There’s a strong likelihood that Bill Belichick won’t be coaching in 2024.
The former New England Patriots coach interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons job, which ultimately went to former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
Only the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders’ jobs are open, and according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Belichick is “not in play” for either team.
If not coaching in the NFL, what could be next on the agenda for Belichick? Few ever imagined a scenario where the greatest coach of all time wouldn’t be able to land a job.
But just because he’s down right now doesn’t mean he’s out. Rapoport pointed to a multitude of opportunities in play for Belichick, if he goes unhired in 2024.
Here are three possibilities for him as the situation stands right now:
1
Sit out a year and try again in 2025
Belichick doesn’t have to coach in 2024.
He could simply sit out the season and explore his options again next year. Rapoport noted the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles as two teams that could show interest, which would make sense considering both teams were eliminated in the wild card round of the playoffs.
“He could sit out the year, potentially become maybe the most coveted coach next year,” Rapoport said on NFL GameDay. “I know if the Cowboys or the Eagles struggle again, certainly that’s going to be a topic of discussion.”
The expectations will be even higher next season. If Nick Sirianni or Mike McCarthy fail to deliver, again, it wouldn’t be surprising to see either one of them get fired on the hot seat. Both teams have Super Bowl-ready rosters for Belichick to easily step into the situation and compete.
There’s also the possibility that another team not being talked about gets into the mix for Belichick’s services. It’s not every day that a six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach is a free agent.
2
Taking a job as a consultant
Rapoport mentioned another possibility for the future Hall of Fame coach would be taking on a role as a consultant. Of course, it would be a massive downgrade from being the man making all of the decisions, but it would keep Belichick busy, while the coaching situation sorts itself out.
Say what you want about Belichick’s questionable general manager decisions, but he has still proven himself to be one of the best football coaches in the NFL.
The offense couldn’t overcome his personnel misfires in free agency and the draft, but the defense was still one of the top units in the league, despite dealing with a multitude of injuries. There shouldn’t be a team in existence that wouldn’t want Belichick in the room as a consultant.
A deep dive into the mind of the greatest coach in NFL history would make any team better.
3
Pursuing a television role
For someone that doesn’t have a lot to say in press conferences, Belichick certainly has a knack for making good television. The legendary coach won a Sports Emmy back in 2019 for his work on NFL Network’s “NFL 100 All-Time Team.”
The thought of taking a year off might not sit well with a 71-year-old competitor that’s used to being busy.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he joined us right here in the TV world. Already won an Emmy, I wouldn’t put it past him to try for another,” said Rapoport.
Being on television would keep Belichick close to the game in a different capacity. Perhaps he could even join forces with Tom Brady again for some media segments. Those two probably have some of the most incredible stories to tell of their journey towards becoming the greatest coach and quarterback combination of all time.
