NFL Teams Reportedly Interested In Speaking To Patriots Icon Bill Belichick

Now that Bill Belichick concluded his first season coaching college, the rumor mill could ignite about a possible NFL comeback.

Josina Anderson reported Thursday that two NFL teams have expressed interest in speaking to Belichick on an “exploratory basis.” The insider didn’t name the teams but noted that high-level staffers from three organizations are “still fond” of the New England Patriots legend.

Anderson named the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns and New York as the teams with Belichick fans in the building. She didn’t specify which New York squad, but Belichick won two Super Bowl championships as the Giants’ defensive coordinator and created friction between the Jets by abruptly leaving for New England right after taking their head coaching job.

The Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll last month amid a 2-8 record. They have made just two playoff appearances in 14 seasons since defeating Belichick’s Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI.

Belichick interviewed with the Falcons after parting ways with the Patriots following the 2023 season. They instead hired Raheem Morris, who has led them to a 5-9 record after going 8-9 in 2024.

ESPN reported last year that Patriots CEO and chairman Robert Kraft warned Falcons owner Arthur Blank “not to trust” Belichick. The Falcons were reportedly concerned that Belichick wouldn’t stay beyond two seasons and would crave more control beyond coaching duties.

Kevin Stefanski is the NFL’s only active two-time Coach of the Year winner, but his days in Cleveland could be numbered because of a rocky 3-11 campaign. Belichick coached the Browns from 1991 to 1995, taking them to a playoff appearance in 1994.

North Carolina finished Belichick’s inaugural season with a 4-8 record. UNC’s athletic department said in a statement to Brian Murphy of WRAL News that they’re “confident in the direction of Carolina football.”