Paul Finebaum Reveals College Football’s Kim Kardashian Equivalent
Paul Finebaum, an ESPN analyst, recently joined the panel on the show Get Up to discuss college football’s latest upheaval. The focus was on Lane Kiffin, who left Ole Miss to become the head coach of the LSU Tigers. Finebaum drew a striking parallel between Kiffin and Kim Kardashian, labeling the coach as the sport’s equivalent of the reality TV star due to the media frenzy that surrounds him.
Lane Kiffin’s Move to LSU
Kiffin’s announcement came shortly after he had a successful season with the Rebels, finishing with an impressive 11-1 record and a decisive victory over rival Mississippi State at 38-19. His abrupt departure from Oxford, however, has sparked intense discussion and discontent among fans.
Details of the Transition
Lane Kiffin agreed to a seven-year contract with LSU, reportedly worth around $12 million annually. This move positions him as one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.
- Previous Achievements: Led Ole Miss to 11 wins in the regular season.
- Contract Details: Seven-year deal worth approximately $12 million annually.
- New Team: LSU Tigers, expected to compete for national championships.
Reactions to the Departure
The transition has not been smooth. Kiffin’s request to stay and coach Ole Miss through the College Football Playoff was denied by athletic director Keith Carter, despite pleas from players for him to remain. In light of this, Carter quickly elevated defensive coordinator Pete Golding to serve as the new head coach.
The fans’ reaction was palpable at University-Oxford Airport. As Kiffin departed, he was met with shouts and boos from fans who were clearly dissatisfied with his exit.
A Turbulent Coaching Career
Lane Kiffin has a history of controversial exits from previous coaching positions. His resume includes:
- Fiery departure from Oakland Raiders, where he was accused of deception by owner Al Davis.
- Leaving the Tennessee Volunteers after just one season, inciting riots and burning mattresses.
- Being fired by USC in an airport office and dismissed before the championship game at Alabama.
Finebaum’s commentary encapsulated the chaos that has followed Kiffin throughout his career. “In many ways, Lane Kiffin has become college football’s version of Kim Kardashian,” he remarked. This highlights the ongoing media narrative that seems to trail Kiffin wherever he goes.
Future Expectations
As Kiffin settles into his new role at LSU, he faces immense pressure to succeed. Expectations are high within the 102,000-seat Tiger Stadium, where anything less than a championship is viewed as a disappointment. With Kiffin at the helm, fans will be keen to see if he can finally navigate a stable coaching tenure.
