The NFL’s 2021 training cycle is in full swing. Seven different teams will enter the 2021 season with new head coaches, and several candidates are still on the market – attracting interest, doing interviews or preparing for post-playoff negotiations. We are here to analyze each vacancy and offer instant hiring assessments.
As provisional notes, we all know that they are subject to change. In 2016, as you may recall, the Philadelphia Eagles ended Doug Pederson, who was not his first choice and did not receive much interest elsewhere, but ended up winning the Super Bowl just two seasons in his term. It is ironic, of course, that Pederson’s dismissal in January provided one of seven vacancies.
But we are digressing. It’s time to assess this year’s official head coach signings. Keep at home:
Previous function: Ohio State Head Coach (2012-2018)
Our reaction: If you believe in owner Shad Khan and the countless reports that came up before his official comments, Meyer is the guy the Jags always wanted. From a marketing standpoint, selling couldn’t be easier: Meyer became a household name in Florida, leading the Gators to a record of 65-15 and two national titles from 2005-2010, and he has the construction curriculum program that will instantly revive a weakened fan base, not to mention a locker room that has repeatedly protested the administration in recent years. The fact that he comes in with a No. 1 choice (which is likely to be a generation quarterback talent in Trevor Lawrence) immediately increases his word. He is not a slam dunk because the concerns are notable – zero experience in the NFL, several health-related pensions and controversies in both Florida and Ohio, where he allegedly neglected the criminal behavior of players and officials. But Jags needed a bull lift here, and he gives it to them, bringing a winning record to an organization that urgently needs wins.
Degree: B
Previous function: Defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers (2017-2020)
Our reaction: At first glance, this seems almost entirely a reversal of Adam Gase’s failed experiment. While Gase was a peculiar, supposedly offensive mind, coming from another below-average head coach job, Saleh is an intense, player-friendly defensive coach, entering his first job as team leader. If you are a fan of the Jets, however, the 180 should be embraced with open arms. In today’s NFL, offensive coaches are ideal, but what Saleh lacks on that side of the ball, he more than makes up for with widely praised leadership, technically sound instruction and astute education under offensive minds like Pete Carroll and Kyle Shanahan. At a minimum, Jets should be more engaged and disciplined in 2021. In partnership with general manager Joe Douglas, Saleh has personality and staff assistance (see: Mike LaFleur) to restore the organization’s reputation, if not a spoiler sooner than later. They may have growing pains, but it will not be for lack of adherence.
Degree: AN
Previous function: Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator (2019-2020)
Our reaction: If the Falcons wanted to get the most out of Matt Ryan and his explosive attack, hiring Arthur Smith is a home run – literally. Smith has been the architect of Tennessee’s revamped attack since Ryan Tannehill, who became one of the league’s best defenders in both seasons under Smith’s tutelage. Since becoming the Titans’ quarterback in week 7 of the 2019 season, Tannehill is first in the league in yards per attempt (8.5), third in touchdowns (550) and third in passer rating (111.3 ) among NFL quarterbacks. Then there’s Derrick Henry, who has led the NFL with 3,567 yards in the past two seasons (875 more than the second on the list, Dalvin Cook). The Titans’ attack was tied for second in total yards per game (396.4) and fourth in points per game (30.7) in 2020.
Ryan, who has led the NFL in submissions in each of the past two seasons, will have the same dinner taken off the plate with Smith executing a balanced attack. The Titans ranked in the top four in percentage of run-play in each of the last two seasons, while the Falcons were the last in 2019 and 25th in 2020. The game’s balance calls will benefit Ryan a lot, who will do 36 this preserving its immediate future in Atlanta. Ryan still has a lot of quality football, which is what Atlanta needs to compete in NFC South.
Degree: B +
– Jeff Kerr