Paul Finebaum Reverses Course, Saying This SEC Coach is Practically Untouchable

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 10:00 PM ET

The 2025 college football season will feature prominent coaches aiming to advance their programs.

One of these is LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly, who is beginning his fourth season in Baton Rouge. Kelly has an overall coaching record of 195–73, including a 29–11 record at LSU. However, his performance appears to be declining each year. In his first season, the Tigers finished with a 10–4 record, won the SEC West division, and advanced to the SEC Championship Game.

In his second year, they achieved a 10–3 record but did not win the SEC West. Last season, LSU finished with a 9–4 record and again failed to win the conference. Additionally, the Tigers have not made the College Football Playoff during Kelly's tenure.

On "The Paul Finebaum Show," SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum was asked if Kelly is on the hot seat heading into the 2025 season. Finebaum said he doesn't think so.

"I think it would take something cataclysmic for Brian Kelly to leave," Finebaum said. "He is so well respected. He is so well-received down there. He took a little bit of heat last year and still won nine games. Everything is on the table when you're coaching in the SEC. But I would be shocked."

Finebaum seems to have changed his perspective on Kelly. Back in January, Finebaum named Kelly as one of four SEC coaches who were on the hot seat heading into the 2025 season. Recently, he also stated that it’s “playoff or bust” for Kelly and the Tigers. However, it appears Finebaum no longer considers Kelly to be on the hot seat.

Letting go of Kelly would be a challenging decision, not only because he is an elite coach but also due to the substantial buyout required. This season, Kelly's buyout is set at $51.7 million, which will decrease each year to $42.5 million in 2026, $33.1 million in 2027, $23.4 million in 2028, and finally $13.5 million in 2029.

Finebaum is optimistic about LSU this season. He believes that the Tigers’ five-year drought without a playoff appearance will come to an end. He has expressed his view that LSU could be a potential playoff team, although he acknowledges the intense competition within the SEC. Finebaum has ranked LSU among his top four teams, alongside Texas, Georgia, and Alabama.

LSU is set to kick off the season with a crucial road game against the Clemson Tigers on Aug. 30 at 7:30 PM ET, which could provide significant momentum for the team.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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