Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick not being hired this coaching cycle was a surprise to many fans and a relief to others within NFL circles.
A new report sheds light on how multiple teams were relieved Belichick would not be joining their organizations.
According to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, Teams were reportedly worried that Belichick would change the power structure within whatever organization he joined. His draft struggles were also a point of emphasis, along with the way he controlled things.
Howe wrote:
Others, particularly on the draft side, heard stories from Patriots scouts who didn’t feel their opinions had carried any weight with Belichick. His draft record has come under heavy scrutiny over the past decade, and word had spread across the league about occasions when he overruled his personnel department with key draft decisions. The fear, especially with scouts who spend so much time on the road away from their families, is they’d be wasting their time.
Belichick held the titles of general manager and head coach in New England for 24 years. The Atlanta Falcons were the only team he interviewed for following his departure from New England. However, the Falcons job ended up going to former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
This report certainly brings new perspective on why Belichick was likely passed over during this hiring cycle. One has to wonder if he will make the necessary changes to land a coaching opportunity in 2025 or if this is truly the end of the road for the legendary coach.
