We now have a much clearer picture of what Bill Belichick went through in January, and what the New England Patriots legend hopes to do next year.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr., Seth Wickersham, and Jeremy Fowler published a wide-ranging report on Belichick’s failed job hunt this offseason. The report also offers insight into his future plans, including three potential job openings he might target in 2025.
Bill Belichick Eyeing 3 NFC East Teams for 2025
The report reveals that Belichick was convinced the Atlanta Falcons would hire him as their next head coach. Belichick, “blindsided” by Atlanta’s decision to hire Raheem Morris, eventually went unhired during this NFL offseason’s coaching cycle.
From ESPN’s story: “This offseason’s lack of opportunities left Belichick ‘kind of shocked,’ a source close to him said.”
But the Falcons weren’t the only team that considered Belichick this offseason. The Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers, and Philadelphia Eagles reportedly all discussed Belichick to varying degrees.
“(Eagles) Owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman, both Belichick fans, still strongly believed in their current head coach, Nick Sirianni, who over a stretch went 26-5,” ESPN wrote. “But Lurie thought it was worth asking a confidant of his about Belichick. A source close to Belichick said the coach would have been interested.”
If Belichick coaches again — some reportedly believe he won’t — the NFC East could be his landing spot.
“He is believed to be biding his time until next January for openings on teams he has told confidants he would be interested in coaching: the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants,” ESPN wrote.
“A source who spoke with a longtime friend of Belichick said the friend wonders if the coach will have another opportunity: ‘I don’t think Bill Belichick will ever be a head coach again in the National Football League,’ the friend said. ‘Unless it’s [for] Jerry Jones.'”
The Eagles (Sirianni), Cowboys (Mike McCarthy), and Giants (Brian Daboll) all have head coaches in place. But Sirianni might be entering a make-or-break season, and the same could be said for McCarthy, who has one year left on his contract.
Daboll has three years left on his contract with the Giants, who excelled in his first season but foundered in his second.
So, all three could remain with their teams after next season. But if a job opens up, Belichick reportedly will be ready to pounce.
Why Is Belichick Focused on the NFC East?
Belichick, who recently turned 72, reportedly isn’t interested in moving to the West Coast. In fact, despite persistent in-season rumors, there wasn’t any mutual interest between him and the Los Angeles Chargers, who hired Jim Harbaugh.
Rather, Belichick prefers to stay in the Northeast, according to ESPN.
His love for the Giants, for whom he coached from 1979 to 1990, is well-documented. And his goal of breaking Don Shula’s all-time coaching wins record naturally would lead to interest in the Eagles and Cowboys, who have elite rosters.
But there’s more to it than that.
“Belichick has told confidants that he hopes if a team in the northeast has an opening, it will consider him,” ESPN wrote. “That way, key former assistants who live in the region, such as (Matt) Patricia and (Josh) McDaniels, will be able to join him with minimal family disruption.
“But in the end, if he works, or where, or how much power he is granted, won’t be up to Belichick.”
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A significant portion of ESPN’s story focuses on the bad blood between Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft. ESPN even reported that Kraft gave Belichick a bad review during conversations with Falcons owner Arthur Blank, accusations the Patriots denied through spokesman Stacey James.
But Belichick’s bitterness toward Kraft could influence his job search next offseason.
“Belichick told a friend that he liked the idea of sticking it to the Krafts by working for Jones,” ESPN wrote.
While not included in ESPN’s story, it’s worth noting that Belichick spends considerable offseason time on the Massachusetts island of Nantucket. His fondness for the area, including his love of fishing and boating, seemingly could factor into his preference for staying in the Northeast.
What Will Belichick Do in 2024?
You’ve heard the rumors about Belichick eyeing a TV job, and you should expect an announcement in the near future.
“In the coming weeks, Belichick is expected to sign a deal to do analysis for Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, which produces ESPN’s ‘ManningCast’ during Monday Night Football,” ESPN wrote.
It’s unclear whether Belichick’s role would include an alternate college football broadcast with long-time friend Nick Saban, who recently joined ESPN. Previous reports indicated Manning was pursuing Belichick with an eye toward creating a “GOAT Cast” starring Belichick and Saban.
Belichick also will be working on a book, although not the kind many NFL fans might be hoping for.
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“This year, Belichick plans to travel abroad, speak to football programs around the country and to write a book — not a tell-all memoir but a football leadership guide,” ESPN wrote.
“The model is one of the books that influenced Belichick most: ‘Finding the Winning Edge,’ Bill Walsh’s 550-page bid to put his football genius on paper.”