“You just lost your starting job”: Kim Mulkey’s reaction to Flau’jae Johnson goes viral

March Madness is known for its intensity, but sometimes, it’s the lighter moments that steal the spotlight. That was the case after the LSU Tigers punched their ticket to the Sweet 16, when a hilarious exchange between star guard Flau’jae Johnson and head coach Kim Mulkey quickly went viral.

Flau’jae Johnson, Kim Mulkey share hilarious March Madness moment

During a postgame press conference following LSU’s dominant win, Johnson was asked about the praise she’s received from her coach, including being called one of the program’s all-time greats.

Her response started sincere… and then took a playful turn.

“It’s an honor,” Johnson said, before joking, “She’s been coaching like 100 years.”

The room immediately broke into laughter, including Johnson herself, who quickly tried to walk it back.

“I’m just kidding! I’m just playin’!” she added.

Mulkey didn’t miss a beat.

“You just lost your starting job, sister,” she fired back, smiling as the room erupted again.

The moment instantly became a fan favorite online, not just because it was funny, but because it showed a different side of one of college basketball’s most intense coaches. Beyond the viral clip, the exchange highlighted the strong relationship between Johnson and Mulkey.

Johnson, a key figure in LSU’s 2023 national championship run, has often credited Mulkey for her development both on and off the court.

“She really molded me into the player I am today,” Johnson said after the game, speaking more seriously about her coach’s impact. That balance, joking one moment, expressing gratitude the next, reflects the trust built over multiple seasons together.

The lighthearted exchange came after a dominant performance from Johnson, who scored 24 points in their 101-47 win over Texas Tech as LSU rolled into the Sweet 16.

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