What’s Next

By Mike Rifkin

The NFL world witnessed the end of an era when the Patriots and Bill Belichick decided to part ways after 24 seasons and one of the greatest dynasties in all sports. So the question then became, where does Bill Belichick go next? 

Outside New England, other openings for head coaches included Atlanta, Carolina, Tennessee, Seattle, Washington, LA Chargers, and Las Vegas. Atlanta was the only team in this group to at least give Belichick an interview, and they did that twice. But Atlanta has hired Rams’ defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as their next coach. So what’s next for Belichick?

Seattle and Washington are the two jobs that remain open, but neither team has called him for an interview. Let’s say that these two teams don’t give Belichick a call; he will open the season at home watching the games. But here is a list of teams that, if they get off to a rocky start next season, can call Belichick to see if he can save them. 

New York Giants – this is Belichick’s dream job. He was the defensive coordinator for the Giants Super Bowl teams in 1986 and 1990. If Brian Daboll’s team struggles again next season, could John Mara call Belichick?

Dallas Cowboys – Hand up. I would like to see the roster tug-of-war between Belichick and Jerry Jones, but with Mike McCarthy having another first-round exit in the Playoffs, if Dallas starts slow next season, the fan base might call for McCarthy’s departure. 

New Orleans Saints – Last offseason, the Saints acquired Quarterback Derek Carr and thought they’d compete in the NFC. Instead, they underachieved and missed the playoffs again. Yet they remain hopeful that Dennis Allen and Derek Carr can lead them back to the promised land. 

Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles were the NFC representative in the Super Bowl last year;  thus, they shouldn’t be on this list. Well, this year, the Eagles started 10-1 and looked like world beaters, but after a 37-34 Overtime win over the Bills, the Eagles lost five of their last six games, lost their stranglehold on the NFC East and got flat out beat by the Bucs in the Wildcard round.32-9. Now, the team has fired both coordinators, but if they struggle again out of the starting gate next year, could Nick Siriani be ousted? 

These are just four options that Belichick could have if the Commanders or Seahawks don’t call his name. There is more to come for one of the greatest coaches in the sport’s history, 15 wins shy of breaking Don Shula’s all-time wins record.