LSU head coach Lane Kiffin says he appreciates the criticism he receives from ESPN and SEC Network host Paul Finebaum, viewing it as a sign of success or impending success. Kiffin described Finebaum’s commentary as ‘rat poison’ that motivates players.
Finebaum has been analyzing Kiffin’s performance since his tenures at Tennessee, USC, Alabama, FAU, and Ole Miss, as well as his controversial move to LSU. Following LSU’s 51-10 victory over Clemson, Kiffin noted a shift in Finebaum’s commentary.
“I like Paul, I really do,” Kiffin said. “And he knows that. He said something one time to me about being like the ex that texts, and you respond back. I don't think of Paul like that. [Media pundits] have a job to do, and I understand that. Those things used to make me mad and upset. And then I realized, 'Okay, they have a job to do.' Especially when two people go on a show, usually they've got to take opposite sides. It's just Paul's shtick.”
Kiffin added that Finebaum’s criticism often precedes positive outcomes, recalling how Finebaum frequently criticized Nick Saban and Alabama before they won national championships. “When Paul does it, I like it because it usually means something good's about to happen.”
Kiffin explained that he views negative media coverage, like Finebaum’s, as motivational fuel for his players. “He is the definition of rat poison,” Kiffin continued. “He sent me today his own thing where he said, you know, we're the hottest place to go and, you know, every recruit should want to come here and everything. And so I responded back to him, 'Thanks for the rat poison,' because that's what your players read. And then all of a sudden they think, okay, we've arrived.”
Finebaum reportedly appreciated Kiffin’s commentary.
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