After mutually agreeing with the New England Patriots to part ways in the 2023 NFL offseason, Bill Belichick began his hunt for a new head coaching role in the league. However, he only interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons, who ultimately hired former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
Since then, Belichick took on a media role as an NFL analyst. He made appearances on "The Manning Cast" on "Monday Night Football" and served as a host for "The Breakdown." But the 72-year-old former head coach seemingly wants to return to the sideline once again.
Although all of Belichick's coaching experience is at the NFL level, the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach interviewed for the North Carolina Tar Heels job shortly after the program fired Mack Brown. Reports indicated that Belichick's interview went well, but the Tar Heels have yet to make a final decision.
With college football rumors running rampant right now, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was asked about Belichick possibly coaching at the college level. During an interview with Jim Gray on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Reid had nothing but kind words to say about Belichick.
"I've said it before. He's the greatest, and whatever he chooses, he can go high school, wherever he wants to go. He deserves the right. Whatever makes him happy."
There are rumors that Belichick's interview with North Carolina was a way for him to gain leverage in potential negotiations with NFL teams. That was something the former Patriots' head coach was missing last offseason, as the Falcons were the only organization to interview Belichick.
More college football programs may reach out to Belichick in the coming weeks. However, there are three NFL head coaching jobs opened currently. The New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears are the three teams who will be searching for a new coach in the offseason.
There could be more NFL teams joining the search as well, as there are rumors that Doug Pederson (Jacksonville Jaguars), Brian Callahan (Tennessee Titans), and Antonio Pierce (Las Vegas Raiders) are possibly on the hot seat, just to name a few.
As for the Tar Heels, the program reportedly interviewed former Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers head coach Steve Wilks for the job as well. With players opting to enter the transfer portal, North Carolina is likely to hire a new coach soon. Especially with the window now open from Dec. 9 to Dec. 28.
Related: Bill Belichick's Girlfriend Fuels North Carolina Rumors With Social Media Activity
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This story was originally published December 10, 2024, 3:00 PM.