For those interested, Bill Belichick analysis will be readily available this season. In addition to the 24-year Patriots coach’s upcoming gig on the Manningcast, he recently agreed to be part of Inside the NFL for the 2024 campaign. After mostly offering little of substance as a coach, Belichick will attempt to adjust his image this year.
That effort already began with an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show during the draft and a memorable role in Netflix’s Tom Brady roast event. Belichick’s pivot, after only one of the eight HC-needy teams interviewed him this offseason, could certainly turn into a full-on career shift a la Bill Cowher‘s 2007 coaching exit. But the six-time Super Bowl-winning HC is hoping these are only temporary gigs.
Mentioned as interested in landing a job during the 2025 HC carousel back in February, Belichick is still “fully invested” in a return to the league, per NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (video link). Going after Don Shula‘s all-time wins record continues to factor into Belichick’s pursuit of a third HC job; the former Patriots and Browns HC is 15 wins shy (counting playoff victories) of the legendary Dolphins leader. This marks the first season since 1974 Belichick is not an NFL staffer.
Although the Falcons interviewed Belichick twice, a number of factors — among them internal concerns about organizational structure — steered Arthur Blank away from the hire he initially preferred. Belichick was loosely connected to the Chargers and Raiders, and he spoke with the Commanders — though, not in an official interview setting — as well. The Eagles and Cowboys, however, did some internal work on the newly available option before respectively committing — for the 2024 season, at least — to Nick Sirianni and Mike McCarthy.
Belichick, who was believed to be open to ceding personnel control had he landed a job this year, turned 72 in April. A winter 2025 return to the NFL in a head coaching capacity would make him six years older than any HC ever hired; Bruce Arians still holds that distinction upon coming out of retirement to coach the Buccaneers in 2019. Belichick turning 73 before Week 1 of the 2025 season would naturally invite some concerns about his timeline; this issue came up for the Falcons during their search.
Belichick connections to Dallas and Philadelphia figure to re-emerge, though McCarthy and Sirianni can avoid that with quality seasons. That said, McCarthy is a lame duck who has already won 12 games three times in Dallas. Belichick coaxing more out of Jerry Jones‘ roster come January is a scenario the owner has undoubtedly considered, and he said recently he could work with the longtime Patriots staple. Pelissero, however, expresses questions about the fit due to how much control Jones exercises in that organization.
In addition to the Eagles and Cowboys, Belichick — as of April, at least — was tied to being interested in a Giants return should that job become available. Brian Daboll‘s stock nosedived last season, and he is taking over play-calling duties. The ex-Belichick assistant’s fiery approach has rubbed some in the organization the wrong way, and a simmering feud with Don Martindale drove the two-year DC to a memorable exit. The Giants, who employed Belichick from 1979-90 (the final six seasons as DC), also represent a team to monitor with regards to a third HC opportunity.
This will be a key NFL storyline for the next several months, as a handful of jobs will become available between this season and January 2025. Teams with quality quarterback situations are generally less likely to feature HC vacancies, but Belichick’s shorter window would seemingly mandate a roster capable of contending quickly. It will be interesting to see if the Belichick’s media gigs elevate his stock for 2025 and whether he would be amenable to any HC opening — as opposed to surefire winning situations — next year.