Bill Belichick has been away from the NFL for nearly two years now. However, his name continues to surface whenever a franchise is looking for direction. The New York Giants have now become the latest team linked to the former legendary coach.
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the sidelines in the second quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Bill Belichick Secures a Major Recruiting Win in the Class of 2026 (Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images)
The Giants are expected to begin a full search for a new head coach in the 2026 NFL offseason. Following the firing of Brian Daboll on Monday, several potential replacements have already been discussed, and among the early names mentioned is Belichick.
On his show, Craig Carton addressed the swirling speculation. He began by explaining why the Giants should avoid pursuing Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin. Carton then shifted directly to North Carolina’s coach as he believes Belichick is the most logical fit.
“Lane Kiffin should not take the Giants job and the New York Giants should not sign Lane Kiffin,” Carton said. “The obvious answer is still the obvious answer. And I know he’s damaged his reputation because of his girlfriend and because of what’s happened in North Carolina. But the only guy that the New York Giants should interview and hire is Bill Belichick. I do not buy that football has passed him by. He is still the greatest NFL coach of all time.”
THE NEW YORK GIANTS SHOULD SIGN BELICHICK NOT KIFFIN!
“Kiffin is perfect where he’s at… at Ole Miss… he can compete for a title… the only guy the Giants should hire is Bill Belichick” – @craigcartonlive #NFL #Giants pic.twitter.com/ee3xqEyDNO
— The Craig Carton Show (@CraigCartonShow) November 12, 2025
However, Belichick issued an extensive statement on Friday responding to speculation that he might replace Daboll. He made it clear that, despite the rumors, he has neither pursued nor intends to pursue any NFL head-coaching openings.
“I have great respect and genuinely care for the New York Giants organization and both the Mara and Tisch families,” the statement read. “The New York Giants played an important role in my life and in my coaching journey.
“It was a privilege for me to work for the Mara family and be a member of Coach (Bill) Parcells’ staff for over a decade. However, despite circulating rumors, I have not and will not pursue any NFL head coaching vacancies.”
The renewed conversation about a potential return largely stemmed from his successful 12-year stint with the Giants earlier in his career. The former NFL coach also won two championships with the team.
Bill Belichick Secures a Major Recruiting Win in the Class of 2026
Bill Belichick’s UNC flipped four-star cornerback David Davis from the Penn State Nittany Lions on Thursday morning. He is a standout from Imani Christian Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Davis had been committed to Penn State in March but he started exploring his options following the firing of the school’s head coach James Franklin last month.
Davis received the offer from UNC in late October, and took an official visit to North Carolina this past weekend. He had high praise for Belichick following the trip.
“Coach Belichick’s all about the details and being prepared. He emphasized mastering the fundamentals and always looking for ways to improve, no matter how small,”Davis said this week.
Davis leads Imani Christian with 15 touchdowns this season, and is the No. 39 cornerback in the 2026 class, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. He is also ranked as the No. 389 recruit in the nation and the No. 11 recruit in Pennsylvania.
With Davis’ commitment, UNC now has 36 members in the 2026 class, which ranks No. 16 in the nation.