Billy Napier (Florida) HOT: Before being regarded as a home run hire at Florida Billy Napier was 40-12 at Louisiana Lafayette. Since becoming head coach the Gators are 11-14 in the last two years. As Napier goes into year 3, there needs to be improvement. The Gators need at least 8 wins or Napier is packing. The problem is they have a meat grinder of a schedule, the toughest in the country.
Sam Pittman (Arkansas) HOT: In 2021 Sam Pittman was the “It” coach of the SEC. The Razorbacks capped off a 9-win season after defeating Penn State in the Outback Bowl, and with KJ Jefferson returning the future looked bright for Arkansas. However, the next two years had Pittman’s squad go 11-14 and he’s beginning to feel the heat. Getting back to 7 wins might cool off donors, but if they miss a bowl Pittman might be packing his bags.
Shane Beamer (South Carolina) Getting Hot: In 2021 I LOVED the Shane Beamer hire at South Carolina. He had charisma, and it felt like a shot in the arm to a Gamecock program that was feeling stale. His first season he finished 6-6 and then defeated North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, but now there has been a dip going 13-12 in the last two years. If South Carolina wins 7 or 8 games then Beamer will be safe for now, but if the program continues to decline with no sign of a upward trend, the athletic department might want another fresh start.
Mark Lea (Vanderbilt) Warm: Mark Lea’s seat isn’t hot because he’s at Vanderbilt. Which contributes to why he is 9-27 over the last 3 years. Everyone knows how difficult it is to be successful at Vanderbilt. Lea doesn’t even have to make a bowl game to keep his job. Vandy just needs to be more competitive in the SEC. If they get blown out in most of their losses, Lea might be finding a new home. Although even if the season is a disappointment, there is still a chance they will give him another year.
