Paul Finebaum Names Major College Football Coach Who Needs to Make the Playoffs originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The 2025 college football season is significant for several high-profile coaches who aim to reach the College Football Playoff.
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One such coach is Brian Kelly, who heads the LSU Tigers. Although he has previously made the playoffs with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, he is still seeking his first playoff appearance at LSU and had to watch his former team compete for a national championship last season.
ESPN’s Paul Finebaum addressed the issue of whether or not Kelly would be on the hot seat this year if he fails to bring the Tigers to the playoffs.
During an episode of “The Paul Finebaum Show,” Finebaum stated that he does not believe Kelly will be in any danger just yet.
LSU Tigers coach Brian Kelly reacts to a call in the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
“Brian Kelly, he does need to get to the playoffs,” Finebaum said. “This is his best team, he has admitted that. But he’s also considered an elite coach. So, short of a bad season, I don’t think anyone is going to worry about his job security.”
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Letting go of Kelly would be a difficult decision, not only because he is an elite coach but also because he would require a substantial buyout. This season, his buyout stands 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.
As Finebaum noted, Kelly is recognized as one of the top coaches in college football, with an overall 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 record of 10-4, 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.
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Finebaum believes that LSU’s five-year streak without making the playoffs will come to an end. He has expressed his view that LSU could be a potential playoff team, although he acknowledges the intense competition in the SEC. He 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 P.M. ET, which could generate significant momentum for the team.
Related: Paul Finebaum Names SEC Team That Will End Its College Football Playoff Drought
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.