Paul Finebaum got really honest on Friday when discussing Lane Kiffin in the aftermath of Ole Miss’ College Football Playoff breakthrough.
On The Paul Finebaum Show, the ESPN host sharply criticized Kiffin for his reported interest in attending the Sugar Bowl and joining ESPN’s broadcast as his former team played. Kiffin ended up watching from Baton Rouge as No. 6 seed Ole Miss defeated No. 3 Georgia 39-34 in Thursday night’s Sugar Bowl at the Caesars Superdome.
“I think Lane Kiffin looks like a complete fool today,” Finebaum said via On3. He added that no one connected to Ole Miss wanted the former coach involved during the game.
Ole Miss, now led by head coach Pete Golding, advanced to the CFP semifinals and moved two wins from its first national title since 1962. Golding was elevated from defensive coordinator after Lane Kiffin left Oxford for the LSU job following noting the Rebels’ Egg Bowl win.
Finebaum suggested Kiffin’s desire to appear on television mirrored his earlier ESPN2 appearance during LSU’s Texas Bowl game, where he discussed Ole Miss’ first-round win over Tulane. Instead of attending the Sugar Bowl, Kiffin was courtside for a women’s basketball game in Baton Rouge.
Despite the criticism, Kiffin still benefited financially. Ole Miss’ victory triggered a $500,000 bonus tied to his previous contract.
As the Rebels prepare to face the Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl, Kiffin and LSU Tigers are already focused on assembling a CFP contender for next season.
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