Paul Finnebaum Reveals ‘Puppet Master’ Behind Lane Kiffin’s LSU Move

Lane Kiffin’s recent move from Ole Miss to LSU over the holiday weekend has drawn significant attention in the college football community. This transition caused considerable unrest among Ole Miss supporters, particularly as Kiffin departed a team that was poised for a College Football Playoff appearance.

Puppet Master Revealed: Jimmy Sexton

Notably, ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum shed light on the dynamics behind Kiffin’s departure. During an episode of “Get Up,” Finebaum pointed out that Kiffin’s actions were influenced heavily by his agent, Jimmy Sexton.

Insights from Paul Finebaum

Finebaum emphasized that Kiffin is not the sole architect of his coaching decisions. He stated, “Lane Kiffin is not the puppet master. The puppet master of all of this is Jimmy Sexton.” Finebaum indicated that Sexton, who works with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), plays a crucial role in the maneuverings of numerous coaches in college football.

• Jimmy Sexton is recognized for managing a significant number of high-profile coaching contracts.
• Finebaum noted that Sexton “controls almost, not everyone, but most of the major coaches.”
• Finebaum humorously pointed out that Sexton is also the agent for NFL coach Rex Ryan, which added a layer of levity to the discussion.

On the same show, Finebaum criticized Kiffin’s track record, mentioning that he has frequently left programs in turmoil after achieving success. He stated, “It’s almost everywhere he’s ever been; it’s ended in ashes.” Finebaum reminded viewers that Kiffin’s tenure at Ole Miss began during a time when he had limited options. Ole Miss took a chance on him, ultimately yielding results before his abrupt exit.

The Coaching Carousel and Its Implications

This conversation comes at a critical time as college football experiences another coaching carousel. With Kiffin’s move, several of Sexton’s other clients are expected to make significant career transitions as well. Finebaum’s insights underscore the intricate relationship between agents and coaches in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.

As Kiffin settles into his new role at LSU, the ripple effects of his actions and the influence of Jimmy Sexton will likely be observed in upcoming coaching changes and the strategic decisions made by various programs.