Bill Belichick’s name may no longer be on an NFL sideline, but it’s never far from the conversation when coaching vacancies start to swirl. After a historic 24-year run with the New England Patriots - six Super Bowl wins, nine appearances, and a dynasty that defined an era - Belichick stepped away from the NFL after the 2023 season. But even after a rocky first year in the college ranks, the league might not be done with him just yet.
In 2024, Belichick made the surprising move to the University of North Carolina, signing a five-year, $50 million deal to lead the Tar Heels. It was a bold pivot for the future Hall of Famer, but year one didn’t go as planned.
UNC stumbled to a 4-8 record, missing out on bowl eligibility and raising questions about the program’s direction under its new, high-profile head coach. The season prompted changes within the coaching staff and sparked debate about how Belichick’s famously rigid approach translates to the college game.
Still, Belichick’s NFL legacy continues to carry weight - and according to league sources, teams are starting to circle.
This week, two NFL teams reportedly reached out to gauge Belichick’s interest in a potential return to the pro ranks. The conversations are said to be exploratory at this point, but it’s clear that some front offices still see value in what Belichick brings to the table. Personnel decision-makers in Atlanta, New York, and Cleveland are reportedly among those who remain “fond” of the 71-year-old coach, as all three franchises take stock of their coaching situations heading into the offseason.
One possible - and particularly intriguing - destination is Cleveland. Belichick’s NFL head coaching career began there back in 1991, and while his five-year stint with the Browns had its ups and downs, it laid the foundation for the coach he’d become. Fast forward to today, and the Browns are once again in a state of flux.
Cleveland is limping toward the finish line of another disappointing season, currently sitting at 3-11 with three games left. Head coach Kevin Stefanski is under mounting pressure, and much of it revolves around how the team has managed its quarterback situation - specifically, the handling of rookie Shedeur Sanders.
Sanders, a fifth-round pick, didn’t make his first NFL start until Week 12. Since then, he’s shown flashes of the talent that made him a standout in college, but the late start and inconsistent usage have drawn criticism. Stefanski’s reluctance to give Sanders more reps earlier in the season has become a major talking point, and it’s the kind of situation that could open the door for a leadership change.
Now, imagine a potential pairing of Belichick and Sanders - the veteran coach known for his defensive genius and game-planning precision, working with a young, dynamic quarterback still finding his footing in the league. It’s a fascinating idea, especially if Cleveland opts to stick with Sanders heading into next season. But for now, that’s all it is: an idea.
No formal offers have been made, and Belichick remains under contract at UNC. Still, the interest from NFL teams is real, and it’s a reminder that even after a tough year in college football, Belichick’s reputation as one of the greatest minds in the game hasn’t faded.
Whether or not he returns to the league is still a mystery. But if the right situation presents itself - with the right roster, the right front office, and maybe even the right young quarterback - don’t be surprised if Bill Belichick finds his way back to the NFL sideline.