While Bill Belichick remains the New England Patriots head coach as of Tuesday night, the sudden availability of Mike Vrabel is fueling NFL coaching rumors of a looming change. If Belichick is dismissed by New England, he won’t be out of work for long.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft has met with Belichick multiple times this week to discuss his future and next steps forward. For New England, there’s a possibility that Belichick could talk his way into returning but in all likelihood, a departure remains the most likely outcome.
Related: New England Patriots coaching candidates to replace Bill Belichick
If he is fired, Belichick is expected to immediately receive interest from teams like the Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders. There are also clubs with current head coaches that could join the mix if the greatest head coach in NFL history becomes available.
Speaking to Mike Sando of The Athletic, one anonymous NFL executive shared his belief that the Atlanta Falcons are the current favorites to hire Belichick, but the Dallas Cowboys also need to be monitored.
“Belichick to Dallas is my sleeper but I’d make Atlanta the odds-on favorite for Bill.
NFL executive on which team will hire Bill Belichick in 2024
The Falcons and Commanders have been the two teams most heavily connected to Belichick thus far. Washington’s new owner Josh Harris is said to be enamored with the future Hall of Fame coach, but the franchise is casting a wide net to find its new general manager and head coach.
Related: Washington Commanders coaching candidates
As for the Cowboys, head coach Mike McCarthy is safe for now. While earning the NFC’s No. 2 seed ensured that Dallas wouldn’t have to leave AT&T Stadium outside of a potential NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers, it also turned up pressure on McCarthy.
If the Cowboys suffer a first-round knockout in the Wild Card Round to the Green Bay Packers or they slip up and lose in the Divisional Round, a coaching change will be considered. In the event McCarthy is fired, Belichick and Cowboys’ defensive coordinator Dan Quinn could be the leading candidates to replace him.
