Bill Belichick shocked the football world when he passed up a potential return to the NFL to take the head coaching position at the University of North Carolina. With six NFL head coaching vacancies, would Belichick consider leaving UNC to coach professionally again?
NFL Teams Have Inquired About Bill Belichick
Multiple NFL teams have inquired about whether legendary coach Bill Belichick would reconsider his move to college football – including the Raiders, whose new minority owner Tom Brady spoke recently with his old coach, per league sources. https://t.co/MoyG87epRv
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 8, 2025
Even with Belichick in the college game, NFL teams still have the eight-time Super Bowl champion-winning coach on their radar.
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, several teams have inquired about Belichick and if he would consider leaving North Carolina to come back and coach in the NFL.
One of those teams is the Las Vegas Raiders, whose minority owner, Tom Brady, reportedly spoke to Belichick about reconsidering his job at North Carolina for another shot at the NFL.
The Raiders are one of the six teams with head coaching vacancies. The five other teams are the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New Orleans Saints.
Besides the Raiders, the only other team on that list that makes sense for Belichick is the Jaguars. Shad Khan must find his sixth head coach since purchasing the team in 2011. With a new stadium coming, landing a big name like Belichick is the type of coach to inspire a fanbase.
Belichick agreed to a five-year contract on Dec. 11 for a reported $30 million. If Belichick leaves for the NFL before June 1, his buyout is rumored to be $10 million. However, it’s unsure how that figure would apply if he leaves soon.
"I didn't come here to leave"
– Bill Belichick pic.twitter.com/QsAZYmhrGC— Chris Smith (@chrismithunc) January 8, 2025
Bill Belichick Will Likely Stay In College
Bill Belichick has no plans to return to the NFL, per sources.
I’m told his sole focus is on coaching and recruiting for North Carolina, as he continues building the Tar Heels’ future. He’s recruiting today in New Jersey.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 8, 2025
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini is pushing back on NFL Network’s report, with her sources saying Belichick has no plans to return to the NFL.
Belichick is reportedly spending his Wednesday on the recruiting trail in New Jersey.
On Tuesday, Belichick landed UConn defensive lineman Pryce Yates, who signed with the Tar Heels after entering the transfer portal.
UConn DL Pryce Yates is expected to transfer to North Carolina, ESPN has learned.
Yates earned Fenway Bowl defensive MVP honors after recording a sack and 3 TFLs in a win over UNC. Now he's joining the Tar Heels. pic.twitter.com/3FfQgNeZAt
— Max Olson (@max_olson) January 8, 2025
