Haven't blogged since last March, so I figured it was time to get back into the swing of things. I'm an actual sportswriter now, so blogging needs to be part of my repertoire.
I ranked the SEC head coaches in terms of effectiveness and media perception. I'll update it after the season but this is where I stand after two weeks in the season. Coaches' records are current as of Sept. 10, 2011.
Nick Saban, Alabama, 136-53-1
Bobby Petrino, Arkansas, 66-24
Gene Chizik, Auburn, 29-24
Les Miles, LSU, 92-38
Houston Nutt, Ole Miss, 134-87
Dan Mullen, Mississippi State 15-12
Mark Richt, Georgia, 96-36
Derek Dooley, Tennessee 25-27
Steve Spurrier, South Carolina 188-73-2
Will Muschamp, Florida, 2-0
Joker Phillips, Kentucky, 8-7
James Franklin, Vanderbilt, 2-0.
Note: Photo is attributed to ESPN.com's Page 2.
1) Saban National championships at two schools, outstanding recruiter
2) Spurrier 1996 national champ, has made South Carolina relevant after Holtz
3) Petrino Offensive genius; taken Arkansas to new heights (BCS)
4) Miles Some call it luck, some call it great coaching. Always all kinds of talent at LSU
5) Richt May seem high but Georgia was an "elite" until 2009
6) Mullen Has made MSU a contender in the ultra-tough Western Division
7) Chizik National champion as asst and HC but is it really his doing?
8) Nutt Master of mediocrity (and Mr. 2012) is probably on thin ice in Oxford
9) Dooley Will probably rise up this list as he gets UT relevant again
10) Phillips Good coach, unfortunately at a school that cares only about hoops
11) Muschamp Like Dooley, stock should rise with the talent UF attracts
12) Franklin Not much to work with at Vandy…should be gone after a few years
