Coming off of the news the Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots announcing a mutual parting of ways several weeks ago, it felt like the only question was where and not when Belichick would be back leading a team in 2024.
Instead, the 71-year-old future Hall of Fame coach got shut out in Atlanta after the Falcons appeared to be his next landing spot, with other teams like Washington, and Los Angeles as a couple of other places some felt like he might end up.
The Falcons seemed to be the team where Belichick had the most momentum. However, they ended up choosing 47-year-old Raheem Morris, which happened after Belichick had reportedly had multiple interviews with owner Arthur Blank and things seemed promising. Instead, reports that Belichick potentially wanted further control in front office and personnel decisions appeared to have played a role in that one not working out.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles went in a different direction, luring college head coach Jim Harbaugh away from Michigan to fill their vacancy, while Washington – the place many felt could be Belichick’s other possible landing spot – opted to hire Cowboys defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn on Thursday.
Apparently, Belichick was also in on that job as well. According to The Athletic’s Diana Roussini, Belichick was under consideration for the Commanders’ vacancy and also reportedly interviewed for the position, but Quinn ultimately ended up being the one to get hired.
Quinn’s hiring came one day after the Seahawks filled their own vacancy with Mike Macdonald, who replaces 72-year-old long-time coach, Pete Carroll.
His hiring is the most significant, as that decision filled the one remaining coaching vacancy, which means that the next time Belichick could potentially be on someone’s sideline is 2025.
That’s not to say that Andy Reid walking away in two weeks wouldn’t create another opening where Belichick could be a candidate, but as interesting as that would be, it’s probably pretty unlikely.
For now, it’s possible he could take his talents to the studio and end up as an analyst on television next season, possibly showcasing himself and his personality to potential owners as he tries to prove his best days are far from behind him.
Former Patriots safety Devin McCourty appeared on WEEI on Wednesday and he believes that if Belichick isn’t on someone’s sideline – which is now the case – television will definitely be in his future.
“I think he does a studio show and spends time with the grandkids, and goes in studio show once a week,” said McCourty.
It will certainly be strange to not have Belichick, who turns 72 this April, not coaching this season. But should he end up on TV breaking down film in an analyst role this fall, it should certainly be interesting to watch.
That being said, if he’s not done, we may not get 100% transparency as he’ll still likely hold back his real thoughts until he ultimately decides he’s finished coaching.
For now, at least on the gridiron, he’s on to 2025.
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Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
