Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss’s outspoken head coach, once again stirred the SEC spotlight by defending Georgia’s Kirby Smart while criticizing ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum for his constant trolling and shaky predictions.
Since arriving at Ole Miss in 2020, Kiffin has guided the Rebels to three 10-win seasons in four full campaigns. The team finished 10-3 in 2024, capped by a 52-20 Gator Bowl win over Duke. Under Kiffin, Ole Miss has reached a bowl game every season.
Lane Kiffin Takes Kirby Smart’s Side, Calls Out Paul Finebaum’s SEC Predictions
During a recent appearance on the “Paul Finebaum Show,” Kiffin made headlines again, where the Ole Miss coach openly defended Smart and challenged Finebaum’s persistent trolling and SEC predictions.
Kiffin chose to appear on the nationally televised show over attending a press conference, joking, “I chose you over the rest of the media combined.” When asked about his playoff plan, Kiffin acknowledged having one but refused to reveal it on air.
Never Change, @Lane_Kiffin… #WereAtTheBeach pic.twitter.com/LSj4aDrNIF
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) May 27, 2025
The conversation quickly turned to Kirby Smart, whom Kiffin staunchly defended after Finebaum admitted he had been “mean” to Smart earlier in the day.
“Guys, the only thing I just counted when they had them listed up there, seven of the eight last SEC championships and you rip on him today,” Kiffin said, clarifying that Finebaum was actually targeting Smart’s quarterback, not Smart himself.
Finebaum joked that Kiffin had moved from irritating Nick Saban to now upsetting Smart, to which Kiffin responded, “That’s why I did your show instead of the press conference, maybe I could get on your good list.”
Throughout the interview, the banter remained lighthearted but pointed. Finebaum acknowledged that some advised him to skip the show, saying, “Kyle or SID is always like, you don’t need to do Fine, Bob. Nobody even watches his show anymore.” Kiffin countered, “I’m not going to do shows based off of rating… I appreciate Paul and all he’s done for me.”
When asked if he hoped the show would end soon, Kiffin laughed and said no, adding, “Someone fired us maybe.”
The discussion also turned to Ole Miss athletics, with Kiffin praising the school’s athletic director Keith Carter as, “probably just like the best AD in America right now,” citing the program’s recent successes in multiple sports. He noted Carter’s contract renewal and joked about agent Jimmy Sexton’s meetings with athletic directors.
Kiffin also reflected on Finebaum’s attempts to help him secure coaching jobs, admitting the coach believes the media personality’s support might jinx outcomes.
“I feel like whenever you push me for a job, then we lose the next week,” Kiffin said.
The interview ended on a humorous note, “Nothing has changed with Lane Kiffin. It’s always like some of the most awkward TV in America, but I love it. I think it’s smooth. Thank you coach.”
Kiffin praised the candid style over typical “cookie-cutter interviews.”
Kiffin’s candid remarks showcased his loyalty to Smart and his willingness to push back against SEC media narratives, reinforcing his reputation as one of college football’s most outspoken coaches.
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