SEC coaches who could leave for the NFL

The conversation of whether Nick Saban will return to coaching became huge news last week after his former quarterback started the rumor during SEC Media Days that he was considering a return.

And while Saban made it clear he is happy at least for now with where he is, several SEC coaches could be in the mix for an NFL job in the future.

Lane Kiffin

The Ole Miss head coach did coach the Raiders at one point and wasn’t horrible. At the time, management (meaning Al Davis) didn’t like him, and he was too young and immature for the job, but now that he's grown older, he seems to have become a better head coach and has matured.

Kiffin has had opportunities to leave Ole Miss for other college coaching jobs, but you get the feeling that at some point, if something bigger and better comes along, Kiffin is gone. The only question is, will it be for a bigger college gig or back to the NFL.

Steve Sarkisian

Out of the names mentioned, Sark might be the guy who could be NFL-bound soon because of Arch Manning. Sarkisian is a quarterback guru, and if Manning has the type of season many think he will, you could easily see a scenario where he and Manning wind up on the same team together as a package deal. Maybe to the New Orleans Saints or the Dallas Cowboys. Stay tuned. 

Kirby Smart

Since Nick Saban is no longer coaching, Smart is likely considered the best coach in college football. He’s won two national championships, three SEC titles, and has sent several players to the NFL. Smart seems to be happy at his alma mater, but you have to wonder at some point, is he going to get an itch to try the NFL?

It’s not like he’d have to go far; the Atlanta Falcons are right up the road, and with nearly 30 of his players being arrested since he’s been head coach, he might head to the NFL sooner than we think.