Ranking SEC Football Coaches on the Hot Seat: From Arkansas' Sam Pittman to Georgia's Kirby Smart

Last year’s SEC football season threw everyone for a loop, ending on a low note for the conference. Yet, in an unexpected twist, no head coaches lost their jobs. While a few coordinators were swapped out, all 16 head coaches who started the 2024 season are set to return. What keeps these coaches in place? Perhaps looming financial issues tied to revenue sharing, a newfound patience in the game, or just unique circumstances spared them the axe.

If it’s merely a case of randomness, don’t be fooled — change may still be on the horizon.

Recently, a reader asked me in a mailbag which teams might see coaching changes next year. Without naming names, I set the over-under at 3.5, and I’d lean towards the over.

Let’s dive into the current coaching landscape, ranking them from those on the hottest seat to those who have some breathing room:

Sam Pittman, Arkansas, Sixth Season
Arkansas’ athletic director Hunter Yurachek has twice now publicly confirmed Pittman’s return for another year. A third such statement might be pushing it. Pittman, 63, turned a struggling Razorbacks team into something respectable, but is that as good as it gets? What more does Arkansas hope for?
Billy Napier, Florida, Fourth Season
It seemed like Napier’s time might be up back in September, but DJ Lagway provided a crucial spark. Could last season be the start of something new, or will Florida face the tough decision of whether to continue with Napier, now 45, if things start poorly again?
Brent Venables, Oklahoma, Fourth Season
Venables, allowed one midseason coordinator switch last year, is now counting on new OC Ben Arbuckle for a turnaround. Known for his defensive skills, Venables, 54, can’t afford another season with a record like 6-7.
Mark Stoops, Kentucky, 13th Season
The longest-tenured SEC coach, Stoops, has made Kentucky a tough competitor. While an impressive feat, the 2024 record of 4-8 wasn’t great, and Stoops, at 57, faces fan pressure after suggesting more financial support for players.
Brian Kelly, LSU, Fourth Season
Kelly, 63, has had decent seasons with LSU (10-4, 10-3, 9-4), yet another mediocre finish might not sit well, especially if LSU doesn’t contend for the Playoff this year. Still, there’s potential for a successful season.
Hugh Freeze, Auburn, Third Season
Freeze’s first two seasons had painful losses, yet his ability to recruit well gives hope. If Jackson Arnold delivers at QB, Auburn could compete for the Playoff. Another middling season might save Freeze’s job, but it depends on how mediocre it is.
Jeff Lebby, Mississippi State, Second Season
After underperforming with a 2-10 record, and losing a key player to transfer, Lebby, 41, is on thin ice. Athletic director Zac Selmon may either support his initial hire or opt for a change.
Kalen DeBoer, Alabama, Second Season
DeBoer has an uphill battle, but an 8-4 season without Playoff contention could rattle Alabama fans. The pressure is on to follow past success, despite his proven track record elsewhere.
Clark Lea, Vanderbilt, Fifth Season
Lea brought Vanderbilt its first winning record since 2013, buying him more time. His efforts, alongside key player Diego Pavia, earned him more years to prove himself further.
Mike Elko, Texas A&M, Second Season
Elko had a promising start by keeping his team in championship conversations but ended on a sour note. Still, his achievements at Duke and improvements in his first year give him a decent standing.
Eli Drinkwitz, Missouri, Sixth Season
Drinkwitz quieted critics with an impressive 11-2 and 10-3 showing last year and is now in a solid position until at least 2028, thanks to a new deal after 2023’s success.
Shane Beamer, South Carolina, Fifth Season
Beamer delivered a strong season, enough to earn an extension through 2030. His consistent performance has solidified his position with South Carolina’s improved results.
Josh Heupel, Tennessee, Fifth Season
Heupel took Tennessee to the Playoff, achieving what was expected and more. However, further progress, like winning an SEC championship, is the current challenge, although expectations remain high.
Steve Sarkisian, Texas, Sixth Season
Sarkisian, now locked in until 2031, has led Texas to back-to-back CFP appearances. Winning a national title with star recruit Arch Manning is the ultimate goal, keeping Sarkisian firmly in control — for now.
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss, Sixth Season
Fans are more concerned about when Kiffin will leave rather than his current standing. His continued success and efforts toward a championship, as shown by a strong 2024 team, ensure his value remains high.
Kirby Smart, Georgia, 10th Season
With two national titles and several other accolades, Smart, 49, has quite the portfolio. While fans are restless for more Playoff runs, Smart’s track record provides him plenty of job security for the time being.