock. Hang out, take us with you wherever you go. Listen live on the iHeartRadio app. Also listen live at seven ninety Louisville Dot com and if you want to text end of the show, you can do it Bibo two six five three zero seven ninety. It's the ln N Federal Credit Union text line. And if you want to give us a call, we will open up the phone lines here shortly once we get

to our first break. The number to call in is fib OO two five to seven to one seventy nine hundred. It's just me today, So the more the merrier. If you want to give us a call again, we'll give you the chance to do that. And I would imagine, well, I shouldn't. I should not indicate that you know, the caller I'm looking for is wanting to talk about this or that, because you guys can bring whatever you want.

We'll see where it goes. But clearly some real good momentum for Louisville basketball right now and them not playing this weekend. I mean, I was kind of joking yesterday and saying that, like I'm complaining that my only complaint is in fact that I don't get to watch this team play for a full week because they don't have a game this weekend. And yeah, I'm bummed, but I mean, it's not a real complaint. I'm not bothered by it, but man, just to see the energy that has been

injected into the program, into the city. And I know there's many many of you in this city that don't root for Louisville because you're Kentucky fans. I get it, And as I always say, that's what makes this the best city in my opinion when it comes to a rivalry in college sports. Yes I'm biased, but still I think I could make a case that would make sense

to a lot of folks that may doubt that. But anyways, I cannot get over just really the lad it's been building, and it's been there for a couple of weeks now really since Pat Kelsey got here, but now that they're actually, you know, playing really well, and you don't have to go out of your way to find somebody talking good about the way Louisville's playing and talk specifically about how great of a job Pat Kelsey's doing in his first year with a brand new team that he built from scratch,

and with injuries that we forget about, they're playing so well that all you've not I mean, I love case in Pryor hope he's back for a couple of years he's got actually the ability to play two more years in college. It seems Corain Johnson, you know, we never really got to see what we were gonna miss. But man, I know he's got talent. Six Man of the Year

last year in the Pac twelve. So I forget those guys are even around because you've been able to succeed without them, And again that speaks to how good of a job he's done as a head coach. So I think here and there you've seen fans really, you know, just showing that there's energy back, there's life within the program once again. And this really the last ten days or so is when it's really like, I mean, it's just at all points I'm finding myself either just thinking, man,

is this real? Are we back? And I don't mean that we're back to the point where they're going to go on a run and win a title, but I mean just relevant again, meaning that you know, we're a team that is in the top twenty five. We're a team that's gonna make the tournament. We're a team that you know, I think would be a tough out for somebody if they're not ready because the way Louisville's playing and I say we because I'm so caught up in, you know, the fan element. I mean, I've always been

a fan of my whole life. But I've been pretty spoiled right Louisville basketball really since I've been in this position. But the most part has been in a good spot where we could not be arrogant necessarily. But you know, nowhere we stand, and I think we've always had that mindset that even though the down years were bad, Louisville basketball overall is still one of the better programs out there.

So we know that. But when you are in a a stretch of three really bad seasons, you know, just just being recognized again for this and not it be the other things we were recognized for in previous years, it's just awesome. You know. I was at the gym earlier today and I was heading out and I ended up chatting for about fifteen minutes with the Louisville fan that and you're just getting kind of lost in conversation because we're just that excited and we love this team

so much. And I know it sounds over the top, it sounds corny if you don't. I mean, like I get all that, but I'm just happy to more than anything this experience, meeting Louisville, being in a spot that I never thought they'd be in on the negative side with the last few years, and then now it's made me feel a love. It's almost like maybe feel alive again. And I kind of like this part of it meaning enjoying things that really do, in fact bring me big happiness.

That for a good chunk of my life as a Louisville fan, it was just the expectation, and that's where you want to be. You want to be able to say, look, we're Louisville. We're going twenty four games a year, and hopefully we can make a run in the tournament. I mean, that hasn't happened every year, but you know that used to be something you throw out there and people would

be like, well, yeah, we're Louisville, that's what we're gonna do. Well, we haven't been Louisville in a few years, and we're taking big steps to get back there in real time. And it's just been such a fun ride, and I think that's why it's it's really kind of been something I got to remind myself to do not as much in the last few days. But for a while, like I wasn't thinking about seating or bracketology because I'm just happy that we're alive again and we're winning, and it's

been it's been great. And there's no game this weekend, which is a real bummer. But earlier today U of L Health on their social media platforms, social media pages, I should say I saw it on Facebook, they shared a little photoshoot where looks like at least six or seven of the players on the team Corn Johnson case in prior. In fact, it looks as if maybe guys

