Ranking the SEC coordinator hires by chance at success in 2015

Here’s how the recent SEC coordinator hires rank by chance at success in 2015.

1. Will Muschamp, defensive coordinator, Auburn: Muschamp is back in his comfort zone as Auburn’s new defensive coordinator. The former Gators coach had a two year stint with the Tigers from 2000-07, before taking over as Texas’ coordinator and head coach in waiting from 2008-10. Muschamp’s scheme should improve Auburn’s defense, which will be paired with Gus Malzahn’s uptempo offense. The Tigers have the personnel to succeed and are expected to sign another talented recruiting class.

2. John Chavis, defensive coordinator, Texas A&M: Chavis makes the jump to College Station after leading the SEC’s top-ranked defense in 2014. The former LSU coordinator finds himself in a similar situation to Muschamp, taking over an ailing defense that will play alongside a talented offense.

3. Barry Odom, defensive coordinator, Missouri: Missouri just finds ways to win. Despite losing former defensive coordinator Dave Steckel to Missouri State, the Tigers should continue their success with the hire of former Memphis coordinator Barry Odom. Odom’s defense ranked No. 28 overall and the No. 20 rushing defense.

4. Geoff Collins, defensive coordinator, Florida: Florida has the defensive personnel for Collins to find early success in Gainesville. The Gators have succeed in recruiting defensive players through Muschamp’s tenure and are still targeting several top defensive prospects.

5. Doug Nussmeier, offensive coordinator, Florida: Nussmeier has a more difficult task during his first season at Florida. The Gators offense struggled in 2014, ranking No. 91 overall in total offense. Nussmeier struggled in his lone season at Michigan, but saw success as Alabama’s coordinator from 2012-13.

6. Shannon Dawson, offensive coordinator, Kentucky: With top recruiter and offensive coordinator Neal Brown accepting the head coaching job at Troy, Shannon Dawson takes over in Lexington as coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Dawson led West Virginia to a No. 11 ranking in total offense and the No. 9 passing offense.

7. Wesley McGriff, defensive coordinator, Vanderbilt: New Orleans Saints secondary coach Wesley McGriff will accept the defensive coordinator position at Vanderbilt, according to multiple reports. McGriff is an excellent hire, given his prior NFL and SEC experience. But the Commodores have too many flaws to see an immediate turnaround in 2015.

8. Andy Ludwig, offensive coordinator, Vanderbilt: Vanderbilt will also hire former Wisconsin offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig for the same position, according to several reports. McGriff faces a daunting task with the Commodores defense, but its nothing compared to Ludwig’s mission in improving the offense. Vanderbilt ranked No. 122 overall in total offense, three spots higher than Wake Forest, the lowest ranked team in the FBS.

Jason Hall

A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky