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Former Ole Miss Basketball Coach Has Perfect Response to Sweet 16 Berth

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Mar 24, 2025 3:12 PM ET

The Ole Miss men's basketball program had been one of the worst in the SEC until head coach Chris Beard took over in 2023. Now, in just year two with Beard at the helm, the Rebels are back in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament after dominant wins against North Carolina and Iowa State.

Former head coach Andy Kennedy, now the head coach of the UAB Blazers, had been watching Ole Miss as they advanced to their first Regional Semifinal since 2001. He made a post on X after the Rebels' win and had the perfect message for Ole Miss fans.

"HYDR," wrote Kennedy, which is short-hand for "Hotty Toddy."

Kennedy was the head coach of the men's basketball team from 2006 to 2018, leading the program to 11 winning seasons in just 12 years. However, after winning only two NCAA Tournament games in that stretch and having his first losing season in 2018, Kennedy and the athletic department decided to part ways.

Now, Kennedy is the head coach at UAB and has led the program to two March Madness appearances. While he has not been able to earn an upset victory in the NCAA Tournament with the Blazers, he still boasts a winning record with the program and has his team playing well in the NIT this year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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