that weren't able to practice because of injury. They went alongside with Peyton Siva to U of L Health, and you know it like it's just a reminder that this program is, it means a lot to the city, not just people that are fans. And I would imagine, you know, if you are a Louisville native and you're not a UK fan, you probably you know, you probably root for Louisville, of course, but to see these eyes and Peyton Siva,

they stopped by to see patients and staff. It was at the Brown Cancer Center and it was right before Tuesday's Coaches Versus Cancer Suits and Sneakers game, so you know, this is this is getting ahead of the game that's

coming up this Tuesday. But just seeing things like that, I mean again, I'm sure teams that weren't successful still did those kind of things and it was great, but it's going to get more attention, unfortunately when things are are going better for the basketball program, and these guys just really represent I think the fan base and really Louisville in a great way. And oh by the way they win, and it's just it's just been a fun ride.

And I know I've said that a lot in many different ways over the last few weeks, but I kind of don't mind being repetitive. I kind of don't mind, and I should be more mindful of that because I'm sure you guys don't want to hear the same thing every day for three straight hours. And it hasn't been that, but it really was NonStop for the last couple of

years because it was what we're supposed to do. It may not have been entertaining, it may not have been fun, but when louis of Basketball was in the previous situation, it's all hands on deck. It's panic mode. So for us to drive listenership believe it or not, even though it seems just it seems like something that you're tired of hearing about. I mean, we have people calling in

like will you ever talk about something else? And I tried at the time to be understanding, but also, you know, I'm sure I came off defensive, like when Louis of basketball is this bad? We're not going to ignore it. And although it, you know, might have seemed like I was piling on at times, and I'm sure I was. I think, you know, my opinion is because I care so much, and that's why when you are in a much different situation just a year later, that's why I'm

giddy like a little kid. And I sound like, you know, I'm falling in love with a team for the first time. And again it's all corny, it's all dramatic. I get it, but I think both things make the same sense, right the reason and we were so beside ourselves and just it was such a toxic situation with the program and it seemed just like, man, will you guys are like,

can we talk about something else? Well, and we did, but there was no other way to talk about it than the same way we talked about it for really a whole year, meaning like where we were as a basketball program, so to now be in a situation where again it's entirely different. A year later, it's kind of the same thing, but just an entirely different conversation. Right, Like, they didn't even play this weekend, there's no game to to In fact, they've actually been kind of boring to

talk about as far as you know, interesting new. I mean, they broke some records the other night, which was great, and this isn't it. This isn't a complaint by any means, but the same way that I felt, I guess the same way I felt on Wednesday after they beat SMU, broke records and just dominated that game in a game that at the time, on paper, was your most challenging game left on the schedule. The way I came in

and reacted to that on Wednesday. I've been doing that after every game for the last you know, month, and it's been fun. But you know, it's not really been anything new, and they just keep riding momentum and it's been it's been a lot of fun. So they don't play this weekend, and unbummed, but still a lot that we can get set up for the weekend because we'll find out on Sunday. By Sunday evening, we're going to know who is in fact going to be playing for

the super Bowl. And I mean anybody but the Chiefs. I wish I could, you know, tell you that I had real, real genuine emotion as far as being a fan and rooting for one of the other teams that's left, But I don't have any I think that the Jade Daniels story with the Commanders is awesome, and I guess

I think I've already witnessed history. I think I've already decided that for me really, no matter how it works out the rest of the way, I guess if he falls off a cliff and isn't great moving forward, then maybe it won't be something that stands out. But he he has been the best rookie quarterback that I have ever watched in the NFL. Now, just because I haven't watched others doesn't mean they haven't existed, But I mean, he's He's not only somebody that is good for a rookie,

he's the he's the difference. They drafted him in the top five. You know why because they sucked last year. That's why they got a top five or whatever it was pick. And he has given them some real life, like there's veterans, and it's a good story. Terry McLaurin is a good story. He's been there and been productive for the for the Commanders for a long time with some really bad teams, some bad coaches, just some bad stretches of play. So it is a good story for

him to be able to have this success. But I'm just gonna be honest, he was there doing the same thing and they weren't good. Now they've got some new life, and Jane Daniels has been sensational. So even if he doesn't beat the Eagles, I mean, I'm still gonna say that was one of the best, if not the best performances. Not really, I mean the best, the best season I've

ever seen from a rookie starting quarterback. Some guys have gotten opportunities as a rookie and they've they've been impactful in a way, they've been able to get the job done.

