Paul Finebaum is widely regarded as the leading authority on SEC football and a respected voice in college sports nationwide. Given his expertise and popularity, it would seem natural for him to become a regular on ESPN’s iconic “College GameDay” show. In fact, Finebaum recently revealed on the “SI Media Podcast” that he nearly had the chance to secure a permanent spot on the show after his guest appearances during the 2013 season.
In 2013, Finebaum’s career was already rising, and he was approached by Lee Fitting, one of ESPN’s key producers, about joining “College GameDay.” At that time, the SEC Network had not yet launched, and Finebaum was free to explore different opportunities within ESPN. Fitting asked if Finebaum would be interested in contributing to “College GameDay,” and Finebaum readily agreed. What began as a trial run for a single episode eventually turned into a season-long appearance, with Finebaum joining the “GameDay” team throughout the 2013 season. By the end of the season, Fitting wanted to bring him on as a regular contributor moving forward.
However, things took a different turn after Finebaum was recruited to be one of the cornerstone personalities of the newly launched SEC Network. His primary responsibility at the SEC Network was to host the “Paul Finebaum Show,” which had gained significant popularity. In addition to his radio show, Finebaum was also tapped to lead “SEC Nation,” the SEC Network’s version of a pre-game show that focused specifically on Southeastern Conference football.
This new role with the SEC Network created a conflict between ESPN’s vision for Finebaum on “College GameDay” and his obligations to the SEC Network. According to Finebaum, this situation led to a behind-the-scenes struggle between Fitting, who wanted Finebaum to continue on “GameDay,” and the executives at the SEC Network, who saw him as a critical part of their Saturday morning lineup on “SEC Nation.”
“It’s interesting,” Finebaum said in the podcast. “My first year, which was 2013, the SEC Network had not launched. Lee Fitting called and asked, ‘Would you like to do GameDay?’ I said yes, so he tried me out one week, and I ended up doing it the entire season. He wanted me to become a regular the next year.”
Unfortunately for Finebaum, his opportunity to be a “College GameDay” regular was derailed by his commitments to the SEC Network. He explained that the SEC Network had big plans for him from the start, which included leading “SEC Nation.” This meant that he could not juggle both shows, much to his disappointment.
Finebaum described the internal conflict between Fitting and the SEC Network leadership as a “tussle.” He noted that the SEC Network bosses were firm in their decision not to allow him to continue his role on “GameDay.” They believed that Finebaum’s presence was too valuable for the launch and success of “SEC Nation,” and they were unwilling to share him with the larger ESPN brand.
“I was the very first person hired by the SEC Network,” Finebaum said. “And one of the main things I was hired for, in addition to the ‘Paul Finebaum Show,’ was for the Saturday morning SEC Nation show. I can tell you now it became a bit of a tussle between Fitting and my bosses at the SEC Network, and they would not let me do GameDay.”
Finebaum was transparent about his feelings regarding the decision, admitting that he was “not happy” about it. He recalled his experience on “College GameDay” fondly, describing it as a unique and exciting opportunity. “There was nothing like doing GameDay,” he said, hinting at the thrill and prestige that came with being part of ESPN’s flagship college football program.
Though he did not become a permanent fixture on “College GameDay” as originally envisioned, Finebaum’s presence in the college football world remains strong. His radio show, “The Paul Finebaum Show,” continues to be a popular platform for discussions on SEC football, and his appearances across ESPN’s other programs have kept him in the public eye. Still, for Finebaum, missing out on the chance to be a regular on “College GameDay” was a disappointment.
So, while Finebaum’s shot at becoming a mainstay on “College GameDay” was blocked by his commitments to the SEC Network, it’s clear that the possibility was very real, and he would have likely continued in that role if circumstances had allowed it. Finebaum’s candid reflections on the situation reveal how much he valued the opportunity, even if things didn’t go as planned.
As it stands, Finebaum continues to be a prominent figure in the world of college football, particularly through his work with the SEC Network. His radio show and various ESPN appearances ensure that his voice remains a crucial part of the conversation around SEC football and the sport as a whole. Nonetheless, fans of Finebaum will have to be satisfied with his current roles, as his days on “College GameDay” appear to be in the past.
