Paul Finebaum addresses which job is better between LSU, Florida

With there currently being 10 head coaching openings – seven of those being Power Five jobs – across the college football landscape, many different schools are trying to find the right fit to fill their vacancies. In one of the most prestigious athletic conferences, the SEC, there are two head coaching positions currently open: LSU and Florida.

While LSU and head coach Ed Orgeron mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the 2021 season, Florida made the decision on Sunday to fire coach Dan Mullen – effective immediately. With Orgeron and Mullen both out of the mix, the Tigers and Gators feature a pair of top-tier jobs that are available.

Although LSU and Florida are both big-time Power Five gigs, this question is asked: Which of the two jobs is better? ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum gave his answer on The ESPN College Football Podcast on Sunday.

“LSU,” Finebaum said with no hesitation. “The talent pool is much better, you own your own state – [Alabama coach] Nick Saban has made a living down there, but you can put some borders up – and you’re not fighting FSU and Miami. The fact that [Florida State coach] Mike Norvell might have the ascending program in that state is even more surprising.”

LSU and Orgeron agreed to part ways at the end of the season after the coach – as of now – compiled a 50-20 record in six years and won the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2019. The school will pay his entire buyout of $17 million.

Mullen was fired Sunday by Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin after four seasons leading the Gators program in Gainesville. Mullen went 34-15 overall at UF but was 5-6 so far through the 2021 campaign. The school will pay his entire buyout of $12 million.

Dan Mullen releases statement after Florida departure

Shortly after Florida made it official with a 3:00 p.m. Scott Stricklin press conference, former Gators’ head coach Dan Mullen took to Twitter Sunday night to share a message and thank Florida fans for their support.

“I want to thank UF President Dr. Fuchs, Scott Stricklin, the Board of Trustees, and Gator Nation for the privilege of being Head Football Coach at the University of Florida,” Mullen said on Twitter. “I will always cherish the two National Championships we won during my time at UF, along with the past three New Year’s Six Bowls to name a few. The program has a bright future ahead with the talent on the team and the new football facility that will be finished next spring. My family and I thank you for the honor of being your Head Football Coach.”

Stricklin in his opening statement also revealed details of his initial conversation with Mullen. He said that he offered Mullen the opportunity to coach Florida’s upcoming rivalry game against Florida State, a game in which both teams are looking to claim bowl eligibility, but Mullen declined, saying he didn’t want to be a distraction for the team. Thus, his time with Florida ended abruptly on Sunday.