After 17 seasons and six national titles at Alabama, Nick Saban retired as the SEC’s dean. Kirby Smart, one of Saban’s best students, is now the most accomplished coach in the conference, but he isn’t the longest-tenured SEC head coach; that honor goes to Mark Stoops of Kentucky, who will start his 12th season in Lexington. Smart, who is entering his ninth year at Georgia, is second in SEC tenure behind Stoops. Finally, there is Lane Kiffin of Ole Miss, who was hired not too long ago, on December 7, 2019. The following day, Missouri hired Eli Drinkwitz, and Arkansas hired Sam Pittman.
Despite being the best confe
rence in college football, the SEC lacks experienced coaches. Several contenders might try to climb out of the Saban-sized hole that exists.
The Oklahoman has ranked SEC coaches from 16 to 1 as follows:
Consequently, Lebby is at the bottom of this list.
Although the former Sooner offensive coordinator has never been a head coach, you have to start somewhere, right? Few people also land an SEC job right away. Although Mississippi State is an extremely difficult place to win, Lebby ought to be given more time to establish himself.
We’ll never know if Lea is Knute Rockne reincarnated. In this era of college football, characterized by intense competition and an arms race, not even Rockne could lead the Commodores.
This SEC is too tough for Vanderbilt to win, and Lea is not the reason for it.
As unfair as it may appear, it’s hard to argue with Lea’s ranking higher on this list.
