Bill Belichick isn’t planning to stay away from the NFL sidelines for long. According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, sources have indicated that the legendary coach is eyeing a potential return to coaching in 2025. However, Belichick is expected to be “choosy” about the opportunity he pursues, carefully considering which team and role would be the right fit for his next chapter.
This marks a significant shift for the 72-year-old coach, who, for the first time in 50 years, will not be on an NFL sideline in any capacity during the 2024 season. Belichick concluded his remarkable 24-year tenure as the head coach of the New England Patriots after the 2023 season, a run that included six Super Bowl titles and cemented him as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.
Though Belichick will not be coaching in 2024, he won’t be entirely absent from the NFL scene. Fans will still see him regularly, as he’s set to appear on several television programs throughout the season. He’ll work as an analyst for Inside the NFL and will be featured on ESPN2’s popular Manningcast alongside Peyton and Eli Manning.
His transition to the broadcast world will allow him to stay connected to the game while he assesses his options for a potential return to coaching.
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Interestingly, Belichick had opportunities to join coaching staffs for the 2024 season. Reports suggested that both the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams considered him for defensive coordinator roles. In fact, San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan publicly stated that he offered Belichick the chance to take any coaching position on his staff, apart from the head coach role.
Despite these tempting offers, Belichick opted to take a step back for now, signaling that he’s looking for the perfect fit before re-entering the coaching world.
Though his presence won’t be felt on the field in 2024, Belichick’s storied career and his competitive drive suggest that he isn’t finished with coaching yet.
If things go according to plan, NFL fans may see him return to the sidelines in 2025, leading another team in pursuit of greatness.
