We asked for your questions on Twitter via the #AskSDS hashtag, and we answer them each week here…
@SDS #AskSDS will coaching losses affect Bama's current class?
— Xenos Richardson (@drewxrich) January 14, 2015
Saban has lost two of his defensive coaches this week in Kevin Steele (left to become LSU’s defensive coordinator) and Lance Thompson (left to join Will Muschamp at Auburn). These moves will likely not impact the current class much. Alabama has a number of guys locked up with several of them already enrolled. However, these are definitely two key assistants for Saban’s staff, and there could be an impact long term as Saban seeks to replace them.
With that said, coaching turnover is normal especially when a program is winning and other programs are throwing money at your coaches.
@SDS what is your opinion on LSUs coaching changes? #AskSDS
— Kyle Johnson (@KyleLegit) January 14, 2015
LSU definitely lost one of the best defensive coaches in John Chavis, but they added Kevin Steele from Alabama and Ed Orgeron. Both guys are expert recruiters. Orgeron is a Louisiana native who knows the talent in that state as well as anybody. Overall, losing Chavis hurts (especially to another SEC West program in Texas A&M), but it’s also possible that LSU needed some fresh blood and renewed energy. We’ll see if the “Steele Curtain” defense can live up to the expectations that Chavis has helped put in place in Baton Rouge.
Attacking this day with Enthusiasm Unknown to Mankind
— Coach Harbaugh (@CoachJim4UM) January 15, 2015
Is that a question, coach?
@SDS #AskSDS everybody claims tennessee might win the East with difficult road games @ florida and @ missouri. Think they can take both?
— Joey Swann (@JoeyCswann) January 14, 2015
Can they? Sure. Most expect Butch Jones and Co. to take a nice step in 2015 and possibly compete for the division. Will they? I doubt it. I think Tennessee is on track, and most importantly, is bringing in really nice talent in recruiting. But I think they might be another year away from going hard after the east crown.
McElwain will have some talent to work with in Florida, and some actual coaching on the offensive side of the ball might make them a tough out for teams like Tennessee.
Since Missouri proves us wrong every year, it’s probably foolish to pick against them.
Regardless, I think 2015 should be a nice year for Tennessee fans.
@SDS Sweet tea or Sweet tea? #AskSDS
— Lucas Jackson (@CoolHand_Lucas) January 14, 2015
Tough choice.
@SDS which coaches seat is the hottest going into next season #AskSDS
— Tim Emmel (@tiemmel) January 14, 2015
I don’t predict any coach gets canned after next football season. More than likely we’ll be looking at some very hot seats entering the 2016 season. Obvious candidates include Derek Mason at Vanderbilt and Mark Stoops at Kentucky after difficult seasons, but realistically, do you really gain that much by canning either guy? There’s a chance that Les Miles finds his seat warm with a disappointing season in 2015, but I continue to find this to be a ridiculous notion. One interesting candidate might be Kevin Sumlin. With Chavis manning the defense, it’s going to be difficult to continue to use the defense as an excuse for losing four and five games each season… especially with that salary he’s commanding. For now, keep cashin’ them checks though.
A graduate of the University of Florida and founder of Saturday Down South, Kevin is a college football enthusiast.
