Connor O’Gara’s post-spring SEC head coach rankings for 2025 offer a fascinating snapshot of where each of the league’s 16 coaches stand—not just based on wins and losses, but on context, trajectory, and program-building prowess. His rankings weigh what each coach has accomplished and what they’ve positioned themselves to accomplish next.
At No. 16, **Jeff Lebby** (Mississippi State) starts at the bottom, though his offensive résumé earns him a longer leash. Injuries and roster rebuilds gave Year 1 the feel of a “Year 0.” If quarterback Blake Shapen stays healthy, Lebby’s top-15 offensive track record might finally take root in Starkville.
Hugh Freeze (Auburn) lands at No. 15, mostly for his recruiting success, but he’s on thin ice. Talent acquisition alone isn’t enough at Auburn, where poor game management and quarterback decisions continue to raise red flags. The leash is shorter in the Plains, and a fifth straight losing season would bring the wolves out.
**Brent Venables** (Oklahoma) at No. 14 is a mixed bag. His defense has improved annually, but quarterback instability and inconsistent offensive identity drag his stock down. Still, the foundation he’s building on defense can’t be ignored.
Sam Pittman (Arkansas), ranked 13th, remains a polarizing figure. While his critics focus on three consecutive six-loss seasons, his supporters point to steady progress and a huge upset over a top-five Tennessee squad. His rebuild of a wrecked program remains commendable.
Vanderbilt’s **Clark Lea** at No. 12 pulled off the season’s most improbable upset over No. 1 Alabama and delivered Vandy’s first winning season of the Playoff era. That alone justifies his climb, especially given where he started.
At No. 11, **Billy Napier** (Florida) showed serious growth in late 2024, ending the season on a four-game win streak and finishing with eight wins—his best stretch yet. His development of a star freshman QB and a revived defense gives Florida hope for sustained momentum.
**Mike Elko** (Texas A\&M) enters the top 10 after nearly delivering a conference title appearance in Year 1. A\&M fans couldn’t have asked for much more post-Jimbo Fisher. Elko’s early results suggest he’s capable of making Aggieland a consistent threat.
**Mark Stoops** (Kentucky) is ninth, largely on the strength of his longevity and all-time win total at UK. Still, his last three seasons have been underwhelming. Whether his legacy endures or fades may depend on how quickly he can reverse course.
Shane Beamer** (South Carolina) is eighth and climbing. With four AP Top 25 wins in 2024 and clear separation from the Muschamp era, Beamer’s momentum is building. South Carolina feels relevant again.
Eli Drinkwitz** (Mizzou), at No. 7, turned heads with back-to-back 10-win seasons and a 21-5 stretch that once seemed impossible. His recruiting and development have overperformed relative to expectations, and a third straight 10-win season could push him into the top five.
**Lane Kiffin** (Ole Miss) checks in at No. 6. Despite an up-and-down 2024, his overall track record in Oxford remains impressive, especially with three 10-win seasons. His next challenge is delivering a signature postseason run.
At No. 5, **Josh Heupel** (Tennessee) owns Neyland Stadium but still struggles on the road. Yet, his transformation of Tennessee is undeniable, with back-to-back AP Top 25 finishes and wins over traditional rivals.
**Brian Kelly** (LSU) is No. 4 and just outside title contention. Despite missing a 10-win mark in 2024, Kelly’s 17-7 SEC record and elite win percentage against ranked teams keep him among the best.
**Kalen DeBoer** (Alabama), No. 3, enters with the best win percentage vs. AP Top-25 teams. His 15 wins against ranked opponents in just five seasons proves he’s built for the SEC stage.
At No. 2, **Steve Sarkisian** (Texas) is thriving. With back-to-back Playoff trips and the SEC title game appearance, Sark has Texas competing on the biggest stage again.
But No. 1 remains **Kirby Smart** (Georgia), whose dominance continues despite falling short of national titles. Eight straight top-7 finishes and an undefeated home record in the 2020s make his
grip on the throne firm—for now.
