Paul Finebaum has had enough of the drama. I know it's hard to believe, but he addressed college football’s coaching carousel on Sunday. While sorting out the details, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin was the topic of discussion.
While on ESPN’s Matt Barrie Show after Week 13, the SEC Network commentator pushed back on the growing system that the sport’s flurry of buyouts, firings and speculation as being unhealthy.
Finebaum said he was annoyed by pundits “blasting college football” for the ongoing drama, noting that the increased stems from the College Football Playoff selection.
“The only reason that it’s more pressing is that the system is around the corner,” Finebaum said. “So let’s not blame the Playoff and let’s not blame the calendar. Let’s blame the villain in all this, who is Lane Kiffin.”
It was a sharp, unexpected jab at Kiffin, whose future remains at the center of a high-profile tug-of-war between Ole Miss, LSU and Florida. The saga has overshadowed major on-field storylines, including rivalry week and conference championship races.
Finebaum added not all coaching transitions have booming with headlines. James Franklin’s relatively swift move to Virginia Tech was a bump in the road.
But as long as Kiffin’s decision lingers, he remains, in Finebaum’s words, the “villain” driving the sport’s most explosive conversation. But, for what it's worth, competition is good.
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Ole Miss reportedly gives Lane Kiffin an ultimatum as family visits Florida and LSU
- Virginia Tech reportedly funding roster near top of ACC for James Franklin
- Bill Belichick goes viral for awkward handshake after Wake Forest loss
- Texas state trooper reportedly relieved of duties after player exchange at Texas A&M