But those guys usually one aren't making the kind of impact that Daniels is making, and two they joined teams that are already well established, the Commanders were not, so I wanted to say, if he gets it done and he upsets Philadelphia, then man, he's really changing his legacy, which that is true, but it's legacy even as of

right now. When it comes to his rookie season, I think it's pretty pretty impressive and I don't know if they'll be able to get it done, but they are really good and we'll go some we will go over some numbers later because there's actually some interesting numbers when it comes to these teams that are left still in the playoffs. But the Commanders, and I'm sure you don't even need a number or a stat to tell you this, they've been good this year in these moments when they're underdogs.

I mean, you saw that when they did what they did, when they did what they did to Detroit. So it doesn't mean it's gonna be easy for them to do it against the Eagles, who are really, really good. And I mean I wouldn't be shocked if the Eagles end

up winning the super Bowl. But I also can't say that if Jayden Daniels continues to do what he's doing and he wins a game or he's the star and it's an upset, like can we be that surprised because those are the those are the moments when when he seems to have and not just him, but like the Commanders overall, like they seem to really thrive this year in the underdog role because games they've lost at times and even time even games they barely won, they weren't

that impressive, like it was kind of a close game against a bum team, but they really seem to be riding momentum. And I'm pulling for him, but obviously beating Philadelphia in Philadelphia is gonna be tough. And then the Bills and the Chiefs. I mean, that's that's the that's the game as far as the two teams that I feel like I could be wrong, but I feel like, well, maybe I'll go look it up to confirm it, but it seems to me that the favorites to win the

Super Bowl will be whoever wins this game. And maybe favorites is not the right work because I'm not even really talking about like from a from a sports betting perspective. I just mean, I kind of feel like the Eagles have kind of been a quiet, really good team. The Commanders aren't supposed to be here. The Bills, it's been their year for a while and finally they got to this point. And the Chiefs they're just doing what they do winning. But what's different this year for them, for

the Chiefs is they just there's really no number. I mean, there's nothing about them other than the win column that makes them seem special. And I mean just this season. Obviously you're well aware they've been I mean, they are a dynasty. This is the seventh straight time they've been in this position to play to get to a super Bowl. And I don't know, I don't think you hang banners

for that. I don't really know how you would, uh, you know, I don't know how you would really dress that up as some I mean, seven straight appearances in the conference championship game. I mean that sounds impressive, but like I think it's more impressive than just the way it sounded. And they are they are in a position to where them like the Chiefs, getting here, which a lot of franchises would dream for, they would dream to

be there. Think how long it's been sent I mean, think how long it's been since the Commanders, that franchise has been in this position. I mean, just being here for them is awesome. They feel back. This is just waking up for Kansas City. This is just what they do, This is who they are. They're fighting for a spot to get to the to the super Bowl, and anything short of a super Bowl for the Chiefs at this point is a big disappointment, and that speaks to just

how great they've been. So I'm a hater. I hope they lose, but I also can't lie to myself or to you and act like they're not still worthy of the benefit of the doubt to where I hope Buffalo gets it done, but I don't expect it to happen, although it does seem as if. And this is this is where actually the Chiefs become more dangerous to me. The noise is out there. Hey, we shouldn't doubt Kansas City. I mean, here they are. It's not been pretty, but

they keep winning. However, I think this could be the time, This could be where Buffalo breaks through and Kansas City takes a step back. I've heard that at least three times from the national pundits in a variety of platforms, and they may be right because I kind of feel the same way. But you know what. That's kind of when the Chiefs remind you, no, we may not have impressed you with how it looked, but we still win. This is what we do, this is who we are.

So exciting weekend when it comes to the NFL. Again, no Louisville basketball, but obviously some big time games over the weekend. Kentucky against Bandy. I mean, I don't want to sound like a broken record, but this is a weird big game for Kentucky because like any team in the SEC, these are actually the most important games. Because you can lose to the Kentucky's, to the Alabama's, to the Tennessees, to the Floridas. I feel like that's probably

the elite tier. And look, even losing to a middle of a pack SEC team on the road is not going to really kill your resume. But my point is when you start losing games to teams like Vandy, teams like South Carolina. They have one against Georgia, which I didn't think at the time was a bad loss, and technically in all aspects it's really not a bad loss, but it's just a loss that you know you could

have avoided. And there may be games like you had just this past Saturday against Alabama that you lost, and like, you played great, but you played another great team and they just outlasted you. So it's a weird year for the SEC that I think you can go into certain games knowing, hey, we may win, but if we lose and we compete, we won't like it. We're not going to be satisfied. But that's not something we need to really worry about when it comes to how good we

