NFL insider reveals Bill Belichick's 3 landing spots in NFL as former HC reportedly interviews at Carolina
Bill Belichick has been busy this season in his role as an analyst, frequently appearing on the ManningCast, Pat McAfee's podcast, and other shows to lend his expertise and showcase his fun side, but he doesn't intend to do it for too long.
The six-time Super Bowl-winning coach reportedly interviewed for the vacant coaching job at the University of North Carolina. A pivot to college football would be a surprise, but NFL insider Andrew Schultz believes he likely wouldn't have to do it if he doesn't want it.
On Fox Sports' The Herd, he said that Belichick could have as many as three NFL teams to pick from in the upcoming offseason:
"There are three teams I'm going to give you. Jacksonville, number one. He would have essentially full operating control there because of the owner in Shad Khan. ... Number two, this is interesting to me. Dallas (Cowboys)... It's also really important to note that McCarthy does not have a contract after the season. Bill has a very good relationship with both Stephen and Jerry Jones." [From 0:30]
While he has been linked to the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Dallas Cowboys in the past, his potential third option is a bit from the left field. Schultz added:
"Number three Tampa Bay. Now, they're tied for first [in the NFC South] right now. But if they don't make the playoffs, and should they move on from Todd Bowles, Belichick was with Jason Licht, the Bucks GM in Tampa, [in New England]. And he really liked Baker Mayfield coming out of the draft. In fact, there were rumblings that bill was going to move up for Baker." [From 1:30]
Bill Belichick to the Jets? NFL insider pours cold water on the possibility
Another vacancy that Belichick has been linked to is the New York Jets. The team is in disarray after firing coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas midway through the season. They could fill both positions with the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach Belichick.
However, neither Belichick nor the Jets are in the mood for a reunion. Schultz said:
"Bill has been very calculative with the media. It's no coincidence that he bashes the Jets. He hates the Jets. No love lost between him and (owner) Woody Johnson. ... He knows he's not going to the Jets." [From 0:04]
His options seem limited, which is probably why he's reportedly showing an interest in the North Carolina job. Belichick will get an interview or two at least in the offseason out of respect for the career he's had. But it remains to be seen whether any team extends an offer to the veteran to be their coach.