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SEC Coaching Change Updates: Who's New to the Conference?

Originally posted on Georgia Bulldogs on SI
By Christian Kirby II | Last updated Jan 23, 2024 4:30 PM ET

For a long time, the SEC has prided itself on being one of the strongest conferences in all of college football. But the grinder of the SEC slate and the high competition can often lead to some teams needing to make coaching changes in the offseason. As the head coaching carousel seems to be coming to a stop, here are the latest updates for coaching changes within the conference.

Coaching Changes

Kalen DeBoer - Alabama

Perhaps the most high-profile coaching change of the offseason, Washington head coach Kalen DeBoer will be the Tide's new head coach following the retirement of legendary head coach Nick Saban. During his time with Washington, DeBoer led the Huskies to a 25-3 record and an appearance in last year's national title game.

Mike Elko - Texas A&M

The Texas A&M Aggies got a head start on the coaching search when they fired Jimbo Fisher in mid-November of the 2023 season. Following Fisher's departure, the team announced that it would be hiring Duke head coach Mike Elko to be the team's next head coach.

Jeff Lebby - Mississippi State

Zach Arnett's inaugural season following the tragic passing of Mike Leach was nothing short of disastrous as he was fired after posting just a 4-6 record for the Bulldogs. Following Arnett's release, Mississippi State turned to Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby to be the team's next head coach. This will be his first season as a head coach.

Conference Newcomers

Steve Sarkisian - Texas

Joining the SEC next season via conference realignment, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian will get to see how their team will fare in its first season in the SEC. While it will be a new experience for the Longhorns, Sark's previous experience at Alabama will likely make this transition as seamless as possible.

Brett Venables - Oklahoma

As the other new member of the SEC, Brett Venables will look to guide his Oklahoma Sooners through the team's first season in the SEC and to build on the success of its previous season in hopes of an appearance in the College Football Playoff.