By Jay Berry
Rumors are circulating that a coaching legend may leave his new job before starting. It wouldn’t be Bill Belichick‘s first departure from a team without coaching a single game.
In 2000, Belichick left the New York Jets to become the head coach of the New England Patriots. He resigned from the Jets due to concerns about the team’s ownership, noting the uncertainty surrounding Robert Wood Johnson IV. Remarkably, Belichick announced his resignation during his introductory press conference by writing it on a napkin. The Patriots subsequently hired him, and he led the team to become a dynasty.
With NFL teams showing interest, there are concerns that he might repeat his past actions, this time at the college level. Bill Belichick was hired as the head coach of the University of North Carolina (UNC) football team on December 11, 2024. Just over a month later, speculation was running rampant. The hiring process for Belichick’s UNC staff has been particularly slow so far, adding to the speculation of a return to the NFL.
Although Belichick has not publicly indicated any intention to leave the North Carolina Tar Heels before coaching a game, rumors persist that he would welcome a return to the NFL. He may be motivated by the opportunity to surpass Don Shula’s league record for the most career victories earned by a head coach.
Multiple sports outlets reported last week that Patriots legend and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady recently contacted Bill Belichick about the possibility of reuniting in Las Vegas. In response, North Carolina’s general manager, Mike Lombardi, stated that Belichick is “one thousand percent committed” to the Tar Heels.
Belichick to Vegas?!?🎰😱🤯
Raiders owner Tom Brady called Bill Belichick to discuss the Raiders head coaching spot!!🔥🏈 Could Bill leave UNC this quickly?✍️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/JvJFdiUUPN
— WagerWire (@WagerWire) January 9, 2025
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On Monday, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio shared that “Belichick has yet to hire many staff members” at North Carolina has UNC “bracing for the possibility that Belichick will be gone not long after he arrived.” Florio added that UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham and ACC Commissioner James J. Phillips are among noteworthy individuals who are allegedly “nervous” about Belichick’s true intentions.
Last year, the Dallas Cowboys had some interest in Bill Belichick. After Mike McCarthy’s departure this week, they may revisit that avenue, although Deion Sanders is a name that has been at the top of the rumors list for that job.
According to Bucs Wire, NBC’s Mike Florio mentioned Tampa Bay as a potential destination. Although Todd Bowles has guided the team to three consecutive division titles, his squads have faced challenges in the playoffs, losing three out of their last four games. Tampa lost in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs this year.
Belichick must pay a $10 million buyout if he leaves the UNC job before June 1, 2025. However, the coaching legend would unlikely have trouble affording it, and any professional team interested in his services could easily cover the cost. Florio reports that North Carolina is preparing for the possibility of this happening.
Mike Florio believes that Bill Belichick’s return to the NFL this year is unlikely. However, some people do believe that the 72-year-old coach is interested in returning to the sidelines.
At this point, nothing would surprise me. Unfortunately, if he does move on, the timing could be problematic for the Tar Heels. I do think we will see him coaching one year in college. The question then becomes, will there be an appetite for a 74-year-old coach with two years away from the NFL?
