2021 NFL Draft: 5 first time head coaches that will be hired before the draft

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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First Time Head Coaches, Ken Norton Jr.
Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. of the Seattle Seahawks (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Ken Norton Jr., Seattle Seahawks Defensive Coordinator

The Seattle Seahawks haven’t been the best at producing head coaching talent, but that might be ignored this coming offseason. While Ken Norton Jr. hasn’t created the number one defense in Seattle, he’s been able to sustain consistency while earning the respect of players and coaches around the league, which might be just enough to be given a head coaching job.

Like I’ve said, the teams that have the most success are often the ones that see assistant coaches hired and the Seahawks are off to a hot start in 2020. If that success carries through the season, then Norton should at least see an interview come across his plate.

For the most part, Norton has spent his entire coaching career under Pete Carroll, with the exception of three years as the defensive coordinator for the Raiders. However, an All-Pro and Super Bowl Champion as a player, Norton knows how to connect with the players around him.

This draw has become more important of late with the increased emphasis on players having a say in trades. Keeping players happy is at an all-time high and Norton knows how to do that.

The battle for Norton is that he’s pretty much only been under Carroll and he’s 54-years old. Being a bit older with little diversity on his resume, Norton won’t be the most appealing choice. However, if he’s given the opportunity, he could surprise.