Vincent Frank
Six-time New England Patriots Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick is likely nearing the end of his 24-year run with the organization.
Widespread reports have indicated ahead of Sunday’s season finale against the New York Jets that Belichick and the Patriots will be parting ways.
Most of these reports point to a potential trade involving Belichick once the 2023 NFL regular season comes to a conclusion. He’s primarily been linked to a Washington Commanders team that’s set to fire Ron Rivera.
However, a new report from CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson indicates that three unnamed NFC South teams are expected to have interest in Belichick. Said report also notes that things are trending in the direction of the two sides parting ways.
“I’m told there are teams within the NFC South with potential interest in #Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, per source. I previously discussed potential explorations with the Chargers below. I’m also told there are still recent high-level sentiments within the organization regarding desires to mutually part ways & start anew, per source.”
Report on interest in New England Patriots’ Bill Belichick
The lack of specifics when it comes to interested NFC South teams is telling. Dennis Allen (New Orleans Saints) and Arthur Smith (Atlanta Falcons) are believed to be on the hot seat heading into NFL Black Monday. The Carolina Panthers fired head coach Frank Reich after less than one season.
Meanwhile, Todd Bowles leads the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into a potential playoff-clinching scenario against Carolina on Sunday.
Related: 5 ideal Bill Belichick landing spots, including Las Vegas Raiders
Interest in Bill Belichick trade interest likely won’t be limited
New Orleans, Atlanta and Tampa Bay still all find themselves in the playoff conversation heading into Week 18. Tampa Bay wins the NFC South if it defeats the last-place Panthers. Atlanta and New Orleans need some help.
Dennis Allen has posted a mere 15-18 record since taking over as the Saints’ head coach from Sean Payton ahead of the 2022 season. Arthur Smith has not been better in Atlanta over his near three seasons (21-29).
As for Bowles, his job appears to be safe in Tampa Bay. But that could very well change if the Buccaneers’ brass believes it can land Belichick. Remember, Tampa signed Tom Brady away from New England following the 2019 season. There is at least a loose connection here.
- Bill Belichick coaching record: 302-164, .648 winning %, 6 Super Bowl titles
Belichick, 71, is slated to meet with Patriots owner Robert Kraft next week. That could be when the two sides decide to move on.
In addition to these three unnamed NFC South teams, Belichick has been linked a lot to the aforementioned Commanders. As noted above, they are set to fire Rivera after four seasons once Monday comes calling. Owner Josh Harris is going big-game hunting.
The Los Angeles Chargers have also been bandied about as a potential landing spot after they fired head coach Brandon Staley. The same thing can be said about the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders.
Given his advanced age, Belichick would likely want to go to a team that has a chance at immediate contention. That could eliminate the Commanders, Panthers and Raiders.
We’ll find out soon enough.
