Bill Belichick not making the Hall of Fame on his first try? That sent shockwaves through the football world-and not the good kind. The idea that the architect of six Super Bowl titles as a head coach and two more as a defensive coordinator wouldn't be a first-ballot lock drew immediate fire from some of the biggest names in the game.
Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Jimmy Johnson, Shannon Sharpe, and Stephen A. Smith all voiced their disbelief. When players and coaches of that caliber speak up, you know it’s not just noise-it’s a statement.
But not everyone was surprised or sympathetic. San Francisco 49ers insider Grant Cohn took a different route, stirring the pot with a pointed jab on social media:
**“If Bill Belichick is so good, why did he become so bad as soon as Tom Brady left New England?” **
Now, that’s a question that’s been whispered in NFL circles for a few years now, especially as the Patriots have struggled to find their footing post-Brady. It’s also the kind of comment that’s sure to spark debate across fanbases and front offices alike.
**Let’s not forget who we’re talking about here. **
Belichick has eight Super Bowl rings-two from his days as the defensive mastermind behind the Lawrence Taylor-era Giants, and six more from his legendary run with Brady in New England. That’s not just success, that’s sustained dominance across decades, systems, and eras.
Sure, the post-Brady years in New England haven’t exactly been a fairytale. But judging Belichick’s legacy based solely on that chapter ignores the mountain of success that came before it.
The NFL is a league that evolves fast, and even the greats can hit turbulence. But Belichick’s résumé?
That’s still gold-jacket worthy.
And while he might not be joining the exclusive club of first-ballot Hall of Fame coaches like Tom Landry, Curly Lambeau, George Halas, Chuck Noll, and Don Shula, Belichick is poised to headline what could be one of the most stacked Hall of Fame classes we’ve seen in years.
Let’s take a look at the potential 2027 class:
- Rob Gronkowski - Drafted by Belichick in 2010, Gronk turned into a generational talent at tight end. His mix of size, skill, and big-game performances made him a nightmare matchup and a key piece of New England’s dynasty. If Gronk isn’t a first-ballot Hall of Famer, something’s broken.
- Adrian Peterson - The last non-quarterback to win MVP. A 15-year career filled with jaw-dropping runs, brutal stiff arms, and a relentless motor. Peterson’s numbers and impact speak for themselves.
- Ben Roethlisberger - Two-time Super Bowl champ, longtime face of the Steelers, and one of the most durable, clutch quarterbacks of his era. Big Ben’s legacy is carved into Pittsburgh’s football identity.
- K.S. "Bud" Adams - A foundational figure in football history.
Adams co-founded the AFL and owned the Oilers/Titans franchise for over five decades. His influence on the league’s growth can’t be overstated.
- Eddie Meador - A standout in the Rams’ secondary during his era, Meador made six Pro Bowls and earned two first-team All-Pro nods. He’s in the mix for the seniors’ category and has a strong case.
Belichick and Gronkowski being part of the same Hall of Fame class? That’s poetic.
One built the system, the other thrived in it. And together, they helped define a dynasty that shaped the NFL for nearly two decades.
So, while the first-ballot snub might sting for now, Belichick’s place in Canton isn’t a matter of if-it’s when. And when that moment comes, it’ll be a celebration of not just a coaching career, but a football legacy that changed the game.