Bill Belichick is expected to draw interest from multiple teams if he and the New England Patriots decide to part ways, and at least two of those teams could be in the same division.
There is more than one team in the NFC South that has interest in Belichick, according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.
The most obvious potential NFC South suitor for Belichick is the Carolina Panthers, as they are the only team in the division that currently has a head coach vacancy. Todd Bowles is almost certainly safe, as he has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the verge of a playoff berth after losing Tom Brady last offseason. The New Orleans Saints also seem happy with head coach Dennis Allen.
That leaves the Atlanta Falcons, who seem to be leaning toward firing Arthur Smith, as the other team to which Anderson might be referring.
A lot would need to be sorted out in order for Belichick to join another team. The 71-year-old is under contract with the Patriots through at least 2024, which is why they are unlikely to fire him. If the two sides want a fresh start, New England will likely look to trade Belichick. That could limit the market.
We know of one team that has been repeatedly linked to Belichick, but it is a safe bet that there will be competition if Belichick becomes available.
