It's the talk of the town, whether UC Bearcats Coach Brian Kelly will stay or go.
With the Sugar Bowl in just a few weeks, Pamela Vallance, a dedicated Bearcats fan, says the news is crucial.
“He needs to go to the Sugar Bowl. We need UC to bring us home a big trophy, with Brian Kelly staying," Vallance said.
She works at Izzy's. The popular deli is one local business who's rallying up support to get Kelly to stay.
They even want to name a sandwich after him.
"Our hope is that he stays and he helps us decide what the sandwich should be," John Bent, general manager of Izzy's on Main.
On campus, UC students say the thought of Kelly leaving is already sinking in.
"If it is 100% true, I think most of us are kind of still in denial," said Autumn Karcher, a UC student.
Nevertheless, people are still getting ready for the bowl.
At Vesi Sportswear, they're working 24 hours around the clock to produce Bearcats Sugar Bowl paraphernalia for eager fans.
Some say no matter what happens, there's no hard feelings against the coach.
"It's a big decision for Brian Kelly though, and I wish him the best wherever he goes,” Karcher said. “It's just kind of a big let down especially for the team."
"It would be nice if he would stay, you know, and have some long-term success here and keep the winning spirit right here in Cincinnati," Bent said.
