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We asked Grok to rank all 16 SEC football coaches. Here’s what it said
By Adam Spencer
Published:
The SEC football season is still a few months away, but most programs have started spring practices around the southeast.
Anticipation is high for what promises to be yet another exciting year of SEC football. After 2-straight years of not winning the College Football Playoff title, the pressure is on for the league that bills itself as the best in all of college football.
The SEC has invested millions and millions of dollars into its football coaches. But who are the best of the bunch?
We asked Grok, the AI assistant on X (formerly Twitter), to rank all 16 SEC football coaches. Here’s what it said:
Grok Ranks All 16 SEC Football Coaches
Ranking the current SEC football coaches from best to worst as of March 25, 2025, involves evaluating their performance based on recent results, program trajectory, recruiting success, and overall impact at their current schools. The SEC now includes 16 teams with Texas and Oklahoma joining in 2024, so all current head coaches as of this date are considered. This ranking is subjective but informed by their records, achievements, and challenges faced at their programs through the 2024 season, with an eye toward their potential in 2025. Here’s the list:
- Kirby Smart (Georgia)
- Why: Smart has established Georgia as a dynasty, winning back-to-back national championships (2021, 2022) and maintaining elite consistency. Despite a 2024 SEC Championship loss to Texas, his 94-18 record at Georgia, relentless recruiting, and ability to reload talent keep him atop the SEC.
- Steve Sarkisian (Texas)
- Why: In his fourth year, Sarkisian led Texas to a 12-2 record, an SEC title, and a College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal in 2024. His 36-15 record at Texas, plus his offensive acumen and turnaround of the program, make him a top-tier coach.
- Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss)
- Why: Kiffin has transformed Ole Miss, achieving an 11-2 record in 2024 and a 43-22 mark since 2020. His transfer portal mastery and offensive innovation have the Rebels trending upward, though he’s yet to win an SEC title.
- Brian Kelly (LSU)
- Why: Kelly’s 26-12 record at LSU includes an SEC West title in 2022. Despite a disappointing 2024 (8-4), his overall coaching pedigree (283-103-2 career) and recruiting prowess keep him high, though defensive issues linger.
- Kalen DeBoer (Alabama)
- Why: In his first year post-Saban, DeBoer went 9-3 in 2024, navigating a tough transition with a CFP appearance. His 104-12 career record (including Washington and Fresno State) suggests he’ll elevate Alabama further.
- Josh Heupel (Tennessee)
- Why: Heupel’s 38-14 record at Tennessee, including a 2024 CFP berth (10-3), reflects a remarkable revival. His high-octane offense is a strength, but consistency against top teams remains a question.
- Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri)
- Why: Drinkwitz has a 28-21 record at Missouri, with an 11-2 season in 2023 and a 9-3 mark in 2024. He’s elevated a tough job, but his ceiling may be limited compared to the elite.
- Mike Elko (Texas A&M)
- Why: Elko’s debut in 2024 yielded an 8-4 record, showing promise after a 16-9 stint at Duke. His defensive expertise and early Aggie success suggest potential, but he’s unproven at this level long-term.
- Shane Beamer (South Carolina)
- Why: Beamer’s 27-21 record includes a 9-3 2024 season, a breakout year with wins over top teams. He’s building momentum, though his program lacks the resources of the SEC’s giants.
- Mark Stoops (Kentucky)
- Why: Stoops, with a 73-65 record since 2013, has two 10-win seasons but went 4-8 in 2024. His consistency at a basketball school is notable, yet recent struggles drop him here.
- Hugh Freeze (Auburn)
- Why: Freeze’s 14-11 record at Auburn (6-7 in 2024) underwhelms given his recruiting success. His 117-65 career mark (including Ole Miss) shows capability, but Auburn demands more.
- Clark Lea (Vanderbilt)
- Why: Lea’s 16-33 record includes a surprising 6-6 in 2024, Vanderbilt’s best season in years. He’s exceeded expectations at a tough job, earning a slight edge over others below.
- Brent Venables (Oklahoma)
- Why: Venables’ 22-16 record at Oklahoma (6-6 in 2024) reflects a rocky SEC transition. His defensive reputation hasn’t fully translated, and offensive struggles persist.
- Sam Pittman (Arkansas)
- Why: Pittman’s 27-25 record peaked with a 9-4 2021 season, but a 4-8 2024 campaign signals decline. Fan support wanes, and he’s on the hot seat.
- Jeff Lebby (Mississippi State)
- Why: Lebby’s first year yielded a 2-10 record in 2024. His offensive background (from Oklahoma’s staff) offers hope, but results are lacking so far.
- Billy Napier (Florida)
- Why: Napier’s 15-22 record (4-8 in 2024) has Florida fans restless. Despite a solid 40-12 stint at Louisiana, his SEC tenure has been marred by inconsistency and a brutal 2025 schedule ahead.
This ranking reflects a blend of recent performance, historical success at their current program, and future outlook as of March 25, 2025. Coaches like Smart and Sarkisian lead due to titles and trajectory, while newer or struggling coaches (Lebby, Napier) anchor the bottom due to limited results or mounting pressure.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
