For the first time in his 24-year stint with the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick is on the hot seat. After spending the majority of the 2000’s and the 2010’s dominating opponents en route to nine Super Bowl appearances and six championships, the wheels have started to fall off the wagon in recent years. Nobody could blame Belichick for the team’s struggles immediately after Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – New England went all-in on the aging Brady, and the 2020 Patriots simply weren’t ready to compete without him.
However, as the years have gone on, the Patriots have not gotten any better. While the 2021 squad made it to the postseason, the year ended with a humiliating defeat to the division rival Buffalo Bills. Since then, the Patriots have missed the playoffs in two consecutive seasons and are currently set to hold the second-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With their last playoff win coming five years ago, reporters across the league believe there is a very real chance that Bill Belichick will not be back in 2024. Belichick still wants to coach, but a change of scenery might be best for everyone.
Julian Edelman was one of the most important players of New England’s second dynasty, winning Super Bowl MVP in 2018 while playing a crucial role on the 2014 and 2016 squads. Recently, the three-time Super Bowl champion made an appearance on Pardon My Take, and even he stated that the Bill Belichick Era is coming to an end.
Julian Edelman on @PardonMyTake, when asked if he can see Bill Belichick coaching any other team next season
"I think it's a reality that's going to come. I won't believe it until it's done. But when the media starts getting on this and starts talking about it, there is smoke,…
— Sophie Weller (@sophieewellerr) December 22, 2023
Julian Edelman: “Looks Like” the Bill Belichick Era Is Ending
The Quote
It’s important to note that Edelman has remained one of Belichick’s biggest supporters. While some former Patriots like Rob Gronkowski have mixed feelings about their time with New England, Edelman has never been anything but supportive of Belichick and the entire organization.
Even his response, in which he clearly states Belichick’s time in New England is up, is riddled with praise for his former coach. The former seventh-round pick says that Belichick “was a huge part of the success” and “the best coach” he ever had while adding that he hopes the transition is “handled correctly.”
Edelman holds no animosity towards Bill Belichick, and even he thinks the end is near. He also adds that Belichick himself knew that his unprecedented run with the Patriots wouldn’t last forever and that, sooner or later, a change of scenery would be necessary. So, if Edelman’s right and Belichick ends up coaching another team, who will take him in?
Potential Bill Belichick Head Coach Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Bill Belichick remains a defensive mastermind, but his biggest issue in recent years has been his inability to develop a quarterback or provide an adequate supporting cast. So, with this in mind, he might as well go to a team that already has their franchise quarterback. Justin Herbert can elevate the talent of any offense, and Belichick should be able to get more out of this defense than Brandon Staley could. Additionally, team executive John Spanos has hinted that Belichick is his top choice.
New Orleans Saints
For better or worse (read: worse), the New Orleans Saints are stuck with Derek Carr for at least one more season. So, if they can’t upgrade the quarterback, then they might as well build to negate his impact on the team. The Saints have plenty of impressive playmakers on defense, and Belichick’s aggressive scheme should bring out the best in all of them. And while Carr might not be a Pro Bowl quarterback with Belichick, the 2022 season proved that he is better in a Belichick offense than in Dennis Allen’s.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears should have the first-overall pick in the NFL Draft, which means that they’ll likely select Caleb Williams. With that in mind, they’ll probably also get a good pick for current starter Justin Fields. There is a lot to work with here, and Bill Belichick should savor the opportunity to turn one of the NFL’s most historic franchises into an annual winner.
Main Photo: Eric Canha – USA Today Sports
