Bill Belichick’s departure from the New England Patriots continues to spark speculation, with one burning question: Where will he land next? Although Belichick signed a lucrative contract with NCAA’s North Carolina, many analysts believe it’s merely a temporary stop before his inevitable return to the NFL.
After leaving the Patriots in early 2024 with eight Super Bowl rings to his name, Belichick surprisingly secured only one interview-with the Atlanta Falcons. Ultimately, the team chose Raheem Morris, leaving Belichick sidelined for the season.
By the end of 2024, just before the conclusion of the NFL regular season, Belichick signed a five-year, $50 million deal with the Tar Heels. However, rumors suggest he’s keeping a close eye on the first opportunity to leave UNC and rejoin the professional ranks-possibly with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Is the NFC South Belichick’s next destination?
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles may be nearing retirement. While Bowles has performed well in Tampa Bay, the franchise is notorious for making bold and unexpected coaching decisions.
Florio also hinted that Belichick himself may be fueling the rumors, possibly positioning himself for a return to the NFL. “Even with all the craziness that has happened lately, the Bucs can’t be ruled out as a potential destination for Belichick,” Florio stated.
“Again, they hired Greg Schiano,” he added, referencing the former Rutgers coach’s disastrous tenure in Tampa Bay, where he managed just 11 wins and 21 losses.
What would it take for Belichick to join the Bucs?
Florio explained that Belichick’s future hinges on the performance of both Tampa Bay and North Carolina in 2025. “With Belichick’s buyout down to $1 million as of last Sunday, let’s not assume no one at the NFL level will want Belichick,” he noted.
He further emphasized, “The Bucs have the talent. If ownership decides that an elite game-day coach could get them back to the top of the mountain, it’s not as crazy as it may seem.”
Only time will tell whether this speculation is unfounded-or if Belichick is truly destined for an NFL comeback.
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