9. James Franklin - For those of you questioning why we gave the edge to Franklin over Muschamp, the answer is simple. Since neither has coached one game, we must rely on what we have seen thus far. Franklin, in his brief time in Nashville, has managed to bring in a 4 star recruit (something that Vandy hasn't done in years) and generate a buzz around town. Muschamp has and will obviously bring in many four star recruits, but the difference is Muschamp is working in Gainesville where success is the rule while Franklin works in Nashville where success has clearly been the exception. At this point it is still unclear whether Franklin will generate wins, but from what we have to go on we think he fits nicely into the number nine spot.
8. Houston Nutt - Although Nutt has been fairly successful, Ole Miss took a huge step backwards last season. Missing a bowl game in 2010 and being chosen to finish last in the SEC West this year, Nutt is clearly on the hot seat and without a good showing this season he may be left without a job.
7. Mark Richt - Georgia's head man has been feeling the heat for a few years now. Although he has been successful at Georgia, the last few years his teams have struggled. Richt is an amazing specimen. Although a solid recruiter, his teams have consistently underperformed leading some to dub him the man "who gets the least from the most."
6. Dan Mullen - The former Gators' OC finally has Mississippi State on the rise (something that many would have thought impossible when he took over). In a few years, don't be surprised if State is heading to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game.
5. Bobby Petrino - Like Mullen, Petrino's (as well as Arkansas') stock is rising. The Razorbacks are establishing themselves as a consistently dangerous competitor from the west with an always potent offense. If Petrino can put together a solid D, Arkansas would be a force and even a National Title contender.
4. Les Miles - I'm not going to lie, I had no idea where to put Miles. However, I assume that just like the way he wins football games, dumb luck moved Miles to the number 4 spot.
3. Steve Spurrier - Spurrier has proven that he can run a power house program like Florida, but leading Florida to a national championship is not nearly as impressive as resurrecting a program such as South Carolina. After going to Atlanta last year, Spurrier is again poised to win the East again this year.
2. Nick Saban - The debate between one and two was difficult to decide. However, it was impossible for me to put Saban at number one when his 2010 team was outperformed by South Carolina, LSU, and Auburn. Not to mention blowing a 24 point lead to the instate Tigers. I think Saban has a good case to argue that he should be number one, but he simply didn't show that last season.
1. Gene Chizik - Chizik has quickly turned the Tigers around leading them to the 2010-2011 National Championship. Over Chizik's two seasons, he has brought in two top-five recruiting classes and has managed to retain his entire staff (with the exception of Defensive Line Coach Tracy Rocker who is now with the Tennessee Titans). This year, Chizik will get the chance to prove that he is the number one coach in the SEC as many preseason polls have the Tigers finishing 5th in the SEC West. If the Tigers can compete for the SEC West this season, Coach Chizik will prove he is more than worthy of the number one spot.
Agree? Disagree? Post a comment and let me know why my list is poorly thought out and why.