After parting ways with the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick could begin his next coaching chapter with a team in this season’s NFL playoffs.
Belichick and the Patriots mutually agreed this week to go their separate ways after a disastrous 4-13 season, ending his iconic 24-year reign in Foxborough.
Despite approaching his 72nd birthday, it is believed the veteran head coach will wait to retire and continue his career with a new team, as New England owner Robert Kraft hinted at on Thursday.
Kraft admitted it would be ‘hard to see him in a cut-off hoodie’ on the opposition sideline, suggesting his now-former coach has no plans of giving up just yet.
And according to NFL insider Adam Schefter, via the New York PostBelichick’s list of possible next destinations includes teams preparing to compete in the playoffs.
Bill Belichick could reportedly join a team currently in the playoffs after leaving the Patriots
Belichick bid an emotional farewell to New England on Thursday after he and Patriots owner Robert Kraft mutually agreed to part ways
Reports suggest the 71-year-old has a chance to join a current playoff team next
Schefter said on ESPN that it would be a “mistake” to only consider him among the seven franchises with vacant positions, implying that current head coaches could be competing to save their jobs in the playoffs.
“I think the board is wide open,” Schefter said after Belichick’s departure from the Patriots was confirmed.
“And I think today’s developments could potentially lead to other changes, whether that’s with a team that’s in the play-offs, or not in the play-offs – we’ll see.”
The Philadelphia Eagles, who have lost five of their last six games under Nick Sirianni en route to the playoffs, could be an interesting option for Belichick if they can’t get past the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night.
Considering they already have a solid offense around the likes of Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith, the former Patriots boss could use his defensive expertise to take Philadelphia to new heights next season.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has also hinted that he could succeed Mike McCarthy if Dallas fails to advance far in the postseason.
In terms of vacant positions, the Atlanta Falcons have been mentioned as one of the most likely destinations for Belichick.
The Philadelphia Eagles, who have lost five of their last six games under Nick Sirianni (pictured), could be an interesting option if they fail to progress far in the playoffs
Belichick parted ways with the Patriots during a brief farewell press conference on Thursday before strongly hinting that he will remain in the NFL.
‘I will always be a patriot. “I’m looking forward to coming back here,” he said. “But right now we’re moving on. I am excited about the future.
‘There are so many wonderful memories and thoughts. “I will always be a patriot, and I will always appreciate the opportunity and support here.”