The Jets are one of six NFL teams that are now looking for a new coach. All jobs are attractive and everyone has warts. There are only 32 of these jobs, so it’s silly to think that any of them is undesirable. But some are more attractive than others.
After speaking with people around the NFL in various roles, here’s how we would classify job openings.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars
2020 Registration: 1-15
Registration in the last 5 years: 25-55
Maximum space projected for 2021: $ 74.4 million
2021 Draft choices: 11
This is a job where you get a totally clean start. A new general manager is coming, you have the No. 1 choice in the draft to choose Clemson’s star, Trevor Lawrence, to be your quarterback, and there is plenty of room to improve the cast quickly. Jacksonville has 11 choices in total, four in the first two rounds.
Owner Shad Khan said he wants to maintain control over the list, which will need some clarification for people, but Khan has shown that he is a patient owner. Gus Bradley and Doug Marrone had plenty of time as head coach and former GM Dave Caldwell has survived many bad years.
2. Los Angeles porters
2020 Registration: 7-9
Registration in the last 5 years: 38-42
Maximum space projected for 2021: $ 31.3 million
2021 Draft choices: 8
This team looks ready to win now. This is a good and a bad thing. Yes, you will have quarterback Justin Herbert, who had an excellent season, and the team has stars like Joey Bosa and Derwin James in the squad. This list does not need as much work as the others on this list. What some people mentioned, however, is the idea that Anthony Lynn has just been fired after a 7-9 season. Are expectations going to be very high there?
There is also a question about GM Tom Telesco, who is now on his third coach.
3. Houston Texans
2020 Registration: 4-12
Registration in the last 5 years: 38-42
Maximum space projected for 2021: $ 17.7 million over the limit
2021 Draft choices: 8
Deshaun Watson makes this job a coaches wish. Watson is a defender in the franchise, checking a huge box for any potential coach. Houston has talent in attack, but needs to work on defense. The downside of this job is that you don’t have a lot of resources to improve the list. Houston has no choice in the first or second round and they will need to make a few moves to get below the limit.
4. Atlanta Falcons
2020 Registration: 4-12
Registration in the last 5 years: 39-41
Maximum space projected for 2021: $ 24.4 million over the limit
2021 Draft selections: 6
There are a wide variety of opinions about Atlanta’s work. Some people see quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones as pieces you can still race with. Others see their contracts as obstacles that will prevent a necessary revision of the list. Owner Arthur Blank is considered a good owner who is willing to spend, but some coaches believe he is very practical.
5. New York Jets
2020 Registration: 2-14
Registration in the last 5 years: 23-57
Maximum space projected for 2021: $ 72.6 million
2021 Draft selections: 9
Many people think that the Jets’ work is the worst of the group, but I think it goes beyond Detroit’s work. The Jets have the worst list of all six teams with a vacancy, but they have the resources to improve that list with two choices in the first round in each of the next two draft and maximum space. Expectations will also be low for the next coach, after how unpopular Adam Gase was.
There are big questions about ownership. The coaches and their agents are concerned about the return of Woody Johnson and what that means. There are questions about how willing the Johnson will be to spend on agency as well. Some coaches are concerned with the New York market and with irrational expectations of a quick recovery.
6. Detroit Lions
2020 Registration: 5-11
Registration in the last 5 years: 32-47-1
Maximum space projected for 2021: $ 12.5 million
2021 Draft choices: 5
Detroit hasn’t won a playoff game in 29 years. It is a difficult place to win. Matthew Stafford turns 33 this season. The new coach will have to decide whether to run another race with Stafford or move on. There is also concern about the influence that team president Rod Wood has.