The SEC West enjoyed a dominant season within the conference as nearly all seven teams were ranked at one point in the season.
As with any successful season, one can often look to a team’s assistant coaches and coordinators as one of the many reasons for a productive year.
In this division, several coordinators performed above expectations, but here are our three standout coordinators from the SEC West in 2014.
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Lane Kiffin, offensive coordinator at Alabama
Why: I don’t think many people expected Kiffin to fail at Alabama. With his offensive success and the talent at Alabama, it seemed like a perfect fit. And Kiffin didn’t disappoint.
Despite using a first-year starting quarterback, Kiffin’s guidance helped Blake Sims and Amari Cooper to breakout seasons. Cooper set multiple school and SEC records in receiving and earned the distinction of Heisman Trophy finalist.
Alabama’s offense was one of the most potent in the SEC and with a balanced attack through the air with Sims and Cooper along with a punishing ground game featuring TJ Yeldon and Derrick Henry, Kiffin saw great success in his first year with the Tide.
He navigated through an early-season quarterback competition and brought out the best in several Alabama players and turned the Crimson Tide into more of a passing threat than a run-first team, something which many didn’t think would be possible with Nick Saban as head coach.
Robb Smith, defensive coordinator at Arkansas
Why: The Razorbacks didn’t win a single SEC game in 2013 and one big reason was because of numerous defensive issues. That all changed in 2014 under Robb Smith.
In Smith’s first year, the Hogs significantly improved on defense. They allowed about 70 yards less on defense, thanks to a much strong run defense.
All season long, many expected Arkansas to improve in Bret Bielema’s second year, but hardly anyone thought the Hogs would be as competitive as they were — and Smith’s defense is a big reason why.
Arkansas limited Alabama and Mississippi State — two of the SEC’s best offenses — to just 14 points and 17 points, respectively. Instead of a brutal rushing attack, Arkansas became almost better known for its stingy defense. In the Hogs’ final five games, Arkansas never surrounded more than two touchdowns in a single game, including two shutouts of Ole Miss and LSU.
John Chavis, defensive coordinator at LSU
Why: LSU’s defense is constantly near the top of the SEC, finishing in top three of yards allowed every year since 2010. And 2014 was no different for LSU and John Chavis.
The Tigers’ defense got off to a slow start with rocky 500-yard performances against Mississippi State and Auburn, but for the most part of the season LSU’s defense dominated.
Led by Jalen Mills, Tre White and Kwon Alexander, LSU allowed no more than 318 total yards of offense in 10 of its 12 games. Perhaps Chavis’ best move of the season was moving Kendell Beckwith to middle linebacker halfway through the season.
Despite never playing the position before, Beckwith shined and finished the year second on the team in tackles with 68 stops and 6.5 tackles for loss. Beckwith’s transition to middle linebacker really helped shore up some deficiencies in the middle of LSU’s defense due to injury.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
