05 February 2024 , 04:51
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Bill Belichick, for the first time since 2000, won't be the head coach of an NFL team. After parting ways with the New England Patriots, he was eyeing a position with the Atlanta Falcons. However, the Falcons were divided over hiring the 71 year old due to how his tenure with the Patriots ended, and they chose Raheem Morris instead.
With all the vacant head coaching positions now filled up, Belichick and Mike Vrabel are left without a role in 2024. The Seattle Seahawks hired Mike Macdonald, while the Washington Commanders brought on Dan Quinn, leaving no room for Belichick or Vrabel.
After Belichick's departure and his struggle to secure a head coaching position, many were left wondering why the legendary coach remained without a job. According to The Athletic, three reasons stood out: Belichick's mishandling of New England's quarterback situation, his desire for total control over football operations, and his inability to connect with a new generation of players.
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With NFL teams having already found their coaches, Belichick is left with a few options for his next move. One sensible option could be to take a year off and see what opportunities arise next season.
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Having coached at the top level for 24 consecutive seasons and won six Super Bowl championships, a break might do the 71 year old some good. The NFL season is as tough on the coaches as it is on the players, and it seems the last few seasons have taken their toll on Belichick.
If Belichick doesn't want to take a full break but still wants to be involved in football, he could consider a TV role. This path is similar to the one John Madden took after his illustrious coaching career, providing commentary for CBS, FOX, ABC and NBC from 1979 to 2009.
Bill Belichick could elect to take a year off before finding another head coaching position (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Tom Brady, the seven-time champion, is set to become one of FOX's NFL broadcasters for the 2024 NFL season. He'll be joining the top team, taking over from Greg Olsen.
Also, appearing on TV could help improve his reputation as a head coach. At the moment, it seems Belichick's name doesn't carry the same clout as it used to. Public opinion can heavily influence decisions made by organisations, and if Belichick was more likeable, he might find it easier to land another head coaching job.
Alternatively, Belichick could choose to be an offensive or defensive coordinator for a team that needs one. However, given his track record, it's unlikely he'd accept such a role. This isn't to say that Belichick thinks he's too good for a coordinator position, but it could cause issues in the team's leadership structure.
Now that Belichick is out of work and all the head coaching roles are taken, it looks like taking a year off could benefit his career. After a proper break, perhaps the legendary coach could find a role that suits someone of his calibre.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.