Bill Belichick’s best and potentially last route at a head coaching job for 2024 appeared to close on Thursday, raising questions about his next move.
The Atlanta Falcons are set to hire Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as their new head coach, eliminating Belichick’s clearest suitor. That leaves just two head coaching vacancies: the Washington Commanders and the Seattle Seahawks.
With Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson seen as the clear favorite to land the Washington job, that leaves the Seahawks. They have shown no interest thus far in speaking to Belichick.
Based on that, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that with no known interest, Belichick may sit out the 2024 season and await an opportunity next year.
The #Falcons were the only team to interview legendary coach Bill Belichick, and there are no known scheduled interviews. Potentially, Belichick could sit out the year and await an opportunity in 2025.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 25, 2024
In a year that saw eight teams get rid of their head coaches, it is tough to believe Belichick could not find a landing spot. However, this was hinted at earlier Thursday, with reports suggesting that Belichick was not the favorite for the Atlanta job and unlikely to land any other opening aside from that one.
The 71-year-old Belichick does have the luxury of being able to wait a year and see what happens. His reputation is such that he should still attract interest at this time next year, and he can be picky about waiting for the situation that best suits him.
