Bill Belichick has never missed an opportunity to needle the New York Jets and their fans, and even in his post-coaching days, he’s keeping that tradition alive.
Appearing on ESPN’s “ManningCast” during the Monday Night Football matchup between the Jets and the Buffalo Bills, the former New England Patriots coach took aim at the Jets’ recent struggles, while also delivering a pointed critique of team owner Woody Johnson.
Belichick, who famously resigned as “HC of the NYJ” after just one day on the job in 2000, hasn’t let go of his history with the team.
As the conversation touched on the Jets’ performance over the last decade, Belichick didn’t hold back.
“That’s kind of what it’s been there with the Jets. Barely won over 30 percent in the last 10 years. The owner, being the owner, just ready, fire, aim,” Belichick said.
Belichick’s comments come in the wake of Johnson’s recent firing of head coach Robert Saleh.
The Jets dismissed Saleh after a 2-3 start this season, leaving him with a 20-36 record in three-plus years with the team.
Belichick, while respectful, called the decision a bit bizarre.
“It is a little bit puzzling,” the legendary coach said. “It is what it is, and everybody has to move forward. It’s the owner’s prerogative to make that decision, and clearly that’s what he decided to do.
“But there have been a lot of things that have been kind of confusing. It hasn’t been a great situation for the Jets this year. You can kind of feel there’s been kind of a chill.”
Belichick’s longstanding rivalry with the Jets took another humorous turn when co-host Peyton Manning mentioned the coach’s infamous resignation note, which Belichick scribbled on a napkin before abruptly stepping down as head coach of the Jets in 2000.
Belichick was quick with a joke.
“I was tight on space,” he said. “Look Peyton, I was the head coach of the Jets twice. I was the head coach before Parcells came there and I was the head coach after Bill resigned. Undefeated, unscored on. My career as the head coach of the Jets is unblemished.”
Belichick’s clear hatred of the Jets and in particular Woody Johnson and ownership is the main reason why he’ll never coach there again.
Following the firing of Saleh, many fans immediately speculated about Belichick as a replacement, especially since there’s a clear love and respect between Bill and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
However, it would be the shocker of all shockers if Belichick were to set his disdain for Woody aside and actually pick up the phone if he were to call.
Regardless, the current Jets are facing a virtual must-win game this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After trading for Rodgers’ buddy Davante Adams in the hours following the heartbreaking loss to Buffalo, Gang Green knows they have little margin for error going forward.
What are your thoughts on Belichick’s comments? … As for the Jets, do you think they will be able to turn their season around now that Rodgers and Adams are reunited???