Last week we got a chance to hear from every new SEC coach in the league. There were six hires in the offseason, and five of them are entering their first year coaching in the SEC. So which ones will find the most success in year one? Here’s a look.
Let’s start by saying that Lane Kiffin is not included because he’s not a first year head coach in this conference. He’s the first head coach in the league to be in charge at three different schools. If he were included in the ranking he would be number one, but that is not for today.
1. Pete Golding, Ole Miss
It’s hard to imagine anyone having more success in Tampa last week. Pete Golding won everyone over. Not just Ole Miss fans and the national media. Pete Golding won everyone over. What stood out the most wasn’t how likable he was; it was the friendly reminder of how loaded this team is this year. Remember, this is a team that made the CFP last year and barely missed a shot at the national title game. That same team lost hardly anyone to the NFL and returns a ton of talent they brought in from the portal. The schedule is brutal, but Golding seems ready.
2. Alex Golesh, Auburn
This is going to be really interesting to see how the coaches at two and three play out. Both are very likable and seem to get it. One has a much more Power Four ready roster (Sumrall). One has one of the most elite quarterbacks in the league (Golesh). Florida’s roster may have a lot more experience at this level, but Auburn’s schedule and quarterback situation is much better. Auburn has the potential of getting to eight wins in year one under Golesh.
3. Jon Sumrall, Florida
Let’s have an honest conversation. Jon Sumrall was awesome at the podium. The conviction in his voice and the comment about throwing the podium at someone whose phone went off was hilarious. If we are being honest though, the amount of people that were added to that room was odd, and the fact that he got a round of applause when he walked in was even more odd. It was like watching a comedian bring all of his friends to a show. Sumrall has the tools to win, and he probably will. Just not in year one.
4. Will Stein, Kentucky
Stein’s opening presser was boiled down to basically one moment. He was asked why he thinks Kentucky can win and his response was simply, “Me.” Kentucky is the most mysterious team in the league. They have a really tough schedule, but they brought in one of the best portal classes in the entire conference. Stein made it seem like it’s okay to believe in Kentucky this season.
5. Ryan Silverfield, Arkansas
No one thinks he has aura. I believe in his aura less than I believe in the schedule.
