Arguably the biggest surprise over the past month is the fact that Bill Belichick not only remains unemployed but that he will most likely enter next season without a coaching job.
There are reports that he was offered the Atlanta Falcons gig but turned it down because he wouldn’t have the level of control that he wanted.
Whether that’s true is not yet publicly known. However, most people assume Belichick would command total control in his next coaching job – and that might explain why there has been such little interest in him.
GOD BLESS BILL BELICHICK!
Travis Kelce? You’re an a**hole! #SuperBowl #Kelce pic.twitter.com/5G0aRJlgrx
— FàM International 🇨🇦/🇺🇸 (@The_Beast63) February 12, 2024
However, legendary coach Jimmy Johnson has some valuable insight into the matter.
Johnson is close, long-time friends with Belichick and just spent a few days with him down south. If anyone has accurate insight into Belichick’s true thinking, it’s Jimmy.
Appearing on WQAM 450, he spoke of his recent conversations with Belichick.
“Bill and his girlfriend just left the house about four days ago, and he came down to spend a few days with me,” Johnson disclosed. “We talked about a bunch of stuff. He had been with [Bill] Parcells and [Nick] Saban a couple days earlier, and some of these [NFL] owners are a little bit afraid of him.”
“The general managers and the personnel people in the organizations are really afraid of him because they think if he comes in, they are going to lose their jobs. A lot of people working against him as far as getting a job. I was shocked that he didn’t get some more opportunities. He’ll get opportunities next year.”
Bill Belichick doesn't have to be 'in charge of everything' at next job, ex-Patriots coach told Jimmy Johnson https://t.co/tb3IfGgXm4 pic.twitter.com/NBcsgxhEOV
— Ron Bohning (@RonBohning) February 19, 2024
Johnson makes some valid points. By all accounts, the majority of NFL owners seem a tad intimidated of Belichick and certainly turned off by his need for control.
However, Johnson made it clear that Belichick isn’t as power-hungry as he’s made out to be…
“Bill is upfront about it,” Johnson said. “He said, ‘Hey, I don’t have to be in charge of everything.’ That’s what happened up in New England. He kind of fell into that deal, and it’s not necessarily that he pushed for it.”
“That’s what happened because he was there for so long. He is more than willing to give up the decision-making to the general manager and the personnel people.”
Someone should pick up the phone and ask Bill Belichick to be their dc. The worst he says is no. He's the best defensive mind in football. Let's not kid ourselves. They were still a top 10 defense this year with 1 of the worst offenses in the league. pic.twitter.com/CJaEuVOeD3
— coachkou (@coachkou) February 19, 2024
Despite Belichick’s willingness to adapt, the road ahead remains uncertain. He clearly wants to continue coaching, especially being so close to breaking the all-time wins record.
The question is who will be that team that gives Belichick a chance?
Barring something shocking and unexpected, Belichick will enter the 2024 season without a coaching job.
It’s anyone’s best guess what jobs come open next year … But there could be some major ones.
If the Dallas Cowboys don’t win the Super Bowl, would it surprise anyone if Jerry Jones dumps Mike McCarthy and replaces him with Belichick?
To a (slightly) lesser degree, it’s the same story for the Philadelphia Eagles and Nick Sirianni.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants are well-known to be Belichick’s “dream job.” If Brian Daboll doesn’t take a big step forward next year, could owner John Mara pull the trigger, knowing it’s his one and only chance to bring Belichick back home?
Place that call, Mara!
— Joseph Clark (@JoeJ_Clark) January 6, 2020
Of course, there are always surprises that no one sees coming. That’s part of what makes the NFL as great as it is.
What will end up happening with Belichick?
Do you believe Johnson when he says Belichick isn’t seeking total control?
Are you in the camp of people who feel the game has passed Belichick by? … Or do you think he has one final Super Bowl run left in him???
I’m not saying Bill Belichick is the Zodiac killer.. but I’m not not saying it either pic.twitter.com/4HjzUbFt01
— Iris 🍷 (@LeosTolstoy) February 16, 2024