Ranking the SEC’s College Football Coaches for 2024!
The landscape of SEC coaching has shifted with Nick Saban’s retirement, paving the way for Georgia’s Kirby Smart to claim the top spot. As we enter the 2024 college football season, Smart leads a robust group of coaches, including Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer, Texas’ Steve Sarkisian, and LSU’s Brian Kelly, all of whom vie for the number two position.
Depth in SEC Coaching
Beyond the top tier, the SEC boasts considerable coaching talent. Tennessee’s Josh Heupel, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, and Kentucky’s Mark Stoops round out the next level. The conference also welcomes new faces, such as Texas A&M’s Mike Elko and Oklahoma’s Brent Venables, adding further depth to the coaching ranks.
Evaluating Coaching Success
Success in college football hinges on strong coaching. Even programs with fewer resources can achieve national or conference title contention with the right leadership. Our rankings consider various factors beyond just wins and losses, including the coach’s career biography, talent development, recruiting prowess, program resources, and the coach’s effectiveness as a leader.
SEC Coaching Rankings for 2024
1. Kirby Smart, Georgia
With Nick Saban retired, Kirby Smart stands as the SEC’s top coach. Under Smart, Georgia has claimed two of the last three national championships and boasts a 94-16 record since 2016. The Bulldogs have not lost a regular-season SEC game since 2020, consistently finishing strong in national rankings.
2. Brian Kelly, LSU
Brian Kelly has quickly made an impact at LSU, posting a 20-7 record in his first two seasons. Despite a missed opportunity in 2023, Kelly’s track record at Notre Dame and other schools demonstrates his ability to win. Entering 2024 with 304 career wins, Kelly aims to address defensive issues and lead LSU to greater success.
3. Steve Sarkisian, Texas
Steve Sarkisian has Texas on an upward trajectory, culminating in a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2023. With a 25-14 record at Texas and a reputation as a top offensive strategist, Sarkisian looks to build on this momentum in 2024.
4. Kalen DeBoer, Alabama
Kalen DeBoer faces the daunting task of following Nick Saban at Alabama. However, his impressive coaching history, including a successful tenure at Washington, prepares him well. DeBoer’s ability to adapt to the SEC will be crucial as he aims to maintain Alabama’s winning tradition.
5. Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss
Lane Kiffin has transformed Ole Miss, setting a school record with an 11-win season. Known for his recruiting prowess and offensive innovation, Kiffin’s goal for 2024 is to lead the Rebels to the SEC Championship and the College Football Playoff.
6. Josh Heupel, Tennessee
Josh Heupel has revitalized Tennessee, guiding the Volunteers to a 27-12 record over three seasons. With a promising young quarterback, Heupel aims to address defensive issues and propel Tennessee back into national contention.
7. Mark Stoops, Kentucky
Mark Stoops faces a pivotal season at Kentucky. Despite recent challenges, Stoops’ tenure has been marked by impressive achievements, including two double-digit win seasons. Maintaining success in 2024 will be crucial for his continued tenure.
8. Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri
Eli Drinkwitz’s breakthrough 2023 season restored faith in Missouri’s direction. Leading the Tigers to an 11-2 record, including a Cotton Bowl victory, Drinkwitz has positioned Missouri for a potential College Football Playoff appearance in 2024.
9. Mike Elko, Texas A&M
Mike Elko’s task is to translate Texas A&M’s potential into consistent success. His impressive defensive record and immediate impact at Duke suggest he is well-suited to meet this challenge in College Station.
10. Hugh Freeze, Auburn
Hugh Freeze’s return to the SEC with Auburn has been dramatic. Despite a rocky debut season, Freeze’s successful history at multiple programs provides optimism for Auburn’s future, provided he can stabilize and elevate the team’s performance.
11. Brent Venables, Oklahoma
Brent Venables quickly turned Oklahoma around after a challenging first season. With improvements on both sides of the ball, Venables aims to continue this upward trend as Oklahoma transitions to the SEC.
12. Billy Napier, Florida
Billy Napier’s tenure at Florida has been turbulent, with an 11-14 record over two seasons. Despite past success at Louisiana, Napier needs significant progress in 2024 to secure his position amidst increasing pressure.
13. Shane Beamer, South Carolina
Shane Beamer seeks a rebound after a disappointing 2023 season. With a 20-18 record and a tough schedule ahead, returning to postseason play would mark a successful turnaround for South Carolina.
14. Sam Pittman, Arkansas
Sam Pittman’s position at Arkansas is precarious after a sharp decline in 2023. With a 4-8 record, Pittman faces a crucial 2024 season to prove he can restore the program’s earlier promise.
15. Clark Lea, Vanderbilt
Clark Lea has struggled to lift Vanderbilt from the bottom of the SEC. Despite his defensive expertise, the Commodores’ consistent poor performance demands significant improvement in 2024.
16. Jeff Lebby, Mississippi State
Jeff Lebby steps into a challenging role at Mississippi State as a first-time head coach. Known for high-powered offenses, Lebby’s ability to adapt and succeed in the SEC will be closely watched in 2024.
These rankings highlight the diverse and talented pool of coaches in the SEC, each facing unique challenges and opportunities as the 2024 season approaches.
Leave a Reply