5 best Def Coordinators in the SEC

5. Geoff Collins, Florida

While the roster was filled with defensive talent when Collins joined Jim McElwain’s staff at Florida in 2015, the job Collins did last season — as well as in his prior stint as the defensive coordinator at Mississippi State — has made him a hot commodity in the defensive coaching ranks.

With a lot of elite players returning in 2016, there’s no reason to think the Gators won’t be relying on Collins’ unit this fall.

4. Jeremy Pruitt, Alabama

When you learn the ins and outs of being a defensive coordinator by working under Nick Saban, you’re bound to have success.

That path has worked just fine for Pruitt, who turned an opportunity as a position coach at Alabama into a defensive coordinator job at Florida State and UGA. Now, Pruitt is back in Tuscaloosa, and he’s looking to fill the shoes Kirby Smart left behind as Saban’s right-hand man.

3. Dave Aranda, LSU

Although LSU is turning to its third defensive coordinator in as many years this fall, it could be the beginning of a new era with Aranda taking over the Tigers defense.

Aranda is relatively young, but he’s very respected after showcasing his skills as a defensive play caller at Wisconsin. Now he’ll have more talent than ever before to work with, and there are many people drooling over what Aranda could get done at LSU.

2. Mel Tucker, UGA

After losing some key pieces from last year’s team, it remains to be seen if UGA has the depth it needs to be among the SEC’s best defenses. However, the Bulldogs will be in good hands with defensive coordinator Tucker working alongside Smart.

Tucker brings a plethora of experience, which includes multiple stints under Saban and multiple stops as a coordinator in the NFL. So while there may be some ups and downs for UGA, Tucker likely will figure it out.

1. John Chavis, Texas A&M

If there was ever any doubt how respected John Chavis was among his coaching peers in the SEC, look no further than Kevin Sumlin’s pursuit of him two years ago and Les Miles’ effort to keep him in Baton Rouge.

Chavis has excelled throughout his long career as a coordinator in the SEC, and he’s on the cusp of turning Texas A&M into one of the toughest defenses in the country. With defensive end Myles Garrett leading the way in 2016, Chavis will prove once again why he’s the most-coveted defensive coach in the SEC.

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