Picking the Next Bill Belichick: Ranking the newly signed NFL head coaches for the 2021-22 season
Each January, struggling teams in the NFL choose their next head coach or general manager. This season, there have been five coaches who could make it to the professional stage. Four out of the five coaches on this list are under 45, far below the average NFL head coach age of 51 in 2018. Will the trend of hiring younger coaches lead to success? With these five teams averaging 3.8 wins through the 2020 season, here are the predictions of new head coaches who will help a franchise improve in 2021:
5. Dan Campbell | Detroit Lions
In his last five years in the NFL, Dan Campbell served as the Saints assistant coach and tight ends coach. As a former Detroit Lions player, Campbell has a deep connection to the city and understands the Lions' system and mentality. The Lions selected Campbell for one primary reason: his passion. Campbell strives for unity and cooperation with his teams, and he will look to brighten up Detroit’s losing dynamic. Although Campbell may be a good leader, he has never been an offensive or defensive coordinator. Campbell’s only play-calling experience was when he went 5-7 as interim head coach for the Miami Dolphins, which means his play-calling may take some time to improve, and he may struggle at first. Although Campbell may seem to be a good hire, with arguably the worst franchise in football, the Lions will need at least a few seasons to make all their stars align.
4. Arthur Smith | Atlanta Falcons
The former-offensive mastermind behind the Titans’ success now has a head coach job for the Atlanta Falcons and their high-powered offense. Arthur Smith will look to bring the Falcons back to another super bowl after missing 3 consecutive playoffs by utilizing Matt Ryan and Julio Jones’ final years of their careers while also working to develop young stars such as Calvin Ridley. However, Arthur Smith is also put in a tough situation here, as he must decide if he wants to take a win-now approach while Matt Ryan is still the starting QB or enter rebuilding mode, which may give the team a better foundation in the long run. Ryan’s free agency decision will ultimately choose Smith. Although Smith may be a great offensive head coach, he has not yet proved that he can solve Atlanta’s biggest problem: defense. As a team with one of the worst defenses in the league, the Falcons will have to fix their defense before any real success comes on the offensive front. Smith lands a well-earned head coaching job however, it may take a few years before people realize Arthur Smith is the right man for the job.
3. Brandon Staley | Los Angeles Chargers
Brandon Staley landed the most sought-after coaching job in the NFL this offseason. Staley begins his tenure with a young franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert and talented young stars on the defensive front like Joey Bosa and Derwin James. Their offense is formidable as well, with decent defensive pieces in Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler. The Chargers––who went 12-4 just two seasons ago––have all the talent in the world, but they need the right coaching. Staley, who led the Rams defense to top-five this season, looks to propel the Chargers defense and lead them back to the playoffs.
However, some question Staley’s experience; just five years ago, Staley was a coach for the Division III team, John Carroll University. All the Chargers need to succeed is a good head coach, but with Staley’s lack of experience, is he the right man for the job?
2. Robert Saleh | New York Jets
Robert Saleh played a pivotal role in transforming the 49ers defense from one of the worst in the league to one of the best in only one season. He helped the Niners go from 4-12 to 13-3 and could have the same success with the Jets. Contrary to popular belief, Saleh has stated that he believes in Jets QB Sam Darnold and does not intend on drafting a quarterback with the second overall pick. This trust in Darnold leaves Saleh the second pick to find a player who will revitalize the Jets’ offense (likely offensive lineman Penei Sewell). Bringing a member of the 49ers coaching staff: passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur with him, Saleh will have a familiar face to help him rebuild the New York Jets. Working with an astounding $65 million of cap space, Saleh has the opportunity to make this team his own and eventually lead them to the playoffs. His only worry should be his ability to sign and trade for players. However, he has started strong with soon-to-be ex-Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson requesting a trade to New York.
1. Urban Meyer | Jacksonville Jaguars
Former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer will start his tenure as Jaguars HC with the number one pick in the draft and the most cap space in the league. Similarly to recruiting new freshmen at Ohio State, he will have the opportunity to sign many new players. Urban Meyer is the oldest, most experienced, and most accomplished head coach on this list with a record of 187-32 over 17 years. With Trevor Lawrence and $69 million to spend, Urban Meyer will have no trouble turning the Jacksonville Jaguars into a contending team. Meyer has already proved his ability to sign the right players, as he did for OSU and he brings experience and leadership to Jacksonville, something they have lacked for years. Urban Meyer will change the Jaguars’ dynamic and bring them back to the playoffs.
**Editorial Note: This article was written before head coaches Nick Sirianni and David Culley were signed.*
