Paul Finebaum Flags SEC, USC Coaches on Hot Seat Amid 2025 Season Pressure

As the 2025 college football season approaches, several high-profile coaches are under intense scrutiny, with analysts highlighting the pressure to deliver results or risk losing their jobs. LSU's Brian Kelly, despite optimism around returning talent and strong championship odds, faces questions about job security due to declining performance, with a costly buyout looming if results don't improve. Oklahoma's Brent Venables is similarly on the hot seat after another losing season, despite a lucrative contract extension, as the program seeks a return to its winning tradition. At USC, head coach Lincoln Riley faces harsh criticism from ESPN's Paul Finebaum, who has labeled him a 'fraud' and blamed him for the Trojans' inability to regain national prominence despite top recruiting classes and past success at Oklahoma. While USC is historically considered a 'blue blood' program, its recent lack of 10-win seasons and disappointing defensive performances have intensified scrutiny on Riley's leadership. Finebaum maintains that while these programs have potential, their head coaches must quickly translate talent into on-field success to meet lofty expectations.