Bill Belichick seems to be thoroughly enjoying his time away from the high-pressure world of coaching, making the rounds on numerous podcasts and television shows, sharing his insights about the NFL. At 72 years old, Belichick appears to be in no rush to return to the sidelines, taking full advantage of his year off.
However, ever since the coaching carousel moved on without him last offseason, speculation has been rampant about where Belichick could end up once he decides to return to coaching.
Diana Russini of The Athletic offered some insight in her weekly “what I’m hearing” column on Saturday, mentioning that she spoke with 10 NFL coaches and executives to get a sense of the best landing spots for Belichick next season. According to Russini, three teams were mentioned more frequently than others: the Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Let’s break down each of these potential destinations for the legendary coach:
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2024 season with high expectations, especially in the AFC South. The team featured promising young quarterback Trevor Lawrence, surrounded by a talented group of skill players, including first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., along with an improving defense. Despite these expectations, the Jaguars have struggled mightily and now find themselves limping into their bye week with a disappointing 2-9 record, already setting their sights on next year’s draft.
With the season largely a wash, head coach Doug Pederson’s job security is uncertain, and many expect the Jaguars to move in a different direction. This potential coaching vacancy could present an opportunity for Bill Belichick to make his return to the NFL sidelines. As an eight-time Super Bowl champion coach, Belichick would bring a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree to a franchise that has been searching for stability for years.
However, Jacksonville is not without its challenges. According to Russini, if Belichick were to take the job, he would likely want a complete overhaul of the front office, including the dismissal of general manager Trent Baalke. Baalke has been with the organization since 2020, and a major shakeup might be necessary for Belichick to feel comfortable stepping into the role.
Owner Shahid Khan has not always provided a stable environment, but Jacksonville does have a franchise quarterback in Lawrence, even if he hasn’t consistently looked the part in his fourth NFL season. For Belichick, the opportunity to mold a young quarterback and shape a talented, yet underperforming, roster could be an intriguing prospect.
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Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are another team frequently linked to Belichick. Many believed that team owner Jerry Jones would fire head coach Mike McCarthy after the Cowboys were humiliated 48-32 at home by the Green Bay Packers during the wild-card round of the playoffs last January.
Surprisingly, Jones opted to retain McCarthy, but the Cowboys’ 2024 campaign has done little to justify that decision.
Currently sitting at 3-7, Dallas is on a five-game losing streak and finds itself well outside the playoff picture. Injuries have played a major role in the team’s struggles, with quarterback Dak Prescott being ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, the Cowboys have one of the worst rushing attacks in the league, averaging just 81.7 rushing yards per game.
All signs point to a major shakeup in Dallas, and a coaching change seems almost inevitable. Jerry Jones has always been drawn to making big, attention-grabbing moves, and there isn’t a bigger splash in the NFL coaching world than bringing in Bill Belichick.
The Cowboys have a solid core of players, and pairing Belichick’s strategic genius with the resources and talent available in Dallas could prove to be a winning combination. For Belichick, taking over “America’s Team” would provide him with a storied franchise and a passionate fanbase hungry for a return to glory.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Could Bill Belichick follow in Tom Brady’s footsteps and head south to Tampa Bay? While the idea might seem both ironic and amusing, the Buccaneers could be a realistic landing spot for Belichick in 2025. Current head coach Todd Bowles may have more job security than the aforementioned Doug Pederson and Mike McCarthy, but with the Bucs sitting at 4-6, his future is far from certain.
Depending on how the remainder of the season plays out, Tampa Bay could be looking to make a change.
The Buccaneers offer several appealing elements for a coach like Belichick. They have a proven quarterback in Baker Mayfield, who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, and a dependable veteran wide receiver in Mike Evans, who continues to post impressive numbers year after year.
Tampa’s defense, however, has been inconsistent, and addressing those issues would be right up Belichick’s alley. Known for his defensive prowess, Belichick could bring his expertise to a Buccaneers squad that could use a boost on that side of the ball.
Tampa Bay’s front office and ownership are also familiar with working with high-profile figures, having navigated the Tom Brady era successfully. Adding Belichick to the mix could be seen as the natural next step in their pursuit of sustained success.
The prospect of Belichick working with the Buccaneers’ roster and having the opportunity to follow his former quarterback’s path adds an element of intrigue to this potential move.
In conclusion, Bill Belichick’s possible return to the NFL in 2025 has generated plenty of buzz, and it’s easy to see why. The Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers each offer unique opportunities and challenges for the legendary coach.
Whether it’s turning around a struggling Jaguars franchise, restoring the Cowboys to their former glory, or putting his stamp on the Buccaneers, Belichick’s next chapter promises to be a fascinating one. For now, NFL fans will have to wait and see where the eight-time Super Bowl champion decides to take his talents next, but one thing is certain: his return will be one of the most highly anticipated events in recent NFL history.
