Arkansas Football: Why John L. Smith Is Not the SEC Coach Under Most Pressure

John L. Smith was called upon to keep the Arkansas Razorbacks afloat after Bobby Petrino was let go following a scandal, but the pressure isn't all on Smith in the SEC this year.

After a successful season in 2011, the Razorbacks looked forward to building the program into one that could conquer top dogs like LSU and Alabama, but the offseason was marred with a scandal that involved then-head coach Bobby Petrino.

Smith was brought in on a one-year-deal, according to ESPN.com. Any coach working under such a short deal is under a tremendous amount of pressure to get things done.

That may not be the case with Smith. Coaching in the strongest conference in the country isn't easy, but there are others in the SEC under more pressure.

Here's a look at who those coaches are.

Derek Dooley, Tennessee

It's fair to say Dooley walked into a huge mess in 2010, but the pressure is quickly building in Knoxville.

Ending last year's disappointing season with a loss to Kentucky was almost unforgivable.

Though he's a strong recruiter, his ability to coach will also be placed under a lot of scrutiny in the following season.

Perhaps, picking up a win against Florida early in the season will propel the Volunteers and set them on a course for Dooley's first winning season.

Will Muschamp, Florida

The transition from Urban Meyer's spread hasn't been an easy one for Florida.

Those are awfully big shoes to fill, but Muschamp was heralded as Mack Brown's "coach-in-waiting" at Texas, and now, finally has his chance with a big program.

The margin for error at Florida is small, and while that may be unfair, Muschamp is the one who decided to take on the job.

Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M

Sumlin made a giant leap in competition after taking the job in College Station.

As the head coach in Houston, he had plenty of success in Conference USA with Case Keenum. However, during his tenure, he never actually won the conference.

And now, he's expected to break ground on Texas A&M's SEC era?

While Sumlin may have some free passes to help the Aggies get going, he'll have to avoid becoming the SEC's whipping boy.

It's not a good look, no matter how difficult it is to get started.

There's a lot of animosity surrounding the Aggies as they begin their SEC era, and he'll be the lightning rod for all of the criticism for every step they take.

Joker Phillips, Kentucky

Though they got their first win against the Volunteers in 26 games last season, there wasn't much else to be happy about.

The offense was atrocious for much of the season, but a couple seasons isn't enough of a litmus test.

Still, Phillips needs to show major improvement this season to cool the hot seat he's currently sitting on.