2021 NFL Head Coaching Hires Graduation: Jets Get ‘A’ For Robert Saleh, Falcons Hit Big With Arthur Smith



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The 2021 NFL coaching cycle is in full swing. Seven different teams will enter the 2021 season with new head coaches, and a number of hot candidates are still in the market – either grabbing attention, racking up talks or preparing for post-playoff negotiations. We’re here to sort out every opening and offer instant hire reviews.

Just like the draft notes, we all know they are subject to change. In 2016, as you may remember, the Philadelphia Eagles reunited with Doug Pederson, who apparently wasn’t their first pick and didn’t get much interest elsewhere, but didn’t win the Super Bowl. only two seasons after his tenure. It’s ironic, of course, that Pederson’s layoff last January provided one of the seven vacancies.

But we digress. It’s time to take note of this year’s official head coach recruitments. Have them:

Previous role: Ohio State Head Coach (2012-2018)

Our reaction: If you believe owner Shad Khan and the countless reports that surfaced before his official remarks, Meyer is the guy the Jags always wanted. From a marketing standpoint, the sale couldn’t be easier: Meyer has become a household name in Florida, leading the Gators to a 65-15 record and two national titles from 2005 to 2010, and he has the CV. program creation that will instantly revive a weakened fan base, not to mention a locker room that has repeatedly criticized management in recent years. The fact that he will come in with a No.1 pick (who will likely be a generational quarterback talent in Trevor Lawrence) immediately lifts his floor. It’s not a slam dunk because the concerns are pretty notable – no experience in the NFL, multiple health-related retirements, and controversies in both Florida and Ohio state, which he allegedly ignored. criminal behavior of players and staff. But the Jags needed a really high swing here, and he gives them that, bringing a winning track record to an organization desperately in need of wins.

Classroom: B

Previous role: San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator (2017-2020)

Our reaction: At first glance, it looks almost entirely like a reversal of the course from Adam Gase’s failed experiment. While Gase was a supposedly quirky attacking spirit emerging from another mediocre head coaching position, Saleh is an intense and player-friendly defensive coach starting his first job atop a staff. If you’re a Jets fan, however, the 180 should be embraced with open arms. In today’s NFL, offensive head coaches are ideal, but what Saleh lacks on this side of the ball he more than makes up for with widely acclaimed leadership, technically sound instructions, and a shrewd education under spirits. offensives like Pete Carroll and Kyle Shanahan. At the very least, the Jets should be both more engaged and disciplined in 2021. Partnering with general manager Joe Douglas, Saleh has the personality and staff support (see: Mike LaFleur) to restore the reputation of the organization, otherwise play the spoiler sooner rather than later. They may have growing pains, but it won’t be for lack of adhesion.

Classroom: A

Previous role: Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator (2019-2020)

Our reaction: If the Falcons were looking to make the most of Matt Ryan and their explosive offense, hiring Arthur Smith is a home run – literally. Smith was the architect of the revamped Tennessee offense since Ryan Tannehill, who went on to become one of the league’s top quarterbacks in the two seasons under Smith’s tutelage. Since becoming the Titans quarterback in Week 7 of the 2019 season, Tannehill has led the league in yards per attempt (8.5), third in touchdowns (550) and third in passers’ standings. (111.3) among NFL quarterbacks. Then there’s Derrick Henry, who led the NFL with 3,567 rushing yards over the past two seasons (875 more than runner-up Dalvin Cook). The Titans’ offense 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 finishes each of the past two seasons, will have the same dinner taken off his plate with Smith performing a balanced attack. The Titans have placed in the top four in run-play percentage in each of the past two seasons, while the Falcons were last in 2019 and 25th in 2020. The balance of play calls will greatly benefit Ryan, who turns 36. this year, preserving his immediate future in Atlanta. Ryan still has a lot of great football in him which is what Atlanta needs to compete in the busy NFC South.

Classroom: B +

– Jeff Kerr



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