Is There a First Year SEC Coach Under More Pressure Than Kalen Deboer?
After consuming hours upon hours of SEC Media Day material over the last couple of days, I am left with the question is there a first-year SEC coach under more pressure than Kalen Deboer? It sounds silly that there is anyone who could be under more pressure than the man replacing Nick Saban, but the answer very well could be Texas A&M's coach Mike Elko. With Texas joining the SEC the pressure for the Aggies to win increases even more than normal. Texas A&M left the Big 12 to get away from Texas and to find success in the greener pastures of the SEC. They have had some success but have yet to be in an SEC Championship game or make a football playoff.
In comes Texas to the SEC fresh off a playoff berth last season, a favorite of many to possibly win the SEC, and a near lock to make the Playoff. The Aggies are desperate to find success again after the last couple of dismal seasons under Jimbo Fischer. There was much hype and promise that flamed out, and while it hasn't been pretty in College Station, Steve Sarkisian has Texas back. Coach Elko seems to be the guy who can take Texas A&M to heights that haven't been seen since the SWC days, but it starts with being able to outperform the Longhorns.
If the Aggies have a better season and win the much-anticipated rivalry game at the end of the regular season Elko will have a lot of breathing room. However, if Texas can win in College Station, make or win an SEC Championship game, and make a playoff appearance patience may run out quickly from the Aggie faithful. There seems to be a certain obsession with being better than Texas. Now that they are in the same conference again it will grow tremendously. The good news for the Aggies is their toughest games on paper against Notre Dame, LSU, and Texas are in the friendly confines of Kyle Field. There is still a lot of talent on the team, and if Connor Weigman can stay healthy, year one could be special for Mike Elko. However, if the team struggles while Texas finds immediate success in the SEC, the pressure will start to ratchet in College Station.