First-year head coaches Will Muschamp (South Carolina), Barry Odom (Missouri) and Kirby Smart (Georgia) were all SEC defensive coordinators last season.

On Wednesday, AP writer Eric Olsen took a look at 12 assistant coaches around the country who could land head coaching jobs next season.

The three SEC assistants on the list were LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, Florida defensive coordinator Geoff Collins and Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.

Known for its punishing defenses, it’s no wonder the SEC produces strong defensive coordinators. After three defensive coaches were promoted to top jobs within the conference last season, could three more take leading roles by 2017?

That remains to be seen, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see schools with head coach vacancies after the 2016 season come calling for top SEC defensive minds.

Of note, former Tennessee QB Tee Martin, now the offensive coordinator at USC, also made the list.