Meyer tops SEC coaching rankings
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The BCS has spoken with a new No. 1. Now, it's my turn.

With multiple coaching changes in the SEC, ranking the head coaches has never been more confusing and chaotic. This list, which originated in 1990 in this space, appears twice a year. I rank the coaches 1-12, and while recent events naturally sway opinions to a degree, the list is a comprehensive analysis of the coaches and their current value.

1. Urban Meyer (Florida): Should there really even be a debate? Two national titles in the last three years. A relentless recruiter. His biggest challenge in the future will be trying to satisfy gluttonous Florida fans who now expect BCS championship appearances on an annual basis. It's difficult to find a negative with Meyer (other than his school-girl crush on Notre Dame). Well, he is 0-2 lifetime against Tommy Tuberville.

2. Nick Saban (Alabama): Playing second fiddle to Meyer is not likely sitting well with Saban. However, those who doubt Meyer vs. Saban won't be the classic coaching matchup of this era haven't been paying close attention.

3. Mark Richt (Georgia): It's a compliment to Richt when a 10-3 record and No. 10 finish in the final USA Today poll is considered a catastrophe. But when you start the season No. 1 and your hated rival ends up there, there is no reason to celebrate in Athens. Only dread more beatings by Florida.

4. Houston Nutt (Ole Miss): Life is good for a man who was run out of Arkansas a mere 13 months ago. In any other year, Nutt would have been the runaway choice for SEC Coach of the Year. The rap on Nutt at Arkansas was consistency, and it will be interesting to see if he can keep it rolling in Oxford.

5. Bobby Petrino (Arkansas): The record (5-7) was mediocre but wins over Auburn, Tulsa and LSU gave fans a taste of the future. In spite of a sub-zero personality, the guy can coach.

6. Les Miles (LSU): It's almost humorous to say the jury is still out on a man 52 weeks removed from a national title. But only an impressive bowl win saved this season from being a total disaster. LSU failed to make the final top 25, which could be a major warning sign. Miles continues to recruit exceptionally well at LSU but the clock is ticking on his star-crossed career on the Bayou.

7. Steve Spurrier (South Carolina): It's hard to find a Hall of Fame head coach (well, other than Bobby Bowden) whose stock has fallen faster and farther than Spurrier. One of the legendary head coaches in SEC history, Spurrier has seen his legacy at Florida dimmed somewhat by Meyer and his coaching record skid out of control at South Carolina. He lost only 27 games in 12 seasons at Florida. At South Carolina, he has a four-year record of 28-22 (15-17 in the SEC). Spurrier remains one of the best teachers in the game. His problem may have more to do with his current location.

8. Bobby Johnson (Vanderbilt): Although Vandy had its usual late autumn slide, this season will be remembered for the victory over Auburn (with ESPN's GameDay present) and the thrilling bowl victory over Boston College. Johnson gets as much out of his talent as anyone in the league.

9. Rich Brooks (Kentucky): Another coach who was given up for dead several years ago who has done a really nice job of keeping the UK program chugging along. Brook's career is close to the end but fans in the Bluegrass will remember him fondly.

10. Dan Mullen (Mississippi State): With two national championship rings and the moniker of being Tim Tebow's offensive coordinator, Mullen should make a favorable impression on the recruiting trail. He has one of the toughest jobs in the SEC but he also has perhaps the most patient and understanding fan base — which can matter a lot.

11. Gene Chizik (Auburn): Chizik has weathered a punishing storm of criticism and has put together an excellent staff. Expectations have been lowered dramatically for the time being, which should also help.

12. Lane Kiffin (Tennessee): This remains a bizarre hire for one of the elite programs in the SEC. The presence of his father as defensive coordinator and Ed Orgeron should help, but Kiffin will have a difficult time quieting the critics and proving he can coach at this level.