A Prominent College Football Coach Who “Can’t Survive Another Bad Year” – An Analysis of Paul Finebaum’s Bold Statement
College football is one of the most passionate and high-stakes environments in sports, where success is often defined by championships, bowl games, and national prominence. Coaches in the college football realm are not only responsible for the success of their programs, but they also carry the hopes of their fanbases, the financial stability of their athletic departments, and the reputations of their schools. As such, the pressure on coaches to perform year after year is immense.
One of the most prominent figures in college football media, Paul Finebaum, has often been at the forefront of assessing coaches’ job security. His commentary on the sport has earned him respect from fans, analysts, and even coaches themselves. In a recent broadcast, Finebaum boldly stated that a particular prominent college football coach “can’t survive another bad year,” leaving fans, media members, and analysts alike wondering which coach he was referring to and what this statement means for the future of college football programs.
In this article, we will analyze the implications of Finebaum’s statement, explore which coach he could have been referencing, and discuss the pressures that high-profile college football coaches face when dealing with a season on the brink of failure.
The Weight of Paul Finebaum’s Words
Paul Finebaum is a respected voice in college football. His analysis, commentary, and opinions often set the tone for broader discussions surrounding the sport. Finebaum is no stranger to talking about coaching hot seats and identifying programs on the verge of major decisions regarding their football leadership. His comments are usually considered thoughtfully and are often backed by a deep understanding of the inner workings of college football.
When Finebaum states that a coach “can’t survive another bad year,” it carries significant weight. It suggests that the coach in question is on the verge of losing their job and could face serious consequences if their program does not show improvement in the near future. The phrase “can’t survive” implies that the coach has likely reached the end of the line, with no further opportunities to redeem themselves or recover from continued underperformance.
While Finebaum didn’t directly name the coach in this instance, his statement is likely directed at one of the sport’s more high-profile figures whose job security is in jeopardy. In the next sections, we’ll dive deeper into possible candidates.
The Frontrunners: Coaches Who Can’t Afford Another Bad Year
Several prominent college football coaches find themselves in precarious situations in 2025, with their programs at a crossroads. These coaches have faced criticism for failing to meet expectations in recent years, and the coming season could determine their future. Let’s examine a few possible candidates that Finebaum might have been referring to.
1. Jim Harbaugh – University of Michigan
Jim Harbaugh has built a strong football program at Michigan, but his tenure has been marked by a combination of highs and lows. Harbaugh’s early years in Ann Arbor were filled with promise and excitement, but he struggled to defeat Ohio State and win the Big Ten Championship. After years of underperformance in the biggest games, Harbaugh seemed to be on the verge of losing his job. However, in recent years, he has turned things around, leading the Wolverines to back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances.
Despite this success, Michigan fans and analysts alike have often wondered whether Harbaugh can sustain the program’s success. If Michigan were to experience a significant decline or fall short of expectations once again, Harbaugh could find himself on the hot seat. His position at Michigan is certainly one where he can ill afford another disappointing season, especially given the growing expectations surrounding the program.
2. Brian Kelly – LSU
Brian Kelly’s move from Notre Dame to LSU raised a lot of eyebrows. While Kelly had experienced consistent success with Notre Dame, many questioned whether he could replicate that success in the competitive SEC environment. His first season at LSU was a mixed bag: while Kelly did lead the Tigers to a successful bowl game, the team experienced some ups and downs, including an unexpected loss to Texas A&M.
Kelly’s reputation as a coach who could consistently win big games will be tested in the SEC, and a second consecutive underwhelming season could lead to doubts about his ability to compete in the conference. The high expectations at LSU, combined with Kelly’s large contract, mean that the pressure to perform is intense. Another disappointing season in Baton Rouge could put Kelly’s future at LSU in serious jeopardy.
3. Mario Cristobal – University of Miami
Mario Cristobal took over as head coach of the University of Miami with the goal of restoring the program to its former glory. Miami had once been a powerhouse in college football, but in recent years, it had fallen behind in terms of talent and performance. Cristobal’s early years at Miami have been underwhelming, as the Hurricanes have struggled to regain their national prominence.
Cristobal’s reputation as a recruiter and motivator had garnered high hopes for his tenure at Miami. However, if he cannot quickly turn around the program, the Miami administration may begin to question whether he is the right man for the job. The culture surrounding the Miami program is one that demands immediate success, and another bad season in 2025 could lead to a coaching change. For Cristobal, the clock is ticking.
4. James Franklin – Penn State
James Franklin has had a solid run at Penn State, but the Nittany Lions have not consistently competed at the highest level of college football in recent years. Franklin’s teams have often played well but fallen short in key games, especially against Ohio State and Michigan. While Penn State has remained competitive in the Big Ten, the program has yet to return to its former national prominence under Franklin.
The pressure on Franklin is mounting, as fans and administrators expect Penn State to break through and contend for a Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff spot. Another mediocre season in 2025 could push Franklin’s tenure to a crossroads, especially as expectations continue to rise. The Nittany Lions have the resources and talent to compete at a high level, but Franklin has not yet been able to deliver the program’s first Big Ten Championship since 2012. If he continues to fall short of expectations, his future at Penn State could be in jeopardy.
5. Clay Helton (If He Were Still Coaching USC)
Before Lincoln Riley’s arrival at USC, Clay Helton was on a very hot seat, having failed to consistently lead the Trojans to championship contention. His inability to achieve consistent success at a program with high expectations made his job security a constant topic of discussion. While Helton was eventually dismissed, he remains a symbol of the pressures that USC faces to compete at the highest level.
Helton’s situation highlights the tightrope that coaches walk when their programs are traditionally successful but underperforming in the present day. While Helton is no longer a current head coach, he serves as a cautionary tale of how even long-tenured and respected coaches can find themselves on the chopping block if they fail to deliver.
The Impact of a “Bad Year”
In college football, a “bad year” typically refers to underperforming relative to preseason expectations, failing to reach key milestones (such as bowl eligibility or conference championships), or losing games to teams that were considered lesser opponents. A bad year can also be compounded by internal issues, such as recruiting struggles, player discipline problems, or controversies that distract from on-field performance.
When a prominent coach is said to be on the verge of losing their job due to a bad year, it suggests that their program is not only failing to meet expectations but also losing the confidence of fans, boosters, and administrators. Coaches who fail to meet expectations often find themselves in a situation where they are battling both internal and external pressures to salvage their tenure.