can be. I know that's a weird way to process that. I'm sure that's not how they would do it internally, you know, with the coaching staff and all that. But when you start to lose games like this, and I don't think they will, I think in fact they play is this one's at Vandy right which I mean, doesn't that mean it's essentially going to be a home game for Kentucky. I know Vandy is not as bad as

they usually are. They've got a new coach, and I think they're mean if Vandy is Vandy this year and the SEC is what it was in previous years, then maybe they're a bigger story, because I think they are. I mean, look Fandy right now, I mean they're fifteen and four. That's for Vandy, roughly twenty games in how many times as they've been fifteen. I mean that to me, that seems impressive, but you know, they're clearly one of the worst teams in the SEC, which again says more

about the league than anything else. So maybe Bandy does have some excitement and they have some fans there, But I feel like if there's ever a big crowd at a game at Vandy when Kentucky's playing in it, the big crowd is usually there because of Kentucky fans. So currently and this surprises me, and it's just a formula, I'm sure the spread will be much different. I am

sure the spread will be wow. So right now, the score here at Kin Palm, the projected score for Kentucky Vandy is eighty five to eighty three, a two point win for Kentucky. I just checked on DraftKings and I don't see an opening line yet, but we'll get one before the show ends today. I'm gonna guess this will be one of the bigger differences in spread and projection here because I think the formula makes sense for it

to play out the way that it does. Because honestly, Ken Palm is great, but not perfect by any means. And I think one team that the kN Palm is just wrong about is in fact Kentucky. This is where I almost block out and you know, lose mom. I mean, I got to defend Kentucky here. The fact that they're nineteenth in the Kin Palm, I think says the Ken

Palm might have an issue. Now again, there's certain teams that just because of certain numbers and schedule that kind of stuff like it can really it can make it look as if it's not. It just seems off. So Kentucky being nineteenth when really I think they're may is top ten in the eyes of most. I mean, I would imagine that they'll probably be favored by at least six and a half. I could be wrong, but I feel like, you know Vandy clearly better than they usually are.

But I mean, I don't bet on Kentucky really ever I have before. But if they are in fact two point favorites in this game, similar to what the kN Palm spread says, I have no choice but to bet them because that would be free money at least I think it would be. All right, let's get to our first break. If you guys want to join us on the show, you can do it. Five oh two five

seven one seventy nine hundred is the number. If you want to give us a call, you can text in on the L and N Federal Credit Union text line of five O two six five three zero seven ninety. We're gonna be joined coming up at four h five

by Kent Spencer of WHAS eleven. As always, we look forward to our conversation with Kent and uh a lot to get to when it comes to the NFL hires that have been made man the uh Liam Cohen situation, I couldn't disagree more with what I What I see is real criticism of him and how he's handled some things. And I mean, we'll get to it later because we

need to get to a break. But this guy did what everybody, like anybody he literally has done in the last four years, what every single person criticizing him would do if they were in his shoes, Like that's just the fact. So therefore, to see that he's being labeled as a guy who you know is unloyal, like that's just to me, that's insane hypocrisy. So we'll get to

that and believe it or not. I rounded up a bunch of different clips that are not that hard to find, to be honest with the Louis basketball is playing that well to where you got all these guys out there that cover the sport nationally that just are making it a point on their platforms, whether it be TV, radio, podcast, whatever, They're gassing up our man, Pat Kelsey and the fanboy and me is eating it up. So I got some of that I'll share with you, so stick with us.

It's Coffee and Company, Pilbuth Thornton's right here on Sports Talk seven ninety. That's right, three twenty eight here on a Friday afternoon, Coffee and Company, fueled by Thornton's Nick Coffee. That's may. We've got my man car all running the operation. He's the man really controlling this. If he wasn't for him doing what he's doing, we wouldn't even be You wouldn't hear us right now, we wouldn't be on the airwaves.

So certainly appreciate him hanging out. We're taking you up till six o'clock and the NFL has I could be wrong here. It's one of those things where I just put myself in this position where I just assume kind of in the moment that this is one of the more active coaching searches in the NFL than we've had in a long time. And I have no clue if

that's remotely true. It just feels like it. So there have been some hires, many hires made already, and then today you've got Pete Carroll taken over for the Las Vegas Raiders. Still feels weird to call them that, and not the Oakland Raiders, but Pete Carroll back in the game. And I'm not kidding. I think Pete Carroll has looked the exact same for forty years. He's seventy four years old, and my first memory as a football fan of Pete Carroll was whenever he was the head coach at USC

in the early days there. And I don't even remember him being the head coach with the Patriots for a couple of years. Honestly, I didn't know that until I just looked at it. So I think he's looked the same since the first time ever saw him. And he's always been a good coach, he's always had success, and it was clear sort of after it played out that he was not necessarily retiring from the Seahawks. It was just they wanted to go in a different direction, and

