There’s only one Bill Belichick. Yet, the New England Patriots may not want to continue their partnership with whom many regard as the best NFL coach ever. That part’s still reportedly up in the air, yet others suggest the entire coaching situation in New England is, well, “f—ed.”
With Belichick’s future in New England up in the air, others around the NFL are trying to get their foot in the door for a face-to-face meeting with the future Hall of Famer.
Saturday’s report from Dianna Russini at The Athletic indicates there are at least two NFL teams hoping to meet with Belichick this offseason. Down below, we get into the specifics of those two teams.
Related: NFL insider names Dallas Cowboys as a team who may be ‘motivated’ to hire Bill Belichick
Washington Commanders lurking in the shadows for Bill Belichick?
Congratulations, Washington Commanders fans. You’re one of the teams who, according to Russini, are “hoping to get a chance to meet with Belichick.” In some aspects, this comes as no surprise for the new ownership group. The belief is that majority owner Josh Harris will spare no expense when it comes to finding a new head coach for the franchise.
As the NFL’s highest-paid coach today and all-time, Belichick certainly wouldn’t be inexpensive. Not only would he command an enormous salary, surely more than Ron Rivera makes now, he may also require the Commanders to part with valuable trade chips, such as trade picks or young players, in exchange for the legendary coach.
But again, the Commanders are looking to start off on the right foot with their new hire, and Belichick certainly is the most proven coach rumored to be available.
Las Vegas Raiders also pining for meeting with Bill Belichick
Option No. 2 is the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Russini. Yes, many anticipate, and even hope Antonio Pierce will get legitimate consideration to earn the full-time head coaching position. But several reports suggest team owner Mark Davis will try and swing for the fences with a big-name hire first.
Who’s bigger than Bill Belichick?
We also know the Raiders have a certain affection, or perhaps it’s jealousy, over all the success the New England Patriots organization has experienced over the years. From hiring Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler from New England, the proof is in the pudding.
While the imitators haven’t proven capable of re-creating Belichick’s success, now could be Davis’ chance to get the real thing. Will the interest be mutual? First things first, the Patriots have to move on from Belichick, or at least ‘signal’ to other teams that he may be available via trade. At that point, maybe we will see the Raiders try and pull off a blockbuster for who many view as the greatest coach of all time.
Moving on from Pierce would likely leave many fans upset, but if the Raiders could actually pull Belichick, it’s hard to imagine those hard feelings lingering for very long in Vegas.
Related: Recent Las Vegas Raiders team meeting may have revealed fate of Antonio Pierce and Champ Kelly