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Paul Finebaum Reflects on His Viral Lane Kiffin Comparison to Miley Cyrus
In a memorable moment from 2013, college football analyst Paul Finebaum gained immediate fame on ESPN when he compared Lane Kiffin to pop star Miley Cyrus. This unusual analogy remains a talking point in sports journalism, especially as Kiffin has transformed his career since that time.
The Context of the Comparison
At the time of Finebaum’s remark, Kiffin was not regarded as the elite coach he has since become at Ole Miss. Much like Miley Cyrus, who is known for her famous family background, Kiffin comes from a lineage of success in football. His father, Monte Kiffin, is a revered NFL coach who played a pivotal role in securing a Super Bowl win for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and two national championships for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Kiffin’s Journey in Coaching
Kiffin’s path in coaching has seen him take on multiple roles. Before joining Ole Miss, he briefly led the Oakland Raiders, followed by coaching stints with the Tennessee Volunteers and the USC Trojans. As Kiffin’s time at Southern California started to wane, Finebaum made his bold comparison, which would haunt him in the years that followed.
The Backlash of the Comparison
In a recent conversation with Clay Travis, founder of OutKick, Finebaum reflected on the aftermath of his comments. Initially, Finebaum admitted he held a negative perception of Kiffin due to the controversial way he exited Tennessee. He noted a swift reaction to his comparison, experiencing backlash not only from fans but also from his wife and colleagues.
Finebaum recounted, “I wrapped up my soliloquy with, ‘Lane Kiffin is the Miley Cyrus of college football.’ At that time, Miley Cyrus was not particularly popular.” After leaving the set, he felt the weight of criticism. His wife immediately questioned his reasoning, insisting that his comments might end his appearances on the show. He also received a stern remark from ESPN colleague Gene Wojciechowski, calling it the “dumbest thing” Finebaum had ever said.
The Unexpected Aftermath
The day after Finebaum’s viral comment aired on ESPN’s College Gameday, he woke to a flurry of phone calls from ESPN executives and breaking news on SportsCenter. Finebaum vividly described the day as chaotic and unexpected. He said, “I woke up, still groggy, grabbed my phone, and stumbled into the kitchen. I had a call from Bristol, Connecticut, right when I turned on the TV to find breaking news: Lane Kiffin fired on the tarmac after losing to Arizona State. And there it was, my comment about him, front and center. It exploded. Kiffin held a grudge against me for it. He mentions it in every interview, claiming I cost him his ‘dream job’—even after his many successes since that moment. It’s part of the ongoing narrative between Kiffin and me.”
Kiffin’s Resurgence in Coaching
Despite the drama that followed his firing from USC, Kiffin turned his career around. He served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under Nick Saban at Alabama, a tenure that helped him evolve into a highly regarded coach. Kiffin then took the head coaching role at Florida Atlantic University before being appointed as the head coach of Ole Miss.
Under Kiffin’s leadership, Ole Miss has achieved impressive milestones. The team has participated in bowl games each of the first five seasons he has led. Moreover, Kiffin secured three 10-win seasons during his tenure, establishing his reputation in college football.
The Current Status of Ole Miss Football
As of now, Ole Miss is experiencing a strong season, currently ranked fourth in the nation with a perfect 5-0 record. The Rebels made headlines recently by defeating then-No. 4 LSU. With a bye week scheduled, they eagerly prepare for their upcoming matchup against Washington State on October 11.
Reflecting on a Memorable Moment
Paul Finebaum continues to be a significant voice in sports commentary, often reflecting on how his career-defining moments shape his viewpoint. His infamous comparison of Lane Kiffin to Miley Cyrus illustrates how a single remark can transcend beyond the moment, embedding itself in the lexicon of sports history.
Finebaum’s interaction with Kiffin, rooted in such an unexpected comparison, offers a unique perspective on the volatile and unpredictable nature of college football. As both men continue their pursuits in the sports arena, their connection remains a compelling story of criticism, redemption, and the complex relationship between media and sports personalities.
