Report links Bill Belichick to 1 team after split from Patriots
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is a free agent for the first time in more than two decades, and there is at least one team that might be interested in giving him a fresh start.
Belichick and the Patriots have agreed to part ways. A press conference announcing the decision will be held on Thursday.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Belichick is expected to draw interest from some of the teams outside of New England that have head coach vacancies, of which there are currently seven. Schefter specifically mentioned the Atlanta Falcons as a potential suitor.
Bill Belichick will want to continue coaching and is expected to draw interest from at least some of the other seven NFL teams that currently have head coach vacancies, quite possibly the Atlanta Falcons, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2024
Belichick has long been linked to the Los Angeles Chargers, but they reportedly have concerns about the changes the 71-year-old might want to make to their front-office structure. The Patriots had one of the worst rosters in football this season with Belichick serving as head coach and general manager, so other teams might share those concerns. A new team may want Belichick the coach but not Belichick the GM.
It would not be a surprise if every team with a head coach vacancy at least reaches out to Belichick. In addition to the Falcons and Chargers, he has been mentioned as a potential target for one other noteworthy team.