Mark this year down as the first time in nearly half a century that Bill Belichick might not have a coaching job in the NFL.
After the Falcons reportedly hired Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris for their vacant head coaching job on Thursday, it appears Belichick may not have any other coaching options for the 2024 season.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Belichick had no other known interviews scheduled, setting up the prospect of the legendary coach waiting until 2025 to be back on an NFL sideline.
He posited that Belichick also could work as a consultant or wait until a team that’s struggling in 2024 makes a coaching change.
Only two head coaching positions remain open, with the Seahawks and Commanders still looking to fill the jobs.
Neither team is expected to make a hire until next week after the conference championship games are played, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Belichick interviewed twice with Atlanta, and CBS reported Saturday that Falcons owner Arthur Smith “desperately” wanted the former Patriots coach for the job.
Pro Football Talk recently reported that Belichick has little interest in coaching in a major media market and wants to avoid aggressive reporters developing sources within his staff and organization.
“I was kind of shocked that it was only one team that’s interested,” former Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty said on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” on Wednesday about Belichick still being available.
“I think when you step back, teams are probably looking for younger coaches it feels like. But I just thought the opportunity to have a guy like Coach Belichick, greatest of all-time.”
Belichick has an impressive resume over 24 seasons with the Patriots includes six Super Bowl victories, nine AFC championships and 17 AFC East titles.
Equally impressive is how long the future Hall of Famer has been employed in the NFL.
His first job in the league came as an assistant to Baltimore Colts head coach Ted Marchibroda in 1975.
Now, Belichick might be sidelined from the sidelines.