Paul Finebaum calls Ed Orgeron 'a distraction,' suggests a big change at LSU

Paul Finebaum suggests a radical change at LSU after the Tigers’ 31-17 loss to Ole Miss this weekend. Finebaum, on with Greg McElroy and Cole Cubelic in the Morning on WJOX, said he believes it would be in the team’s best interest to remove Ed Orgeron now, instead of at the end of the season.

A harsh take, perhaps, but the SEC analyst argued Orgeron has become a distraction for LSU after getting the ax less than two weeks ago.

“I’m more concerned about the LSU side,” Paul Finebaum said. “I know Ed Orgeron was fired or parted ways last week, but I think he should go now. I don’t think he’s helping that team, I think he’s a distraction.

“We saw it during that (Ole Miss) game, that he’s offering very little. He’s just getting in the way. I understood it was all for show, I understood it was all (about) let’s sing kumbaya and act like nothing’s wrong here and let people wonder could he have survived. (But) he shouldn’t be there any longer, and I think the sooner LSU moves him out of the way and just eliminates a distraction, the better it is for these players the rest of the way.”

After LSU clinched an upset win over Florida and Orgeron was fired anyway, there were questions about how the Tigers would respond in Week 8. They scored first on Saturday but rolled over for the Rebels in the second and third quarters. It was their fourth loss of the year.

Considering the Tigers are 4-4, not even below .500, it could be extremely awkward if Scott Woodard and the program were to go back on their deal with Ed Orgeron.

LSU plays Alabama on Nov. 6, Arkansas on Nov. 13, ULM on Nov. 20 and Texas A&M on Nov. 27.

Orgeron buyout includes mandatory appearances

On top of a recruiting class that needs completing, there are other reasons LSU needs to maintain a good relationship with Ed Orgeron. As the head coach of the 2019 National Championship team, Orgeron is now and forever tied to the university.

In addition to the unique provision which allows Coach O to continue head coaching duties through the 2021 season, LSU’s buyout officially ties the two parties together through 2025.

According to the buyout terms, Orgeron must appear at one public event each year for the next four years at LSU’s request.

It remains unclear whether LSU plans to exercise the option every season. However, it leaves the door open for more “Geaux Tigers!” chants.

According to Ross Dellenger, the team will pay out approximately $16.9 million in 18 payments over four years. The payments start two months from now.

The terms also state Orgeron cannot accept a head coaching position at any SEC school for 18 months.