Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick moved on to college football, but he might have entertained any NFL option.
Belichick was introduced as North Carolina head coach Thursday. ESPN’s Seth Wickersham offered a detailed report on the 72-year-old’s interest in college noting it was in the works for months. Wickersham’s column also highlighted the eight-time Super Bowl champion’s dissatisfaction with the NFL and a vulgar message he’s trying to send as head of the Tar Heels football program.
Wickersham added that the Chicago Bears were looked at as a potential option, but it was unclear how mutual the interest was. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini on Saturday added a twist to the interest rumor mill.
“About two weeks ago, the New York Jets were informed (and were stunned to learn) that there was interest in their organization coming from none other than … Bill Belichick,” Russini reported.
The NFL insider reported that members of Belichick’s inner circle tested the waters around the league. New York was aware of Belichick’s interest but nothing concrete transpired.
This obviously would be a shock given Belichick’s history and reported disdain for the organization. It’s unknown how serious Belichick was, but it could have signaled how desperate he might have been to return to coaching in the NFL.
On the other hand, this report also could be interpreted as a desperate ploy from the Jets to drive up interest in their vacant head-coaching position. Aaron Rodgers didn’t make New York a contender, and he could leave it with nothing to look forward to in the future.
Regardless, Belichick will seek to build his legacy in Chapel Hill, N.C., while the Jets try to find a path forward.
