On January 12, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones finally admitted that it was time for him and head coach Mike McCarthy to “head in a different direction.” This marked a significant shift after months of public support for McCarthy, including a recent statement where Jones called him “the best coaches that I think there is.”
Following a disappointing 7-10 season, the Cowboys now face the challenge of finding a new leader to guide them toward redemption. While Deion Sanders was initially floated as a potential replacement, attention has recently turned to former NFL coaching legend Bill Belichick. But does Belichick, now focused on college football, have any interest in the role?
Belichick’s name has lingered in NFL circles since he left the New England Patriots and transitioned to college football with the University of North Carolina Tar Heels last December. Speculation about his return to the NFL has persisted, with The Athletic’s Diana Russini reporting in November that “coaching is in his blood. He wants this.”
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With the Cowboys’ coaching position now open, many assumed Jerry Jones might try to lure Belichick back to the NFL. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones added fuel to the fire, writing, “Belichick and Jones have had a good relationship over the decades, and sources last month indicated Belichick had interest in the Dallas job should it come open.”
Belichick stays committed to UNC
However, Belichick himself has poured cold water on these rumors. Speaking on the Let’s Go podcast, he made it clear that his focus remains on building a successful program at UNC. “I’m focused on Carolina and Tar Heels and making the 25 team there in Carolina as good as we can make it and build the program to a high level,” he said. This aligns with his earlier comments during his introductory press conference at UNC, where he stated emphatically, “I didn’t come here to leave.“
Since signing a five-year contract worth $10 million annually with UNC, Belichick has been fully immersed in shaping his new team. He has recruited 13 players through the transfer portal and filled 10 coaching and support staff positions ahead of his debut season.
Despite Jerry Jones’ potential ability to meet Belichick’s $10 million buyout clause, it seems unlikely that the veteran coach will trade his college football ambitions for another NFL stint. As Diana Russini succinctly put it, “Bill Belichick has no plans to return to the NFL.”
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