he understood, I'll I'm going. You know, he understood there's no real benefit for him or anybody if he goes out fighting. And he took off the year and now here he is and he's going to be leading the Raiders. Not sure how great it works out, but he's a good coach. He's one of those guys that last year, if you remember, would it have been that, I think

it might have all been the same day. Sounds crazy, but I think it was the same day last year in January you had Nick Sabin retire, Harball leave to go to the NFL, and Pete Carroll retired and because of recency, Pete Carroll retire or Pete Carroll leaving whatever, how are they worded? And I'm not even really sure. It might have been that they said he was retiring,

but it later came out that they weren't. They were gonna either he did that or he get fired, but either way, it led to a very phenomenal football coach, a guy who honestly, there's not many. In fact, I think he's one of three that have won a Super Bowl and has won a national championship in college football.

He walked away or whatever it was at the time, I think we thought he was just leaving the game, and yet it was such a distant third when it comes to those two things, when it comes to like, you know, newsworthy stuff, because Sabin retiring is an all timer, because he's the best football coach college football coach of my lifetime and it's not even close, maybe the best of all time. And Harball, it was just the storyline

a guy who finally broke through. Yet he was in the midst of a very obvious cheating scandal where he had some guy out there recording games and how you know, we all know the you know, the Connor Stallion situation. So I remember thinking, like, hey, guys, like do we realize Pete Carroll leaving coaching is also a really big deal,

But now he's not because he's back. And I wouldn't be shocked at all if it works out to where they have some success, more so than the Raiders have had in a while, because he's a really good coach and he to me is somebody that his style and really everything about him. It clearly worked in previous eras of football. Right, he went from being successful at USC at a high level to a great run in Seattle and now here we are. The game has changed, but

his personality, his style I think fits currently too. Meaning I think he's not a he's not a drill sergeant, he's not an a hole coach. He's a guy that he's gonna he's gonna be a leader, and he's going to coach you up, and he's gonna trust his resources, and you know, he knows a thing or two about the ex's and o's as well. So I've always just really respected Pete Carroll as a coach, and I just felt as if maybe others don't realize that he's that

he's been as good as he has been. Now, speaking of that, we'll get to this later, because Dan Hurley has become well, I was gonna say he's become one of the most talked about coaches in sports. He kind of already was that, right because of what Yukon did the last couple of years. I mean, he's went back to back national championships. I may die before that happens again. I'm serious, Like, that's not something that happens easily. So

he's on top. Turned down the Lakers, turned down Kentucky, although I don't know if he did, because remember they still feel like he never told him no, so like maybe they still think there's a chance he takes the job. I'm kidding, it's not a good joke, but like you remember, like how many times did it have to come out that he wasn't interested in your job? Anyways, he's now being talked about more so I feel like it, you know, right now, than he maybe ever has been, just because

of his how he's acting. And to me, I respect an old school coach. You can be an old school coach and not have the component that he has. He's got the old school coach as far as being tough, work ethic, fiery, prickly maybe, but he's he's got the he's got the a whole vibe about him. And that's not I shouldn't say that. I don't know him as

a person. I'm sure he's not a bad guy, but he doesn't remotely seem likable and remotely seem like, you know, like he's a he's got some good energy, some positive I mean, he's just he's different and that again, that's not a personal thing, but he's now being labeled as like the most miserable man in sports in a jerk. And I think for me, the learning experience has been this, that's you can't do that anymore. Like you can, but you're I mean, maybe you don't care about being likable,

and that's fine. If you win, nobody cares. They win at a high level again this year, it won't matter. But like your perception, I mean, it's reality. You may get in front of a recruit and sell that recruit on what you can do for them and the success, and I bet it would work. I bet if you came and recruited my kid, and I really would hope that you would do that one day. Maybe my son's only four, but he's been. He's been. He's been hooping twenty seven points in his game on Saturday. Coach Early,

if you're listening, I'm sure you're not. But my point is this, like I actually like that, Like I like an old school coach. I like somebody that's going to motivate me, somebody that's going to you know, be old school in that way. But the the public, the pr component now of just being like you're gonna make news.

