As Week 1 of the 2024 college football season comes to a close, excitement and tension are already building among fans and analysts alike. While the Florida State vs. Boston College game will conclude Labor Day weekend, the majority of teams have completed their opening matchups, setting the stage for what looks to be a thrilling season.

Among the top highlights from Week 1 were the University of Southern California’s (USC) commanding victory over Louisiana State University (LSU), Notre Dame’s solid showing against Texas A&M, and Georgia’s undeniable dominance over Clemson. Yet, amid these standout performances, ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum had harsh words for two of the sport’s most recognizable head coaches: LSU’s Brian Kelly and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney.

Brian Kelly’s Missteps

Finebaum didn’t hold back when discussing LSU’s Brian Kelly, especially in light of his post-game reactions. Kelly, who earns a hefty $11 million annually, admitted he could have done a better job coaching after LSU’s defeat. But Finebaum was not impressed by the coach’s remorse.

“When Brian Kelly walked into the press conference and showed emotion, it was too late. I don’t want to hear it after the game. And don’t give me this, ‘I need to do a better job coaching,’” Finebaum remarked, expressing his dissatisfaction with Kelly’s handling of the game. “You’re paid to coach before and during the game, not explain mistakes afterward.”

Dabo Swinney’s Struggles

Dabo Swinney, the head coach of Clemson, also found himself in Finebaum’s crosshairs. The outspoken analyst believes Swinney’s refusal to adapt to the ever-changing college football landscape could be his downfall. Swinney’s decision to avoid using the transfer portal—a crucial tool in modern college football—was a particular sticking point for Finebaum.

“Sadly, it seems like Dabo is really done this time at Clemson,” Finebaum commented. “Clearly, he has screwed up badly, refusing to go into the portal.”

“When Brian Kelly walked into the press conference and showed emotion, then it was too late. I don’t want to hear it after the game…And don’t give me this, ‘I need to do a better job coaching.’ You’re paid $11 million to do the coaching into the game and throughout the game.” pic.twitter.com/oi14GAf3wl

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 2, 2024

Despite the critiques, neither Kelly nor Swinney are in immediate danger of losing their jobs, but the pressure is mounting. For fans of both LSU and Clemson, the road ahead might be a tough one if changes aren’t made quickly.

What’s Next for LSU and Clemson?

Though the season has just begun, these early criticisms raise important questions for both teams. LSU, despite its rich history, has been struggling to maintain consistency at the top levels of college football. Meanwhile, Clemson, which was once considered a perennial powerhouse, seems to have lost some of its edge in recent seasons.

Finebaum’s pointed analysis may reflect a broader concern among fans and alumni alike. Both programs have the talent and resources to succeed, but will the leadership of Kelly and Swinney be enough to navigate the challenges of the 2024 season? Only time will tell.

For now, fans can expect a lot of eyes on these two teams in the coming weeks, as the pressure mounts on both head coaches to deliver results.