In a recent column, ESPN’s Dan Graziano, renowned for his NFL insights, compiled a list of the 80 most compelling storylines leading into the 2024 NFL season. Among these narratives were players facing uncertain futures, notable free agents like Chris Jones, and intriguing coaching situations.
Towards the end of the column, Graziano turned his attention to several coaches facing pivotal moments in their careers, including the legendary Bill Belichick.
Despite Belichick’s storied success, Graziano noted that his presence casts a shadow over every hot-seat coaching scenario throughout the season. With just 14 wins shy of Don Shula’s record for the most victories in NFL history (currently at 333, including playoffs), Belichick’s age—73 when the 2025 season begins—and limited offseason interest following his departure from the Patriots raise questions about the twilight of his coaching tenure.
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Belichick’s presence will loom over every hot-seat coaching situation all season, as he’s just 14 wins behind Don Shula for the most in NFL history (sitting at 333, including playoffs). But he’ll also be 73 years old when the 2025 season starts, and only one team expressed serious interest in him this offseason after the Patriots let him go. Could Belichick’s coaching days be done?
Interestingly, Graziano revisited Belichick’s influence when discussing Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. Graziano observed that whispers of Belichick’s name would likely linger around the Cowboys all season, particularly after any losses. Despite McCarthy not receiving a contract extension, Graziano emphasized the pressure he faces in the final year of his contract, especially given the expectations associated with coaching the Cowboys.
With each setback potentially prompting speculation about McCarthy’s future, Graziano speculated that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones might consider parting ways with McCarthy after the 2024 season if the team fails to make a deep playoff run.
The lingering question remains: Could Bill Belichick emerge as a potential replacement for McCarthy in Dallas? Graziano’s analysis suggests that it’s a scenario worth considering as the NFL season unfolds.
