The SEC's 10 Best defensive hires during the off-season ...

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Lance Thompson was just a day removed from leading the Auburn defense to an impressive 37-10 Birmingham Bowl win over Memphis and quarterback and future NFL first-round draft pick Paxton Lynch when South Carolina made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.

Thompson, who was named the nation’s No. 1 recruiter by ESPN in 2014 and by Rivals in 2008, has served on a number of staffs throughout the SEC, even twice working under Nick Saban (LSU, Alabama). His experience and ability to consistently bring in top-flight talent figure to be key as new coach Will Muschamp looks to turn things around for the Gamecocks starting this fall.

Thompson, who has won three national championships as an assistant coach, was among the most notable defensive assistant coaching hires throughout the SEC this offseason.

Here’s a look at the 10 best defensive hires this offseason.

1. Jeremy Pruitt, defensive coordinator, Alabama: Saban’s anticipated addition of Pruitt following the defection of Kirby Smart to Georgia likely means the Crimson Tide won’t miss a beat this coming season. Pruitt, who had served on Mark Richt’s staff at Georgia the previous two seasons, is clearly one of the best defensive minds in college football. He was the defensive coordinator of the Florida State team that won the 2013 national championship. Pruitt might not be the most likeable guy, but winning championships is all that concerns Saban. He has another guy who can do just that.

2. Lance Thompson, defensive line, South Carolina: In addition to being an excellent recruiter, Thompson is known throughout the coaching circles as an outstanding teacher of the game. His knowledge and ability to motivate players will come in handy for a struggling Gamecocks defensive front that has been subpar in recent years.

3. Mel Tucker, defensive coordinator, Georgia: Tucker, who boasts seven years of experience as a NFL defensive coordinator, followed Smart from Alabama and will inherit a Georgia defense that is loaded with young talent. He’ll also coach defensive backs for the Dawgs, but replacing the departed Jordan Jenkins and Leonard Floyd will be his top priority.

4. Dave Aranda, defensive coordinator, LSU: During the three years, Aranda called Wisconsin’s defense and inside linebackers, the Badgers rank among the top five nationally in scoring, total yards, passing yards and rushing yards. Wisconsin capped the 2015 season by pacing the nation in points allowed at 13.1 points per contest. Aranda will have considerably more talent and speed in Baton Rouge.

5. Wesley McGriff, co-defensive coordinator, Auburn: The Tigers’ new defensive guru hails from the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, where he coached the secondary the previous three seasons. McGriff, who will also coach the secondary, will share defensive signal-calling duties with Kevin Steele.

6. Terrell Buckley, defensive secondary and recruiting coordinator, Mississippi State: Buckley, a 14-year NFL veteran and a former Super Bowl champion, comes from Louisville, where he coached a Cardinals secondary that paced the ACC in interceptions and turnovers gained. “T-Buck,” as he used to be called is a former All-American cornerback at Florida State.

7. Greg Brown, cornerbacks, Missouri: The Tigers should be much improved in the secondary with the hiring of Brown, who has coached two Jim Thorpe Award winners in Deon Figures (Colorado, 1992) and Gerod Holliman (Louisville, 2014).

8. Kevin Steele, defensive coordinator, Auburn: Steele spent the 2015 season as LSU’s defensive coordinator, but opted to leave Baton Rouge after one season in which the Tigers fell to 10th in the 14-team SEC in scoring defense and 12th in pass defense. He’ll need to do better if the Auburn Tigers are to contend.

9. Peter Sirmon, defensive coordinator, Mississippi State: The former Oregon standout linebacker has seen his stock rise in coaching circles, but this will be his first coordinator job. He’ll learn quickly in the rugged SEC.

10. Mike Peterson, outside linebackers, South Carolina: The former Florida and NFL linebacker was the last addition to Muschamp’s staff and could pay dividends in a hurry. Peterson spent 14 years playing for the Indianapolis Colts, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Atlanta Falcons after starring for the Gators from 1995-98. That NFL pedigree will carry weight with Gamecocks dreaming of following suit.

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