Bill Belichick Most Polarizing Head Coach to Play For, According to NFL Players

You would think that after all of his success, Bill Belichick would be a favorite coach of many NFL players. And you would be right.

But despite those Super Bowl rings he wears, Belichick has also earned himself a reputation as one of the least desirable coaches to play for.

Belichick received the third-most votes from NFL players when asked which coach they would most like to play for and least like to play for, according to a poll conducted by The Sporting News. He received double-digit votes in each category, while no other coach received more than five in both.

The Sporting News asked 111 players a variety of questions in their annual midseason poll of NFL players. They weren't allowed to vote for their team, head coach or teammates for any of their answers.

"People speak bad of [Belichick]," said an anonymous NFC defensive player. "He's just a different type of coach. He's not understanding. He's not a players' coach."

Jason Witten, the Dallas Cowboys tight end, disagreed while pointing to the coach's winning acumen.

"Being a fan of the game, you respect what Bill Belichick has done. You would be fortunate to play for a guy like that. Anybody who has had the success that he has had … as a player, you would love to soak up that knowledge."

Tom Coughlin and Tony Sparano were the top two vote-getters for the least desirable coach, while Rex Ryan and Mike Tomlin tied for favorite coach.