Paul Finebaum on Paul Chryst firing, predicts which head coach is next to be fired
College football analyst Paul Finebaum made a recent appearance on ESPN’s KJM show and weighed in on the recent firing of Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst, which came as a surprise to many but seems to be a current trend in today’s college football landscape.
“That’s the new normal, because he was very successful there as you guys know, he had a tremendous resume, he’s from there, he played there,” Finebaum said.
Chryst was fired after the Badgers got off to a 2-3 record, despite him having a 67-26 with Wisconsin and being their third-winningest coach in school history. He isn’t the only one, as he joins coaches like Scott Frost, Herm Edwards, Karl Dorrell, and others who have already been fired through just five weeks of this year’s college football season.
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“I just think everybody’s got itchy fingers right now and if there’s some doubt about firing your coach, just go ahead and do it,” Finebaum said. “The Colorado coach got fired, there’s already been six or seven coaches, the Auburn coach is probably next up.”
Finebaum is referring to Tiger’s head coach Brian Harsin, who he believes is in the hot seat at Auburn after a 3-2 start and a challenging SEC schedule ahead of him. Harsin is currently 9-9 as Auburn’s head coach, as he hasn’t even reached the halfway point of his second season at the helm for the Tigers. But Harsin has already had to combat internal coup aimed at his job during his short time with Auburn, and college coaches at the moment are getting fired faster than ever.
“And I think the theory is it gives you more time to look for the next coach, I don’t think it really matters, these things are really done in the dark of night anyway, but too many ADs I think are reading Twitter,” Finebaum said.
Report: Wisconsin, Paul Chryst agree to reduced buyout of $11 million
College football programs have not been afraid to fire coaches early in the season but Wisconsin‘s move was a surprise one. Paul Chryst was let go after Saturday’s loss to Illinois after spending seven full seasons in Madison. Initially, Chryst was looking at a $19.5 million check coming his way but now, the two sides have agreed on a reduced buyout.
According to Matt Fortuna of The Athletic, Wisconsin will only pay Chryst $11 million, with the two agreeing on the number on Monday. Fortuna also reports that everything must be paid within four months’ time and by Feb. 1, 2023.
“Wisconsin and Paul Chryst have agreed to a reduced buyout of $11 million, to be paid before Feb. 1, 2023, per a school official,” Fortuna said. “The Badgers were initially on the hook for roughly $19.5 million for terminating Chryst without cause. The UW Foundation will pay the reduced buyout.”
Chryst chose to take a smaller amount but will get the money sooner rather than later. Had the former head coach stayed on the $19.5 million number, Wisconsin would have been able to pay him out over time, assuming he did not pick up another job. Now, Chryst will get a big payday by early February.