Kiffin, Cyrus, and the Media Storm

A media comment from 2013 continues to be referenced today, influencing discussions and perspectives in college football.

Story Highlights

Paul Finebaum’s 2013 comparison of Lane Kiffin to Miley Cyrus remains a hot topic.
The analogy implied a lack of substance behind Kiffin’s high-profile coaching style.
The comment had long-lasting impacts on both Finebaum’s and Kiffin’s careers.
The incident is a case study in media influence over sports figures.

The Controversial Analogy

In 2013, ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum compared Lane Kiffin, then-head coach at USC, to pop star Miley Cyrus during a College GameDay segment. Finebaum’s statement suggested that Kiffin’s coaching style emphasized public attention over underlying content, drawing comparisons to the pop star’s public persona. This analogy elicited a significant reaction, particularly from Kiffin, and generated considerable discussion within sports media circles.

ESPN star Paul Finebaum recalls comparing Lane Kiffin to Miley Cyrus

Finebaum made the remarks in 2013 during Kiffin's tenure in 2013https://t.co/Ay8ett6mZj

— The Big Bad Conservative Wolf (@RightWingNest) October 1, 2025

Immediate and Long-Term Reactions

The immediate fallout from Finebaum’s remark was palpable. USC had just suffered a loss to Arizona State, and the comparison added to the turmoil surrounding Kiffin’s coaching tenure. Finebaum’s ESPN colleagues were reportedly infuriated by the unscripted comment, and Kiffin himself later hinted that such media narratives contributed to his firing shortly thereafter. Over the years, both Finebaum and Kiffin have addressed the incident in interviews, sometimes humorously, indicating that while tensions have eased, the comment’s impact lingers.

Media Influence on Sports Careers

The Finebaum-Kiffin incident is a prime example of how media commentary can significantly influence public perception and career trajectories within the sports world. Finebaum’s reputation as a provocative commentator was solidified, with the Miley Cyrus analogy becoming a defining moment in his career. Meanwhile, Kiffin’s public persona and coaching journey were undeniably shaped by the media scrutiny that followed the comparison. This case underscores the power and responsibility of sports commentators in shaping narratives and influencing public opinion.

Today, both Finebaum and Kiffin continue to be prominent figures in college football, with the incident now serving as a notable chapter in their professional histories. It remains a touchstone for discussions about the balance between entertainment and professionalism in sports media, as well as the potential consequences of unscripted commentary.

Watch the report:Paul Finebaum talks about calling Lane Kiffin the “Miley Cyrus of college football”