Paul Finebaum discusses SEC coaching hot seats and Art Briles
Usually, Paul Finebaum is the one asking questions to his guests. In a recent podcast with Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel, however, it was Finebaum who was asked several questions about the coaching landscape in the SEC.
Finebaum told Feldman and Mandel that he believed this weekend’s matchup between LSU and Auburn could have a profound impact on Les Miles’ and Guz Malzahn’s job security.
Afterwards, he spoke on the chances that any SEC program would pursue former Baylor coach Art Briles, starting with Auburn.
“Four years ago they wouldn’t go anywhere near Bobby Petrino,” Finebaum said of Auburn. “They would get nowhere close to Art Briles.”
Auburn isn’t likely to be the only SEC school in search of an upgrade on the sideline, but Finebaum doesn’t think it’s too likely that Briles would be welcomed in the conference.
“I really don’t. I don’t know if that’s something that goes to the commissioner or not, but I think we all know Greg Sankey and I have a hard time believing Sankey would – and this is just my opinion – would sign off on that. I don’t know whether he would veto it either but I do know under Mike Slive courtesy calls were offered. He was certainly known to give his opinion.”
“I know that Lane Kiffin was taken to visit Commissioner Sankey by Bill Battle before Bill would sign off on hiring him (at Alabama).”
If Auburn continues to struggle, they will have to do something. Briles is the best available.
I agree, but part of me thinks that if Gus is gone that Auburn will finally swallow their pride and seriously negotiate with Petrino first.
I don’t think Petrino has a chance unless there is a major overhaul in the AD. Which is probably needed.
Agree. My #1 is Herman…but that ain’t happening. Briles would win, but at what cost. Just agree that Auburn would never give him an interview.
everyone’s number one is Herman! I’m with ya. But why do people think Herman wouldn’t leave Houston? When the Les Miles stuff heats up, and people start whispering, my mind goes straight to him. Not a far move, elite program, SEC, recruits heavily out of the Houston area anyways. Why not? Or Why not Auburn for that matter, even if it is a tougher job with more direct competition with saban….
I could see him going to LSU or Texas. Auburn has garnered a reputation for being quick to fire the HC, right or wrong. I honestly think there are a lot of coaches that wouldn’t want to work for our AD right now. Control is an issue and there’s just too many good ole boys pulling the strings.
I hear ya. I guess that is kind of the knock on LSU too…. our AD handled the Les stuff terribly last year, our fanbase is demanding NC’s NOW, and our new system prez is from some college in longbeach… he really doesn’t understand athletics… or medical schools or the Louisiana state budget… not that its an easy task. I digress. If stability and time is what a coach is looking for, maybe Auburn and LSU aren’t your dream job