This past weekend, former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was spotted at the LSU Tigers-Vanderbilt Commodores football game. The score ended 24-17 in favor of the Tigers, but many college football and NFL fans alike were wondering what the six-time Super Bowl champion’s presence at Tiger Stadium meant for his future.
While it could simply be a case of the coach-turned-analyst wanting to watch an SEC game, many on social media believe there may be more than meets the eye.
Belichick Spotted at Tiger Stadium
In response to the now trending photo of Belichick on the field at the LSU game, popular football comedy commentators The Paulie and Tony Fusco Show detailed their belief that Belichick was in attendance “doing some scouting” for his potential return to the NFL.
Doing some scouting
— The Paulie and Tony Fusco Show (@TheFuscoShow) November 25, 2024
In response to a post by LSU’s official X (formerly Twitter) profile welcoming Belichick to Baton Rouge, one user replied: “W maybe he can be our new HC🔥.”
W maybe he can be our new HC🔥
— bob truck (@TruckBon) November 24, 2024
Finally, another user detailed their belief that Belichick was “100% coaching next year.”
100% coaching next year
— Brian Manzella (@brianmanzella) November 25, 2024
What Does Belichick’s Presence in Louisiana Mean?
While it is still too early to definitively know whether Belichick will return to coaching in some capacity next season, it is clear that the former Patriots boss is still front of mind for many fans around college football and the NFL.
Two of those coaches, namely Belichick’s replacement Jerod Mayo and Seattle Seahawks Mike Macdonald, seem to highlight a philosophical shift in the NFL in recent years. In addition to both being under the age of 40 years old, there is also a modern play-calling and scheme formation dynamic that differs from coaches similar to Belichick.
As a result, though anything can happen in the NFL, it does seem more likely, than it would have a few years, that the league has passed on Belichick in favor of a different coaching style.
Since mutually agreeing to part ways earlier this year, Belichick has remainder visible through his numerous media obligations as an analyst. Although many fans have enjoyed seeing a new side of Belichick, the reaction to his attendance at the LSU game seems to detail how there is still a belief that the 72 year old is not finished coaching just yet.