Kirby Smart leads SEC football coaches but it gets tough after that

Only one man could stop Kirby Smart the past three seasons. The GOAT, they called him. Now that Nick Saban works for ESPN, who’s going to stand in Smart’s way?

Maybe no one.

After Saban’s retirement, Smart became the SEC’s only active coach to have won a national championship. He’s the SEC’s unquestioned overlord, while a power struggle unfolds down ballot. The SEC brims with talented coaches, buoyed by the addition of Texas’ Steve Sarkisian.

Here’s how I rank the SEC’s football coaches entering the 2024 season.

1. Kirby Smart (Georgia)

Last year: No. 1

Smart went 1-5 against Saban. That’s the lone knock on his performance. If not for Saban and Alabama, Smart might have become the only modern-era coach to produce a three-peat. With Saban out of the way, Smart grips the baton as college football’s most dominant force. He’s a recruiting monster who’s equally good at developing the talent he assembles.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart reacts on the sideline during his team’s 2023 game against Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field.

2. Brian Kelly (LSU)

Last year: No. 3

Kelly’s 20 victories in two LSU seasons aren’t his ceiling. He’s recruiting as well as ever. He’s made LSU a destination for offense. Defensive liabilities separate LSU from national championship contention, but Kelly smartly rebuilt his coaching staff. His third season will redefine perception of the direction of his tenure. So far, the trajectory looks promising.

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3. Steve Sarkisian (Texas)

Last year: Not ranked. Not in the SEC.

Texas being “back” no longer is a punch line. It’s reality, thanks to Sarkisian. He instilled toughness that Texas had sorely lacked. Sarkisian remains one of the sport’s brightest…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/kirby-smart-leads-sec-football-130209336.html

Author : USA TODAY Sports

Publish date : 2024-08-06 13:02:09

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