It's gonna be all over social media. You know, social media didn't exist not that long ago to where if you if you fire off a clip in a press conference, or you say something, you mouth something to a referee in a game, and you're a two time defending champion, it's going to be a big story. And I think you got to think to yourself, is that worth it? I mean, maybe you can live internally with like, I know my character. I know that's just somebody because he's

already played victim to it. Like it or not. Man, you are on top, You're gonna have a spotlight on you. In fact, the spotlight would be bigger on you if you didn't coach at Yukon. And that's not a slighter Yukon at all because look at their program. Yukon. Quite literally in my lifetime, I'm thirty seven, thirty six years old to be thirty seven this year, there's not a more successful college basketball program in my lifetime than Yukon. But again, things that matter now didn't matter as much

back then. You know what matters now where your games are televised, The Big East is not in bed with ESPN Therefore Yukon. That was one of the complaints that Hurley had. If you remember, they're great, they're the defending champs last year, they weren't getting enough attention, they weren't getting enough love, and he used that and it worked. I mean, they played with the chip on their shoulder. Well,

now you went too in a row. Nobody's dogging you like you're not winning and people are surprised by that. But who's out there saying Dan Hurley can't coach nobody. If anybody's going to get a pass for maybe taking a slight step back, wouldn't it be Yukon. They just won two consecutive national championships. But he's defensive and he's now you know he didn't have there's not a whole lot of that out there, right, Like he can still

claim the whole we don't get as much attention. Well, now you are getting the attention and you're not winning as much, but you're still good. But you what's become the big story is you acting like a lunatic, Which again I don't really have a problem with that because I think he's a great coach who does right by his players. I'd love to play for him to be honest with you. But the story you you can control how much of that becomes the story for your program.

But everybody's got an edge man. The best competitors I've ever witnessed and been fans of, like, they're gonna always find a way to be motivated, even when they don't really have to. They're always going to have something that may be manufactured to an extent when it comes to motivation.

And maybe that's what Maybe that's what he's doing. I just did there what I try not to do, which is mention this specific thing I wanted to talk about later in the show and then just rolling through and kind of doing it on doing it on the fly.

But the other big move in the NFL today was Liam Cohen, who has decided to take the head coaching job with the Jacksonville Jaguars after earlier this week letting them know that he was not going to be the coach there and that he was going to stay in Tampa. So it looks like the optics aren't aren't great. I get it, But even saying that, I kind of feel like I'm I'm falling into the trap here because Liam Cohen, maybe his communication wasn't great with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

I feel like from from what's out there, and I'm sure there's more two of them, what's out there, but from what's out there right now, the one thing that I think is absolutely understandable when it comes to criticism is that he told them but Tampa he was not going to be there, the he was not going to take the Jaguars job, and that he was going to come back and you know, work for them as the OC and Tampa and I guess, work towards a long

term deal, that kind of thing. And then he went a wall that that you know that I don't care what you do. That's not really the way to go about it. I feel like in your profession. Now, he's also somebody that knew he didn't need to do He didn't need to do anything with Tampa. He knew he had Jacksonville Bob that, you know what. So outside of that, I'm not quite sure what anybody can be critical of Liam Cohen for if, in fact, he's just taking different

jobs every year because he's trying to better himself. So Jacksonville really wanted him so much so that their interest in him initially was met with him telling telling the Jaguars organization, I don't want to work for your GM. You know what they did, they fired that GM and then they came back to Liam Cohen and they made it work. They now hired him. So that's how that whole thing worked out as far as just you know, they wanted him, he didn't want to go there. Well,

then things change right like that. You know again, I think you can still let Tampa know that that that things have changed, because now you are going to pursue Jacksonville's opportunity because they've they've they you know, they came

correct essentially. But I keep hearing and it's mostly Kentucky fans, and to be fair, like I listened to a little bit this morning the KSR crew talking about it, and I thought Matt and and I feel like Matt specifically is when I heard talking about it, and I mean he wasn't I mean, he wasn't railing on Liam as far as being wishy washy. But a lot of other Kentucky fans act like, oh, yeah, this is what you

get this guy. He's yeah, I mean, oh not surprised he's doing this because he left us after just a year, and then he came back and then he left again. And I mean every one of you saying that would do the same thing you would. So Liam Cohen was the assistant wide receivers coach with the Rams from twenty eighteen to twenty nineteen, two years. Then he became the assistant quarterbacks coach in twenty twenty. Well in twenty twenty one was whenever he became the offensive coordinator in the

quarterbacks coach at Kentucky. That was when Will Levis got there, and that was really excuse me, really, do I have sneeze during a show? But it just hit me. Sorry, but that was whenever Liam Cohen really kind of made a name for himself because Kentucky was good, at least better than they've really been for my lifetime, and it was

because of quarterback play. And Liam Cohen was the guy that was credited for finding Will Levis, a guy who couldn't sniff the field at Penn State, didn't have any real great stats, and he really did any great stats in Kentucky. For being honest, but I'm just saying, like Liam Cohen was given a lot of of praise for Kentucky having a quarterback that he wanted to come in and run his offense. And again, Kentucky, I still think they should have been better with with with what they

had as far as offense. But I don't blame Cohen for that. I blame I blame Stoops And you know what, So to all you Kentucky fans, all I've heard is the complaints about all these coordinators that run through Stoops. And it's more so. I mean Shannon Dawson look at him at Miami, best offense in the country, and he couldn't he couldn't work for Stoops to was fired him after one year. You know what he did. He went to Southern miss as the OC and beat Stoops in

