Bill Belichick’s potential plans for 2024 are coming into focus.
The former New England Patriots head coach reportedly is being recruited by multiple TV networks for roles within their NFL broadcast packages. However, a potential collaboration with a longtime Patriots rival might be the most likely and the most fascinating.
Peyton Manning Pursuing Bill Belichick for TV Role
Peyton Manning, routinely bested by Belichick throughout his storied NFL career, is pursuing the 71-year-old for a job with his Omaha Productions company, The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported Monday morning.
NEWS: Peyton Manning is pursuing old rival Bill Belichick for Omaha Productions, The Athletic has learned.
Inside the Belichick TV sweepstakes. https://t.co/0ccdPVtgUx
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) March 6, 2024
Among other projects, Manning’s production company works closely with ESPN on the widely popular “ManningCast,” an alternative broadcast for “Monday Night Football” that airs on ESPN 2. If Manning lands Belichick, he’ll look to pair him with former Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who’s close friends with Belichick.
“The idea of teaming with ESPN to create a Belichick and Nick Saban ‘Manningcast’ is expected to be broached, according to officials briefed on the plans,” Marchand wrote. “Saban, considered by many the greatest college football coach of all time, joined ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ after retiring from Alabama.”
Marchand added: “ESPN/Omaha could call it the ‘GOAT Cast.’ ”
Belichick reportedly hadn’t met with ESPN at the time of Marchand’s writing, but the network was interested in the legendary head coach.
Bill Belichick Generating Significant Interest Among TV Networks
Teaming up with Manning and ESPN reportedly is just one of “many” on Belichick’s table.
Belichick, who’ll turn 72 next month, already has met with executives from CBS and NBC, according to Marchand, who added both networks also are high on adding newly retired center Jason Kelce. However, Belichick isn’t interested in working on a weekly Sunday studio show, and prefers only to talk about “aspects of football that interest him.”
Furthermore, FOX reportedly isn’t considered a favorite to land Belichick, and multiple networks are hesitant to give a lucrative contract to someone who could leave for an NFL head coaching job next year. A deal for regular appearances on the “Pat McAfee Show” also is difficult to envision, despite McAfee publicly declaring his intention of pursuing Belichick.
Given Belichick’s specific broadest desires, and apprehension from multiple networks, all roads could lead to Manning and Omaha Productions.
“With weekly appearances on a big Sunday studio show unlikely, a partnership with Manning is an intriguing possibility,” Marchand wrote.
Bill Belichick Has TV Experience
Belichick’s infamously grumpy public persona can be misleading. He’s far more personable behind the scenes, and he’s excelled in limited TV opportunities.
Fans saw the real Belichick when he delivered an Emmy-winning performance on NFL Network’s “NFL 100 All-Time Team” series in 2019. He also delivered a memorable appearance on ESPN’s “College GameDay” broadcast before the Army-Navy game at Gillette Stadium in December.
Bill Belichick took a page out of Coach’s book and brought his own headgear 😂#CollegeGameDay pic.twitter.com/ttcth1EAP5
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) December 9, 2023
What Belichick ultimately decides on remains to be seen. But the possibility of seeing him on major football broadcasts this year is looking more likely by the day.
KEEP READING: Steve Belichick Reveals Where His Legendary Father Bill Belichick Will End Up in 2024
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