Bill Belichick and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft are expected to meet at some point next week to discuss the coach’s future with the franchise, and many anticipate that there will be a parting of ways. However, there is one specific set of circumstances under which Belichick might return in 2024.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media on Friday discussed the various options that Belichick and Kraft have. One of them would be Belichick sticking around and the Patriots hiring a new general manager.
There have been some rumors that former Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio could return, but Rapoport says that is not going to happen. You can hear more below:
From The Insiders on #NFLPlus: Looking at the various options for #Patriots coach Bill Belichick and New England. One scenario involves bringing in a new GM — no, Nick Caserio is not expected to return — but there are several familar faces who potentially could. pic.twitter.com/NH29P3DZo3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2024
This is not the first time an NFL insider has floated the idea of the Patriots hiring a new GM and keeping Belichick. The question, of course, is whether the 71-year-old would even consider an arrangement like that.
Belichick has been the head coach and GM in New England for years. There is probably language in his contract that gives him final say over roster decisions. Of course, that means he is largely responsible for the Patriots having one of the worst rosters in football.
It is entirely possible that both Belichick and Kraft want a fresh start. Belichick is just 15 wins shy of tying Don Shula as the winningest coach in NFL history, but we know of some other teams that might be willing to let him chase that record with them.
