This season seems like an atypical year in the SEC. We saw six teams, nearly half the league, make a coaching change. Some of those have been heralded, others have been questioned. But, the unusually high turnover at the position has created a new dynamic where the coaches at the helm should have plenty of time to work their magic, for one reason or another.
The bulk of the coaches in the SEC this year are either new coaches or they have established pedigrees – there’s little in between. You’re either Nick Saban or you’re Chad Morris. There aren’t many Barry Odoms. So, while I don’t think there are many coaches who are genuinely on the hot seat heading into 2018, there are a few that could end up there depending on how the season goes.
Derek Mason, Vanderbilt
On the surface, it’s easy to look at Mason’s six SEC wins in four years and put him on the hot seat. But, let’s not forget – this is Vanderbilt we’re talking about. Not to mention, he took over for James Franklin, one of the school’s most successful coaches. Vanderbilt made a trip to the Independence Bowl in 2016, and Mason’s teams have drastically improved from his first team (that went 3-9 in 2014). Plus, he’s admitted that he’s still growing as a coach. If you’re David Williams, I think you’re pleased with where Mason has this program headed. Unless the Commodores completely bottom out, and win only one or two games this season, Mason is going to stay in Nashville.
Barry Odom, Missouri
Odom was on this list last year, but the Tigers really went out and overachieved. That team started 1-5 and it certainly seemed like Odom was on the ropes. But, they finished strong behind quarterback Drew Lock and ended up sneaking into the Texas Bowl. The hot seat talk may have been an overreaction to Mizzou going 4-8 in 2016. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that 2018 will only be Odom’s third season as a head coach. Time is on his side, and this 2018 squad could boast one of college football’s most electric offenses. Barring disaster, Odom sticks around, too.
Ed Orgeron, LSU
Coach O, as entertaining as he may be, is the only SEC coach I feel is actually on the hot seat going into 2018. That bludgeoning at the hands of an average Mississippi State team last season, plus losing to Troy had Orgeron’s long term future at LSU in jeopardy a season ago. But, the Tigers finished the season strong, heading into the offseason ranked #13 in the country. But, the same old questions linger at LSU – can they develop a competitive quarterback? Can they catch Alabama? They’re loaded with talent, so if they aren’t legitimate contenders in 2018, Coach O may be out the door.
Mark Stoops, Kentucky
Expectations are high in Lexington this season, for sure. But, just because Stoops hasn’t had the Wildcats in the SEC Championship doesn’t mean that he hasn’t performed well. Of all the ‘coaches on the hot seat’ talk, I understand Stoops’ name coming up the least. Back-to-back bowl games and a .500 record in the SEC over the past two seasons bode well for a Kentucky that is clearly heading in the right direction.
What do you think SEC fans? Who do you think belongs on the hot seat?
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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