Lexington the year later. So that's one of those things that like which one is it? Like are you? Are you? You sound like a bitter X when it comes to Liam Cohen, you sound like a bitter person who got dumped and you're having a tough time realizing there's a reason he left you. Yeah, he came back to you and you were lucky to have him when he did because he was you know, it was him. Like, so you're critical of your coach not letting an offensive coordinator

run the show. But when a guy who's there and clearly viewed as a big time offensive coach, when he reads that and he leaves, then it's his fault. Like which one is? It is? Is Liam Cohen a great offensive mind that might have been held back by a coach who is aroused by winning game six to three? Like which one is? Or you know? Or or is it that Liam Cohen is just he's wishy washy. Like again, when he left to be the Rams coordinator after one year at Kentucky, who wouldn't have done that? I mean,

think about it. The Rams were on top of the world. Well obviously they took a step back and they didn't work out. And Liam didn't even get to call plays with the Rams because you know who does that, Sean McVay when you know his his mentor so one year there they weren't good. It wasn't Liam's fault he didn't call the plays. So then he needs to find a new job. He goes to Kentucky and I'm sure he did say this is where he wants to be long term, because anybody would do that. But then you know what,

You're back at Kentucky. In your offense stinks again, and you don't believe it's because of you. Like the outlier for Liam Cohen's rye in coaching is Kentucky. And what I mean the outlier is that's that that's where it wasn't That's where it wasn't good. Elsewhere he he's been able to really make a name for himself. So like all this talk about like oh he's he's a he's a fraud, He's just you know, all he's done is

improve his situation every single time. When he left to go be the coordinator with the Buccaneers, what that did is that that that confirmed what I think. Kentucky fans were bothered by. This guy's great, but we can't get all, we can't get close to his maximum value because of something else. Maybe our head coach Devin Leary played in the NFL last year. Guys, I mean practice squad guy started or a dress some games. He's stunck at Kentucky.

You think it's Leam Cohen's fault. I don't. So. Then he's with Tampa for a year, phenomenal year for the Buccaneers offense, where he's calling plays, doing his thing with Baker Mayfield. They had injuries too, by the way, that kind of just got forgotten about because they kept winning. So Jacksonville wants him. He says, look, I'm gonna stay in Tampa because I don't like that. I mean, most guys decide head coaching jobs based off of who owns the team and who's the GM. He told Jacksonville, I

don't like your GM. I'm gonna stay put. Well then they said, well, look we like you so much. He's out of here gone. What did Liam Cohen do that anybody else wouldn't do. I'm not sure anything, and I

just think it's one of the other. It's another sign to me by some of the Kentucky fans that they know and look, they'll tell you this, but what's crazy, Like they'll tell you that they're worried and they don't think their football program's in good shape, like Stoops's best days are behind him, all that stuff, which I understand why they're saying that. So if you believe that, then why are you being critical Liam Cohen? That's what I don't get. A quick break, will come back and wrap

up the three o'clock hour. Keep this thing rolling along. It's coffee and company feel about Thorn's right here on Sports Talk seven ninety just a few minutes here in the three o'clock hour, and then we will hit the four o'clock hour. We're going to be joined to get that thing started with Ken Spencer from WHAS eleven talk some college hoops with him both Louisville and Kentucky, and

also get set for conference championship weekend. When we come back on Monday, we'll know who's in the super Bowl. And I really feel like I know who it's gonna be, but I kind of hope I'm wrong. I think it's going to be the Eagles and the Chiefs, which would give us a matchup that I'm sure outsiders wouldn't be

super happy with meeting. If you don't like the Eagles or the Chiefs, it's probably whatever because the Eagles really can't be propped up as like some underdog story, right, Like, if you want the Chiefs to go down and that's the ultimate goal kind of like myself, then hell, yeah,

go Eagles. But I don't know. I would love to see the Commanders move on just because they would give you that underdog story and they would have that regardless if it's Buffalo, or if it's Kansas City and Buffalo beating CA, the city would of course be a big story. I'm sure it would be. Here's what I think would happen. If Buffalo wins, they'll be a real push to say that the Chiefs windows closing and that maybe that's the last time we've seen the Chiefs be maybe their dynasties

coming to an end. And then the next year they'll win the super Bowl, like I could see that happening. So but honestly, Buffalo breaking through and getting back to the super Bowl for the first time really since they made it, what was it two or three straight years?

