Lane Kiffin joked Finebaum once angered Nick Saban but now tends to irritate Coach Smart instead, showing shifting dynamics.

In the high-stakes world of college football, media personalities, coaches, and analysts often engage in a complex dance of respect, rivalry, and occasional barbs. Recently, Tennessee Volunteers head coach Lane Kiffin delivered a sharp but playful jab at veteran SEC analyst Paul Finebaum, commenting on the evolving relationship Finebaum has had with some of college football’s most influential coaches. Kiffin’s quip—“You used to piss off Nick Saban, now you piss off Coach Smart”—not only highlights shifting dynamics in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) but also offers a window into the interplay between media and coaching in America’s most passionate football conference.

This article unpacks the layers behind Kiffin’s comment, explores the history of Finebaum’s relationship with Nick Saban, examines his growing friction with Georgia’s Kirby Smart, and delves into how these interactions reflect broader trends in college football culture, media influence, and coaching rivalries.

The Players: Lane Kiffin, Paul Finebaum, Nick Saban, and Kirby Smart

To fully appreciate Kiffin’s jab, it helps to understand the main figures involved.

• Lane Kiffin, head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, is known for his sharp wit, bold personality, and competitive spirit. His coaching journey has been marked by high-profile stops and a willingness to challenge norms.
• Paul Finebaum is an iconic voice in SEC media. As a longtime columnist and radio host, Finebaum’s analysis and commentary have shaped fan conversations and influenced perceptions of teams and coaches. His critiques often strike chords, sometimes praise, sometimes provoke.
• Nick Saban, head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, is arguably the most successful college football coach in history. His Alabama teams have dominated the SEC and national landscape for over a decade. Saban’s relationship with the media is complex, characterized by moments of friction, respect, and cautious engagement.
• Kirby Smart, head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, represents the new SEC power. Since taking the helm, Smart has built a championship-caliber program that challenges Alabama’s dominance. His evolving relationship with the media—and with Finebaum specifically—reflects his growing profile.

Finebaum and Saban: A History of Tension and Respect

Paul Finebaum’s dynamic with Nick Saban has been marked by a mixture of sharp criticism and grudging respect. In the early 2010s, Finebaum frequently questioned Alabama’s dominance, Saban’s coaching methods, and the Tide’s approach to recruiting and player management. Saban, known for his guarded media presence, occasionally bristled at Finebaum’s pointed commentary.

One of the most famous moments came when Finebaum openly challenged Alabama’s perceived favoritism and questioned the legitimacy of certain recruiting practices. Saban responded with calm yet firm denials, maintaining his image as a consummate professional. The back-and-forth fueled fans and media alike, creating a narrative tension that added to the spectacle of SEC football.

Despite occasional friction, there was a mutual acknowledgment. Saban recognized Finebaum’s influence in shaping SEC discourse, while Finebaum appreciated Saban’s unparalleled success and the weight his program carried.

The Rise of Kirby Smart and a New Focal Point

As Kirby Smart transformed Georgia into a powerhouse, the media—and Finebaum—shifted more attention toward him. Georgia’s national championships and consistent top rankings made Smart a central figure in SEC conversations.

Finebaum’s critiques of Smart have sometimes been sharper and more frequent. Questions about Georgia’s style of play, in-game decisions, and recruiting strategies have been recurring themes. Unlike with Saban, where a grudging respect tempered criticism, Finebaum’s relationship with Smart has been more contentious.

Lane Kiffin’s comment that Finebaum “used to piss off Nick Saban, now you piss off Coach Smart” captures this shift. It reflects the media’s natural gravitation toward the conference’s current powerhouses and the coaches’ sensitivity to external scrutiny.

Lane Kiffin’s Role in the SEC Media Landscape

Lane Kiffin is no stranger to the media spotlight. Known for his candid interviews, social media presence, and confident demeanor, Kiffin frequently engages with analysts and journalists, often turning commentary into playful banter.

His jab at Finebaum serves multiple purposes:

• A Nod to SEC Media Culture: The SEC is as much about the media spectacle as it is about the game. Coaches and analysts engage in a constant dialogue that fuels fan passion.
• Shifting the Narrative: By highlighting Finebaum’s new target, Kiffin subtly aligns himself with the evolving power structure of the SEC, signaling Tennessee’s rise and the changing dynamics at the top.
• Adding Humor and Personality: Kiffin’s remarks inject humor into serious competition, reminding fans that college football thrives on personalities both on and off the field.

Media Influence on Coaching and Public Perception

The relationship between media figures like Finebaum and coaches influences public perception. Coaches often walk a fine line between controlling the narrative and responding to criticism.

• Scrutiny and Pressure: Coaches at top programs like Alabama and Georgia face intense scrutiny. Media commentary can amplify pressure on staff and players.
• Recruiting Implications: Media narratives can impact recruiting, as players and families monitor how programs and coaches are portrayed.
• Fan Engagement: Analysts like Finebaum shape how fans interpret wins, losses, and controversies, impacting the overall fan experience.

The Broader Context: Rivalries and the Evolving SEC

The SEC is entering a new era of competition, with Alabama’s longstanding dominance being challenged by Georgia and other rising programs like Tennessee. This power shift fuels new rivalries, media storylines, and coaching mind games.

Kiffin’s Tennessee Volunteers are now a serious contender, and his media savvy helps amplify the program’s profile. By highlighting Finebaum’s shifting targets, Kiffin positions Tennessee within the ongoing SEC narrative, asserting their place alongside Alabama and Georgia.

What’s Next? The Future of SEC Media and Coaching Dynamics

The interplay between coaches and media personalities like Finebaum will continue to evolve. As programs jockey for supremacy, commentary will become more pointed, rivalries more intense, and fan engagement more passionate.

Coaches will balance openness with guardedness, using media platforms strategically. Analysts will navigate their role as both critics and storytellers, influencing public discourse.

Lane Kiffin’s jab is a snapshot of this dynamic environment—a reminder that in SEC football, the game extends beyond the field, into conversations that define legacies.

Lane Kiffin’s witty remark about Paul Finebaum’s shifting targets from Nick Saban to Kirby Smart encapsulates the evolving nature of SEC football and its media ecosystem. It reflects changing power dynamics, enduring rivalries, and the critical role media plays in shaping college football’s drama.

As Tennessee rises, Alabama adapts, and Georgia maintains its status, the exchanges between coaches and analysts will remain a vital part of the sport’s narrative tapestry—full of tension, humor, and unforgettable moments.

For fans, these interactions add layers of excitement, making each season a story not just about the games played but about the personalities, rivalries, and conversations that define college football culture.