The annual SEC coaching carousel included nine new coordinators hired this offseason with that number set to creep to 10 when Kentucky finds a replacement for D.J. Eliot. While we have become used to major changes every year the reality is that some of the new hires work out a lot better than others. Here is a look at the SEC coordinators that will have the biggest impact this season.
Matt Canada, LSU Tigers
Offensive Coordinator
It would be difficult for LSU’s offense to be any worse than it was last season so the expectation should be that Canada turns things around. Canada’s offense at Pittsburgh ranked 10th in the country with an average of 42.3 points per game while leading the ACC with an average of 452.3 yards per game last season. The Panthers also led the nation in redzone efficiency. The Tigers have some intriguing talent on the offensive side of the football heading in to next season so Canada should be able to improve their overall production.
Paul Rhoads, Arkansas Razorbacks
Defensive Coordinator
Rhoads takes over a unit that is in desperate need of turning things around after the Razorbacks ranked 76th in the nation in total defense last season. Arkansas allowed an average of 31.1 points per game while giving up 426.6 yards per game. They were not an SEC caliber defense, so Rhoads will need to leave his stamp on the team in order to get this unit on track. The fact that the Razorbacks lost a handful of key seniors on the defensive side of the football will make Rhoads’ job even more difficult. If he could manage even a decent statistical improvement it will represent a major step forward for the Arkansas defense.
Phil Longo, Ole Miss Rebels
Offensive Coordinator
The Ole Miss took a chance on Longo after he led a dominant offense at Sam Houston State with the hope that he can bring that level of success to the SEC. Longo runs a version of the Air Raid offense that should suit quarterback Shea Patterson’s skill set just fine. The Rebels boast some considerable talent on the offensive side of the football so if Longo can get his playmakers up to speed in time then he could have a very positive impact on the bottom line at Ole Miss next season.
Randy Shannon, Florida Gators
Defensive Coordinator
The Gators promoted former Miami Hurricanes head coach to full-time defensive coordinator after serving as a successful co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach over the last two seasons. Shannon has been a defensive coordinator a couple of times in his career as he coordinated the Miami Dolphins unit from 1998-99 and then ran the Miami Hurricanes defense from 2001-06. He had plenty of success with the Hurricanes as they won the National Championship in 2001 and then he fielded a Top 10 defense in five of his six years on the job. That’s not bad. He should have some better talent to work with at Florida as the Gators defense has been strong. Heading into the season, the Gators might have the best defense in the SEC East on paper. We’ll see if Shannon can get them into the Top 10 in 2017.
Chip Lindsey, Auburn Tigers
Offensive Coordinator
The Auburn Tigers offense is supposed to be one of the most prolific units in college football. After all, that’s what Gus Malzahn delivered in his first year on the job but has failed to do so ever since. Malzahn has only worked with Rhett Lashlee as his offensive coordinator in his five years as head coach but Lashlee left for the Connecticut Huskies. As much of a symbiotic relationship was there before, the offense wasn’t up to snuff last year and now the burden is on Chip Lindsey to get the most out of this unit.
Lindsey is a bit of an unknown. He worked with Malzahn in 2013 but then left for Southern Miss. Before that, he was a coach at the high school level. That means we’re not quite sure what to expect from him. However, if he can get the passing game to work and make quarterback Jarret Stidham look good, that’s all that’s going to matter. If that happens, this team could contend for the College Football Playoff. However, if the passing game struggles and the offense chokes again, Lindsey and Malzahn could be looking for new jobs at the end of next season as Auburn might clean house.
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