Let’s close out the SEC season with a final power ranking, but like we always do this time of year, let’s end with a final coach’s poll, to see just how much power these guys have as we head into the offseason.
1. Nick Saban
The GOAT, who reestablished his dominance late in the season with a big win in the SEC Championship and somehow managed to strongarm his way into the College Football Playoff past an undefeated FSU. I just wonder how much longer Saban wants to do this – he’s 72 years old, and at some point he might prefer to just go out on his boat with Miss Terry.
2. Kirby Smart
On the other hand, Kirby Smart is just 47 years old. I don’t think it’s crazy to think that he could stay at UGA for at least the next 25 years, dominating the SEC East?
3. Eli Drinkwitz
Drink was 17-19 heading into this season, and I think it’s safe to say Mizzou fans were a little antsy. One 10-2 season can do a lot for your job security. Now comes the hard part: Doing it again.
4. Hugh Freeze
Think about what a mess Auburn has been the last few years, and how Freeze has managed to avoid all that mess, which around the Plains is like running in the rain without getting wet. Even Auburn fans can understand last season’s 6-6 finish, now Auburn needs to find a QB.
5. Jeff Lebby
I have a friend who’s a Mississippi State grad, who told me a few months ago that all they want is a coach who can consistently win 7 or 8 or 9 games. Can Jeff Lebby do that? Wait and see, but if he lands Dillon Gabriel and can inject some juice into the MSU offense, they might be pretty fun next season.
6. Lane Kiffin
I never thought Lane Kiffin would be considered boring but here we are. Give the man this, he knows his audience…
7. Brian Kelly
I don’t think Kelly is in any danger of being fired anytime soon, but a 9-3 season with Jayden Daniels at quarterback isn’t great. What’s more concerning is how consistently awful LSU’s defense was all season long.
8. Josh Heupel
One year ago, Heupel was riding high, but an 8-4 follow-up season was disappointing to many. Hopefully prized freshman Nico Iamaleava makes his mark next season.
9. Mike Elko
I guess he goes here? He just got hired and there’s some continuity there, since he coached at Texas A&M previously, but then again, it’s Texas A&M, with one of the most rabid fanbases in all of college sports. Things are great at the moment, but after a couple of 7-5 seasons, let’s revisit.
10. Mark Stoops
This is such a weird place for Stoops, who wins 7 or 8 games every season at a school not known for its football program, and yet he almost caused a total revolt when Texas A&M floated his name. Stoops can probably ride out into the sunset at UK, if that’s what he wants to do.
11. Shane Beamer
Two winning seasons followed this year by a disappointing 5-7, and the schedule next year is brutal. We’ll see what happens now that the Spencer Rattler era is over.
12. Clark Lea
I’ve always felt the coach at Vanderbilt, whoever it is, can keep his job forever if he stays out of trouble and wins a random SEC game here or there. But the situation at Vandy right now, with players pouring into the transfer portal, seems borderline untenable. Maybe it doesn’t matter because, after all, it’s Vandy?
13. Billy Napier
Will Napier bring in a play-caller? He’s only been in Gainesville for two seasons, but back-to-back losing campaigns aren’t a great look. Neither is getting trolled by high school kids…
14. Sam Pittman
Do you think Bobby Petrino already has plans for what he’s going to do to Pittman’s office once he takes over the head gig next November?