Are the Eagles a possible landing spot for Bill Belichick?
Nov 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks on the field before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
A great deal of speculation has already surrounded Bill Belichick since his departure from the New England Patriots. Some of that speculation, however, is beginning to focus on teams that do not even have coaching vacancies, at least yet.
In recent days, there has been growing speculation that the Philadelphia Eagles could be a potential landing spot for Belichick depending on how their playoff run goes. At one point, the Eagles were 10-1, only to lose five of their last six games. That resulted in them losing the NFC East to Dallas, and put them in a position where they have to open the playoffs on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In a recent appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said that he does not expect the Eagles to fire Nick Sirianni if they lose to the Buccaneers, but also acknowledged that things can change quickly.
Things are everchanging.
“Do I think Nick Sirianni is going to be out of there if they lose Monday night?
No.
Do I recognize that these things can change?
I do.”
– @AdamSchefter via @975JKShow
📸Ronald Martinez/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/B9ZCnhXdVf
— 97.5 The Fanatic (@975TheFanatic) January 10, 2024
That speculation continued into the weekend. Earlier Saturday, in an NFL Network appearance, insider Ian Rapoport suggested that a current playoff team could wind up being Belichick’s ultimate destination. While he did not name the Eagles, he did suggest that a surprise change could be made depending on how the postseason goes.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay: What’s next for Jim Harbaugh, could Josh McDaniels be back in NE with new #Patriots coach Jerod Mayo, and Bill Belichick’s options could include a playoff team. pic.twitter.com/GUzZvOzlsV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2024
“There is a possibility every year that something happens in the playoffs, something really bad happens, and a team moves on from their head coach,” Rapoport said. “I would imagine Bill Belichick is watching that as well.”
Fundamentally, this all depends on whether the Eagles actually move on from Sirianni. If they get past the first weekend, it is probably a moot point, and there is not really any reason to think he is in immediate danger even if they don’t. However, the chance to bring in Belichick could be tempting, especially if the team is perceived to be underachieving. That could be even more true if some potential internal issues get worse in the days to come.