Congratulations ladies and gentlemen, we are officially less than 60 days from the return of college football! How have you spent your offseason? Personally, I’ve relied on hockey and the storied run of the Nashville Predators to make life without football bearable.
What’s that? You didn’t watch hockey and/or don’t care about the Predators? Well, good news for you my friends! Big Natural and new writer Herbie Brooks have you covered on the hockey front. So, give them a look and get caught up.
Now, a better question you must all be thinking: Poppa Bear, why are you back 60 days early?!? Great question, random citizen! I’m here to give you the knowledge rattling around in my brain that you’ll need going into the 2017 season. And let me tell you, there’s plenty of it in there.
Today’s topic is one of the most common discussions for pre-season football: the coaching hot seat. Just for you, the fans, I’m going to rank SEC coaches by the temperature of their seats (and this is, of course, metaphorical. I’m not talking about old man butts here).
On to the rankings!
Coldest to Hottest
Nick Saban – If you’re surprised, then you don’t know much about college football. Saban has a death grip on his throne and will leave when he pleases.
Dan Mullen – Will Mullen ever win a National Championship at Mississippi State? I doubt it. But, to his credit, he’s taken the Bulldogs about as high as can be expected. If Mullen leaves, it will be on his terms and for another job.
Jim McElwain – Shark humping allegations aside, McElwain continues to impress in the East, even without much of an offense. Leaning on a solid defense, the Gators are again a favorite to win the East.
Will Muschamp – A year ago, Muschamp was expected to limp into last place in the SEC East. But, after finishing .500 in the regular season, and putting together a solid recruiting performance, Muschamp has bought himself some credibility.
Mark Stoops – A winning season in Kentucky football is like watching a total solar eclipse while sitting on a unicorn. A 7-5 season that included a major upset of Louisville keeps Stoops on a cold seat.
Derek Mason – It certainly seemed like Mason was on his way out at the beginning of last season. After finishing .500, getting bowl eligible, and recruiting really well, he has managed to cool his seat down. Taking down the Vols and ruining their Sugar Bowl bid didn’t hurt either.
Kirby Smart – A 7-5 in his first year of coaching, while not terrible, was also not exceeding expectations either. Remember Mark Richt? He got fired after a 9-3 season. Smart should be in the hunt for the East.
Ed Orgeron – Lukewarm at best, Orgeron’s first season at LSU will be an interesting one. A Louisiana native, the fans will give him an honest chance. If he doesn’t deliver (like at Ole Miss) patience will grow thin fairly quick.
Barry Odom – Sure, it was only his first season on the job, but it was still tough to watch. Finishing last in the conference is not the way to start your head coaching career. Gary Pinkel really spoiled the Tigers.
Hugh Freeze – The head coach of the Rebels sits in an interesting spot. A stellar coach that’s been doing well for the last several seasons, Freeze has run into some trouble in the last year. NCAA sanctions and recruiting skids are warming up his seat.
Bret Bielema – The leader of the Razorbacks just hasn’t lived up to the hype. Sure, he continues to keep Arkansas bowl eligible, but they haven’t been a real threat in the West since he took the helm.
Gus Malzhan – I really believe that this is a make or break season for Malzhan. The Tigers are set up incredibly well with talent on both sides of the ball. If it doesn’t pan out for Auburn, then it’ll fall squarely on the head coach.
Butch Jones – It seems like most of the excitement has died down on Rocky Top. While proving to be a top recruiter, Jones has not been able to put all of that talent together. Injuries have plagued the Vols, but enough coaching blunders have the UT faithful rumbling for a possible change.
Kevin Sumlin – Big Natural wrote about this. So, read it here; I agree with that article.
Have a great week folks! As always, Poppa Bear loves you.
Poppa Bear is the lead SEC contributor for the SoBros Network, and serves as our resident expert on the human anatomy, fixin’ stuff, and tomatoes. Follow on Twitter:@SoBroPoppaBear
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