Could Bill Belichick Land Either Job Ben Johnson Reportedly Passed On?

Perhaps Bill Belichick could be on an NFL sideline in 2024 after all.

The future Hall of Famer was viewed as a long-shot candidate for either of the two coaching vacancies left: Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks. However, that also was at a time when Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was viewed as a favorite to land Washington’s job.

Johnson on Tuesday informed both the Commanders and Seahawks he would be staying with the Lions, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Johnson’s asking price “spooked” some teams.

Regardless of what led to that result, there’s now one less coaching competitor for Belichick.

Does it mean the longtime New England Patriots head coach is a shoo-in for either position? No, definitely not. Belichick reportedly had not met with the Commanders as of Sunday and his aspirations of a full-fledged takeover reportedly caused some organizations to stay away.

Prior to the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, Schefter reported Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Baltimore assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn were “very much in play“ for the Commanders job.

Schefter also reported Sunday the Seahawks interviewed Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith in addition to Johnson and Quinn. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday the Seahawks are interviewing Macdonald, too.

You know who’s not on either of those lists? Well, that’s obviously Belichick. With that, it seems the 71-year-old still should be viewed as a long shot for either of the two open positions. But there’s nevertheless a better chance of Belichick landing either job given Johnson’s decision to take himself out of the running.