The second half of the NFL season will be filled with storylines and promises to be exciting both on and off the field.
Speaking of off the field, we all know it’s only a matter of time before Bill Belichick returns to the sidelines.
While he is enjoying his media tour much more than anyone originally expected, the word is Belichick is dead-set on returning to coaching next season.
It’s long been assumed that Belichick would prefer to take an NFC East job as long as he gets the power and control he wants.
He’s made it clear that his ultimate dream job is to be the head coach of the New York Giants. We all know his close ties to the organization and the amount of respect he has for Big Blue.
Having said that, owner John Mara is leaning towards keeping current head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen.
The way the Giants finish out the season will decide how exactly things shake out. (Remember: Mara also gave Joe Judge a vote of confidence shortly before he self-destructed at the podium.)
It seems like the Mike McCarthy era may finally be coming to an end in Dallas.
Jerry Jones has to be disgusted with how poorly the Cowboys have played this season.
Considering the fact that he’s not getting any younger, Jones may end up checking his ego at the door and handing the keys over to Belichick.
We all know Jerry wants to win at least one more Super Bowl in his lifetime. Belichick would be a big step in the right direction.
There are also other teams that figure to be heavily involved in the Belichick sweepstakes.
Despite being in the thick of the NFC playoff picture, the Philadelphia Eagles aren’t too thrilled with Nick Sirianni right now.
With a win-now roster, the Birds may make a play for Belichick no matter how this season turns out for Philly.
You also can’t discount the Jacksonville Jaguars…
Regardless, it would be a shock if Belichick isn’t coaching in 2025.
Being just 26 wins shy of surpassing Don Shula’s all-time win record, he’s hungry to take over a team with a legitimate win-now roster.
Interestingly, Belichick went out of his way to praise one particular team during his appearance on The ManningCast this week: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“(Bucs GM) Jason (Licht) did a great job for me,” Belichick said. “He’s really a great evaluator, a really smart guy. He’s done a great job putting the Bucs together. I really enjoy Jason. He’s a great guy to be around. He’s really done a great job with that franchise.”
Licht used to work with Belichick during his early days with the Patriots.
This glowing endorsement caught the attention of many.
Bill Belichick is strategic. About everything,” ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio wrote. “He was strategic as a coach. He was strategic in accepting media gigs. He’s strategic in what he says on those platforms.
“In a nutshell, Belichick spends his time settling scores or advancing his agenda. And his recent ManningCast comments from the Buccaneers-Chiefs game has prompted speculation in some circles that he has his eye on the Tampa Bay job.
“That’s important, because it’s a signal that Belichick and Licht could co-exist. Throw in the fact that Belichick spent time grumbling about the Tampa Bay defensive performance, and it’s possible that Belichick is interested in coaching the Buccaneers next year.
“Regardless, Belichick doesn’t say anything accidentally. He has a reason for everything he says and does. And what he’s doing now is trying to create the highest possible demand for his services in 2025.”
The Buccaneers, currently sitting at a 4-5 record, have dealt with multiple injuries, particularly to star wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Despite their challenges, they’ve remained very competitive, and nearly knocked off the Kansas City Chiefs on the road last Monday.
There are lingering doubts about head coach Todd Bowles’ job security in Tampa Bay which could open the door for a pursuit of Belichick.
Wouldn’t it be something if Belichick follows in Tom Brady’s footsteps and goes from the Patriots to the Buccaneers?
What are your thoughts on the speculation that Belichick is interested in the Tampa Bay job?
As Florio correctly mentioned, Belichick is very calculated and doesn’t say anything accidentally.
Will we actually see the great Bill Belichick in Tampa Bay next season? … If not, where will he be???
