If you are a coach looking to find a job with a prestigious team that happens to be in the best conference in college football, now is the time for you.
With four SEC teams looking like a change in the Head Coaching department is imminent, it's a great time to be an up-and-coming coach.
So for this beautiful Monday evening, we talk about the best fits and predict what the 2013 SEC season will look like.
Auburn
My pick for Auburn is former offensive coordinator Gus Malzhan. I know what you're thinking, he worked under Chizik and that is what Auburn wants to move away from. I don't think that is going to be much of an issue as Auburn chooses a head coach.
The fact is, Auburn is only two seasons removed from its National Championship run. If I were a "War-Eagle," I would not be so quick to wan to throw Chizik out. Being a Tennessee fan has made me realize that down seasons are to be expected. You have to rebuild after a championship season (unless your Nick Saban).
But living in the same state as obnoxious Bammers running around could be the nail in the coffin for Auburn. And that's why Auburn should go with Malzhan.
Malzhan knows the long term plan Chizik was working with. He can also leverage the fact that it wasn't until he left the program that it fully fell off. He knows the program and he's taken the next step to HC in the SEC and that's take a job at a lesser institution and show what you're working with.
As a first season head coach, he hasn't really been able to show how competitive he would be, but I think Auburn can overlook that.
Games Malzhan lost were to far superior teams. Western might not be considered as a FAR superior team, but they have been highly competitive at levels higher than they are used to. Malzhan has won every game he was supposed to.
This weeks game at Louisiana-Monroe is going to be the tell-tell sign. If Arkansas State blows out L-M, keep your eye on Malzhan.
ALSO POSSIBILITIES:
Bobby Petrino
James Franklin
Tommy Tubberville
Dark-horse: Kirby Smart
Arkansas
This one hurts to write. I really wanted this guy at Tennessee. But the next head coach at Arkansas will be... Charlie Strong.
This guy has done wonders at Louisville, and right now they are flying high and undefeated. Strong has all kinds of SEC connections and is from Arkansas.
This is a no-brainer for the Razorbacks. Bring in the dumptruck full of cash and give Strong the job. He is going to turn the Razorbacks into a real powerhouse (again) in the West.
Only problem here, is that Strong continues to say he will not leave Louisville. I don't really think this will put a stop on his SEC coaching future. I just think it's going to take a lot to lure him away.
ALSO POSSIBILITIES:
Tommy Tubberville
Kirby Smart
Marks Stoops
Dark-horse: Phil Fulmer
Kentucky
This one is a coin-flip for me. I have read in so many places that Sonny Dykes is the front runner here. I agree with this in some circumstances, but I want to choose something people are not going to really be talking about, which I think is a real possibility.
Phil Fulmer will be taking over for the Cats. Yes, the old coach from south of the border with Kentucky's life long rivals.
Fulmer has been dying to get back into coaching and Kentucky might be the perfect fit for Fat-Phil. He knows the SEC east, he knows how to coach and he might be in the price range Kentucky is looking for.
And imagine the salt in the wound this would be for all the Tennessee fans. It would hurt. I can tell you that, but it would be the best choice for Kentucky.
ALSO POSSIBILITIES:
Sonny Dykes
Kirby Smart
David Elson
Dark-horse: Chris Peterson
Tennessee
I shouldn't even write this as a Tennessee fan. Emotion gets in the way of logic. But my prediction is ...Mike Gundy.
He's a man. He's 40. He has put together a successful program at OSU. And I am one of the Tennessee fans not on the Gruden band wagon.
I'm not going to write more over fear of yet another "transition" in Big Orange Country.
ALSO POSSIBILITIES:
Chris Peterson
Tommy Tubberville
Dana Holgorsen
Dark-horse: Jon Gruden
Until next time,
GO BIG ORANGE!
-Dusty
I'm not sure Tommy Tuberville would ever be considered for the HC position at Auburn. He was basically chased out of there by a screaming mob of trustees with flaming spears. His last game against Alabama, 36-0, all Tide. True he did win six straight against us, but they were still constantly plotting behind his back the entire time. I think Arkansas is his best show at getting back to the SEC. Of course, that's assuming he even wants back in.
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