Former USC Trojans head coach Lane Kiffin recently made headlines for his candid remarks directed at Paul Finebaum during SEC media days, reigniting memories of his tumultuous tenure at USC, notably ending with his abrupt dismissal in 2013.
Kiffin, who initially rose through the coaching ranks at USC under Pete Carroll, serving in various roles from tight end coach to offensive coordinator, eventually returned as head coach in 2010. However, his tenure was marred by controversy and inconsistency, culminating in his firing following a decisive loss to Arizona State. The infamous incident, known as the “firing on the tarmac,” occurred immediately after the team’s return to Los Angeles in the early hours of the morning.
A decade later, Kiffin confronted Finebaum during their discussion at SEC media days, addressing comments Finebaum had made about him in the past. Kiffin recounted Finebaum’s criticism, including comparing him to Miley Cyrus and suggesting he should be fired, remarks that allegedly influenced the decision to terminate his coaching tenure at USC.
Kiffin didn’t hold back, asserting that Finebaum’s predictions and assessments had often been off the mark, referencing inaccurate statements about Alabama coach Nick Saban and Miley Cyrus’s career. Kiffin’s pointed remarks underscored his belief that Finebaum’s assessments were unreliable and lacked credibility, highlighting what he perceived as inaccuracies in Finebaum’s commentary.
In summary, Kiffin’s recent comments not only revisited his controversial departure from USC but also critiqued Finebaum’s track record in sports commentary, adding a layer of candid reflection on his coaching journey and the scrutiny he faced during his time at the university.
