Bill Belichick parted ways with the New England Patriots after the 2023 NFL season following a dominant run of 24 seasons, guiding the Patriots, along with quarterback Tom Brady, to six Super Bowl titles. While he was interviewed for head coaching vacancies for the 2024 season, no one decided to give him a contract.
He wouldn’t be out of a job for long, but few expected the longtime NFL coach to transition to the college level, taking a job with the University of North Carolina. While expectations were all over the place, Belichick and the Tar Heels struggled in his first season. He’s still with UNC, but one insider shared several teams would be interested in talking with Belichick to see if he’s interested in a return to the NFL.
NFL Insider Shares Multiple Destinations for a Possible Bill Belichick NFL Return
Belichick’s first year in Chapel Hill was rather underwhelming. After getting dominated in the season opener, the Tar Heels were able to beat two cupcakes before seven of their final nine games to finish 4-8 on the season. Some changes are expected in the offseason, but it’s unknown whether Belichick is planning to jump ship.
If he does, NFL insider Josina Anderson thinks it could be for a return to the NFL, with several franchises interested in speaking with the former Patriots coach. She explained on X, “I’m told there’s been recent interest expressed, at the very least, in speaking with Bill Belichick on an exploratory basis from two teams, per league source.”
She continued, “My understanding is Belichick has upper-level personnel still fond of him in Atlanta, New York, and Cleveland, whilst all struggling teams are going through customary evaluations this time of year.”
“Additionally, I’m told up to 7 more teams are monitoring potential change at head coach (Giants and Titans are open), & up to three to four more teams are considering a change at general manager at this time. The Miami Dolphins already have a GM vacancy,” Anderson finished, floating the idea that not only could Belichick make an NFL return but could see himself in front office considerations as well.
I’m told there’s been recent interest expressed, at the very least, in speaking with Bill Belichick on a exploratory basis from two teams , per league source.
My understanding is Belichick has upper-level personnel still fond of him in Atlanta, New York, Cleveland, whilst all… pic.twitter.com/jNvgFBAGET
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 18, 2025
The connection to the Atlanta Falcons makes sense. Before hiring Raheem Morris as the next head coach in 2024, Belichick had been interviewed and appeared to be Atlanta’s choice, but the team ultimately went with Morris, who is still with Atlanta. However, after a tough season and some questionable decisions, it will be interesting to see what owner Arthur Blank decides about the future of both the HC and GM Terry Fontenot.
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As for the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, Belichick has a history with both franchises dating to his days before New England. He served in multiple positions for the Giants starting in 1979, including special teams and defensive assistant, special teams and linebackers coach, and defensive coordinator. In 1991, he agreed to serve as the head coach of the Browns through 1995.
A return to Cleveland would involve the owner, Jimmy Haslam, deciding it’s time to move on from head coach Kevin Stefanski. While no decision has been made, it’s been a tough year for the Browns, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Stefanski’s tenure end this season. As for the Giants, the opening is already vacant after firing Brian Daboll in November.
What’s even more interesting is Anderson’s suggestion that Belichick could be getting calls to fill GM openings. While head coach for the Patriots, he served as the de facto GM in Cleveland and New England.
While not bad, some decisions, especially ones on draft day, seemed questionable during the final chapter of his time in New England. Couple that with the tough year with North Carolina, and it looks like Belichick may be best served solely in a coaching role. While Belichick remains with UNC, it will be interesting to see how his offseason unfolds.
