Paul Finnebaum Reveals True ‘Puppet Master’ Behind Lane Kiffin’s LSU Move
Lane Kiffin’s recent move from Ole Miss to LSU has sparked significant discussion in the college football community. This unexpected transition occurred over a holiday weekend, leaving behind a disgruntled fanbase and a program with playoff aspirations at Ole Miss.
Paul Finebaum Highlights Jimmy Sexton’s Role
In a recent episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” analyst Paul Finebaum addressed Kiffin’s shift. He emphasized that while Kiffin is often perceived as the driving force behind such changes, the true strategist is his agent, Jimmy Sexton.
Finebaum pointed out, “Lane Kiffin is not the puppet master.” He elaborated that Jimmy Sexton, affiliated with CAA, significantly influences college football coaching dynamics. Many outside the industry may be unaware of Sexton’s power, but he plays a crucial role in guiding multiple prominent coaches.
The Impact of Jimmy Sexton
The discussion took a lighthearted turn, particularly when host Mike Greenberg humorously noted that Sexton is also the agent for NFL coach Rex Ryan. Finebaum acknowledged this moment of levity but maintained the focus on Sexton’s agency, stating, “He controls almost, not everyone, but most of the major coaches.”
Finebaum described how Sexton facilitated the movement of various coaches on the recent coaching carousel. He noted that Kiffin’s decision was not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend where many of Sexton’s clients were also seeking new positions.
Lane Kiffin’s Coaching History
Finebaum did not hesitate to critique Kiffin’s track record. He remarked that Kiffin tends to leave programs in disarray after reviving them. “It’s almost everywhere he’s ever been, it ends in ashes,” he stated, reflecting on Kiffin’s history at other institutions.
He recounted how Ole Miss provided Kiffin with a significant opportunity when he had few options left. Upon accepting the Ole Miss role, he rejuvenated the program, but ultimately decided to move on, leaving chaos in his wake.
Concluding Thoughts
The implications of these coaching shifts, particularly influenced by agents like Sexton, continue to resonate in college football. As coaching changes unfold, understanding the dynamics behind these moves will be essential for fans and analysts alike. The next coaching carousel may reveal even more about the power players influencing these key decisions.
