Predicting NFL head coach hires: Who will lead top 2021 NFL Draft picks?

Robert Saleh to the New York Jets is the next marriage that seems most likely to happen at this point. Saleh has now been flown out to New York for his second interview with the Jets, making him the clear favorite at this point to land the position.

Saleh is another guy that I’m not completely sold on for whatever reason, but he seems to have all the support in the world across the league. While the Niners would hate to see him leave, they almost seem like they would be more frustrated if NFL teams opted not to give him a head coaching opportunity once again this offseason.

Saleh was clearly an integral part of the San Francisco 49ers’ success in 2019, as the team rode their strong defense to a Super Bowl appearance. Saleh helped lead the Legion of Boom in Seattle before eventually ending up with the division-rival Niners.

When you watch Saleh on the sideline, it’s clear that he is as passionate as anyone about his team and about the game. That is something that the Jets should be looking for. You know that Saleh will not fold or go down easy. He has the grit and determination that could help turn a franchise like the Jets around.

Interestingly enough, Saleh has connections to multiple teams with head coach vacancies, but the New York Jets are not one of them. Saleh was born in Dearborn, Michigan, making him a fan favorite for the opening in Detroit. He came up in the NFL with the Houston Texans and made a stop with the Jacksonville Jaguars between the Seahawks and the 49ers.

While Saleh may not be my favorite NFL head coach candidate this offseason, he certainly has some desirable traits that the Jets should value when looking for the next leader of their franchise. Saleh could really come in and instill a whole new winning mindset in the New York locker room, along with the second pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.

My pick: Doug Pederson, former head coach, Philadelphia Eagles

This pairing will certainly be a popular rumor until the New York Jets head coach vacancy is filled. Doug Pederson and Jets general manager Joe Douglas are both former Eagles who have experience working together. I believe it was definitely time for Philly and Pederson to go separate ways, but I think Pederson can still be a very good NFL head coach.

Assuming the Jets opt to select a quarterback with the second pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, there aren’t many better mentor options that Doug Pederson. He has a way with quarterbacks and could help mold a new, young player into a star.