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SEC Football: Which New SEC Coach will Thrive Most in Year One?

By John Richardson

Dec 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; The SEC trophy on display before the SEC coaches press conference with Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; The SEC trophy on display before the SEC coaches press conference with Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban and Florida Gators head coach Jim McElwain at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 16, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart talks to the press after the spring game at Sanford Stadium. The Black team defeated the Red team 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart talks to the press after the spring game at Sanford Stadium. The Black team defeated the Red team 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

#1.  Kirby Smart

Everything is in place for Kirby Smart to get off to a successful start in his first year leading Georgia football.  He has a nice defense returning, 2 running backs (though they are injured) that would start at most SEC schools and a stacked roster.

Mark Richt wasn’t fired for failing to draw top talent to Athens.  He was fired for not maximizing their potential — especially given that the SEC East has been down recently.  The only coach to do better recruiting during Richt’s time at Georgia was Nick Saban.  That means Kirby Smart will have one of the most talented rosters in SEC football beginning in year one.  He also took what he learned from Saban and turned it into 3rd (SEC)/5th (Nat’l) best class of 2015.

Smart will also have plenty of financial backing in Athens, alleviating any money concerns the head coach may have.  He can hire who he can draw to Georgia.  He’ll also be coaching in a fertile recruiting ground, leading me to believe he’ll also have the top ranked recruiting class between these three.

must read: SEC Football Rivalries that have Surpassed In-State Rivalries

While Georgia’s 2016 schedule doesn’t do them many favors, they should approach double digit wins and compete for the SEC East division crown.  Both Odom and Muschamp, on the other hand, will be fighting for bowl eligibility in year one.

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