Is there a chance that Bill Belichick might not just have a brief stint at the University of North Carolina (UNC)? According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, several NFL teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, have reached out to the renowned football coach, who only recently joined UNC. Tom Brady, who currently holds a minority stake in the Raiders and played under Belichick’s guidance during the New England Patriots’ successful two-decade era, has reportedly been exploring the possibility of his former coach making a return to the NFL.
After parting ways with the New England Patriots following a remarkable 24-year tenure in 2023, Belichick remained active in the football world. Despite interviewing multiple times with the Atlanta Falcons in their coaching search last year, the Falcons ultimately opted for Raheem Morris. Throughout 2024, Belichick engaged in various media projects while staying connected to the game through different avenues.
The recent firing of former Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, following a disappointing 4-13 season, has sparked speculation about Belichick’s potential interest in the vacancy. Pierce had taken over as interim coach in 2023 after Josh McDaniels was dismissed following a particularly humiliating Monday night defeat in Detroit.
Aside from the Raiders, several other NFL teams are currently without a head coach, including the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, and New York Jets. Belichick, who served twice as an interim coach for the Jets without actually coaching a game for them, has publicly expressed criticism toward the organization, a longtime rival of the Patriots during their dominance.
While Belichick’s potential suitors beyond the Raiders remain undisclosed, his recent appointment as the head coach of UNC on December 11 signifies a new chapter in his career. Despite his lack of collegiate coaching experience, Belichick has been assembling his coaching staff since taking on the role. His five-year contract includes a $10 million buyout if he chooses to depart before June.
During his introductory press conference in Chapel Hill on December 12, Belichick shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I had some good years in the NFL, so that was OK. But this is really kind of a dream come true.” Addressing inquiries about a possible NFL return, Belichick affirmed his commitment to UNC, stating, “I didn’t come here to leave.”
At 72 years old, Belichick boasts an impressive coaching legacy, with a record six Super Bowl victories with the Patriots and two more championships as the New York Giants’ defensive coordinator in 1986 and 1990. His 333 total victories as an NFL head coach rank second only to Hall of Famer Don Shula’s 347 wins.
As the NFL coaching carousel continues to turn, the interest from multiple teams in Belichick’s services adds intrigue to his future prospects. The Raiders, among others, have yet to respond to requests for comments regarding their coaching search, leaving fans and analysts eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Bel