They made it long ago and lost every time. I mean, I said this the other day and it doesn't even it felt kind of weird saying it, because they've been They've been good and sometimes really good for I guess what the last you know, consistently for the last what five six years, maybe more than that. I mean, even when they had Tyrod Taylor, they were decent. Like but that's the thing, the Bills being decent used to be

a storyline because they were so bad. Like historically, they're not, and certainly they're not recently, but for a good window of my lifetime as an NFL fan, the Bills were one of the biggest jokes in the NFL. And now they're not, and they're rolling on Sunday night. I thought there's no scenario cheering for these guys because I was just so bitter. I was such a sore loser seeing the Ravens lose the way they did. But here we

are days later. In fact, it took maybe maybe twenty four hours for me to realize, Okay, when it comes to Kansas City, I'm all in on Buffalo, all right. So not a whole lot of time left here. And this is where I get stuck, right, There's certain things I want to get to, but I don't have a whole lot of time to get into it. So let's do this. Let's go to Let's go to the text line five two six five three zero seven ninety. It's the LNN Federal Credit Union text line members get more

at LLENN Federal Credit Union. You can learn more and open your account today at lnfcu dot com. This text says, Nick, you said something last week that really stuck with me. I didn't realize it until you mentioned how old this team is do you think Pat Kelsey built this team with older guys just because he had to build from scre Do you think it'll be a focus moving forward?

That's the million dollar question. I mean, I think I've kind of mentioned since I brought that up that that's something I'm eager to see, is will that be proven? Because here's what I believe. I believe, regardless if it was by design or if it was just how it worked out, as far as which guys fit what he wanted to do and wanted to come here, I think it's been proven to be a very successful situation. Now you can go get guys that have played four years elsewhere,

three years elsewhere. Veterans mature and they may still not have like what these guys have. And I don't just mean their ability to play, but they are an extension of Pat Kelsey with everything for the most part. And

that's more of a credit to Path than anything. But in a way, even if he did target guys that play the style he wanted to play, that were versatile that we're you know, willing to appreciate what Louisville has to offer, I still believe there's still a level of luck involved in regards to the character, because the recruitment of these guys is quick. Man, it's really quick. You

hit the portal. It's a fast moving process because of spots that are going to be accounted for if you don't take it, and coaches knowing, hey, I know there may be a guy that might hit the portal in a couple of days that I could really really use, but maybe I don't get him. I think I could get this kid. He's maybe not as talented or as proven, but I got to pull the trigger. So the I

now have very little interest in high school recruiting. And I hate saying that because it's still going to be important, and I shouldn't say don't have interest in it, but it's not as important as it once was. And that's very evident. It's been proven in recent years. So and

I think Louisvill's this year for us right now. It's I mean, we'd still be cheering this team on, and if they had this type of run going and it wasn't a bunch of grown men who are mature and understanding of what it means to play here and understanding that as selfless as we be, as we can be and if we buy in, and it's gonna be good for everybody. Like again, I think there's some luck involved in that, But even if it was, I mean, I

think you should. You should really balance your rostert in the grand scheme of things, no matter who you are. Here's the best case scenario. You're bringing in really good young freshmen and you're retaining the players that you really want to retain, and you're not losing players to the portal that you know could go elsewhere and probably play for programs of your caliber or even better. So you want to retain guys that you know others are going

to want. You still want to bring in young talent you think that you can develop, but you also want to bring in players from the portal that are kind of built as is and they can help you. So balancing those three components is how I think everybody's going to be the most successful. But you know, for Louisville, I would imagine that Pat Kelsey will I mean again, like right now, it's a brand new team all together

and they're trying to add some pieces. But I think Pat will be a guy that understands I can probably go get a couple of really good freshmen that can help us in a major way because it's Louisville. But I can also go get guys in the portal that maybe didn't play at this caliber. Man, they fit what I want to do, and they'll appreciate and embrace being

here because it's a special place. So I haven't even thought about how next year like it's gonna be a whole different team, because I'm just so caught up in how fun this has been. All Right, quick break will come back, two hours left. We'll get things started here in about seven minutes or so with Kid Spencer from WHS eleven. It's coffee and company. Feel about Thornton's on Sports Talk seven to ninety