Paul Finebaum claims Florida is a better job than Penn State

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum claimed Florida is a better job than Penn State now that the coaching cycle keeps evolving. Penn State is already open with the firing of James Franklin and the Florida gig could be open imminently with Billy Napier on the hot seat.

In terms of investment into the program, Florida and Penn State will do so in their football programs. But it’s an interesting debate as to which school would be more attractive for a potential head coach, new or veteran.

Finebaum likes the region, despite being from the area, more than what State College can provide. Plus, for what it’s worth, James Franklin was near the top tier in terms of head coaches and Penn State still made a change.

“I like Florida, Matt, and it’s not because of the region of the country I’m from,” Finebaum said on The Matt Barrie Show. “It’s just that I have seen the development there, and it’s not even the recruiting base anymore, because that’s that’s a misnomer, but I think the commitment there, maybe not dollar for dollar because Penn State is very mighty, but you’re just playing in a better area of the country to me, and I think it gives you more opportunity. 

“There’s not a lot of difference between the two. But I can’t help but get hung up in the history of Penn State and all the peaks and valleys … Franklin for all of what has been said about him in the last week, was a top tier coach. He just wasn’t at the very first tier.”

Florida has a history of national titles under numerous coaches, such as Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer. Yes, Joe Paterno led Penn State to the pinnacle of college football, but Florida has more of the recent success, as Finebaum alluded to.

Florida QB DJ Lagway is a staunch defender of Billy Napier. But the coach’s future could be decided soon and Lagway deflected a question about Napier after Florida’s win over Mississippi State Saturday.

“Like I said, I focus on my guys and my teammates,” Lagway said. “Always motivating those guys and just trying to keep rallying the troops.”

Napier, for his part, has also heard the criticism from fans. It’d be hard not to hear it, after all. At the same time, he believes he can handle it and the team can grow from these struggles.

“I would say I think I’m built for it,” Napier said. “I’m made for it. I chose the coaching profession. I was called to coach. The good comes with the bad. I do think that the game is about the players and I’m proud of the players and the way they played. You’re never gonna make everybody happy when you get in these leadership positions and you’re in charge. These are the things that come with it.”