Bill Belichick seems to slam door on rumors linking him to Jets

Oct 10, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Bill Belichick was immediately linked to the New York Jets head coach job after the team fired Robert Saleh, but all signs continue to point to the future Hall of Famer having no interest.

Belichick was a guest on “ManningCast” during Monday night’s game between the Jets and Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. At one point late in the first half, Belichick spoke about how the Jets were shooting themselves in the foot with penalties on defense. He indicated that he believed the lack of discipline had to do with Saleh being fired. Belichick then bluntly stated he is “not a big Jets fan.”

“You know Peyton and Eli, I’m not a big Jets fan, in case you don’t know that,” Belichick said. “I like Fireman Ed, but that’s it. You know what, Coach Saleh did a good job with that program. He brought in a culture and level of toughness and competitiveness.”

Peyton Manning then said it seemed “quite early” for the Jets to make a head coach change given that they are in the hunt to win the AFC East. Belichick had a telling response.

“That’s kind of what it’s been there with the Jets. They’ve barely won over 30 percent (of their games) in the last 10 years. The owner being the owner, just ready, fire, aim,” Belichick said.

Bill Belichick: "I'm not a big Jets fan, in case you don't know that… I thought Coach Saleh really did a good job with this team… That's kinda what it's been there with the Jets. They've barely won over 30% in the last 10 years. The owner being the owner… ready, fire aim." pic.twitter.com/p0Ek5RCuJg

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 15, 2024

Belichick made similar remarks last week when he discussed the Jets’ decision to fire Saleh. It seems like he disagrees with the way owner Woody Johnson has operated in recent years, which is why it seems highly unlikely that Belichick would want to work for the Jets even if the team were to pursue him.

As long as Belichick wants to coach in 2024, he is going to continue to be mentioned as a possible candidate for any team with a vacancy. He was even recently linked to an AFC team that has not fired their coach.