Chowder and Champions
Fansided

1st Firing of Season Opens Up New Opportunity for Bill Belichick

The New York Jets fired Robert Saleh on Tuesday, potentially opening up an opportunity for ex-New England Patriots HC Bill Belichick to make his NFL return.

By Devon Platana

New England Patriots former head coach Bill Belichick holds a press conference at Gillette Stadium to announce his exit from the team.
New England Patriots former head coach Bill Belichick holds a press conference at Gillette Stadium to announce his exit from the team. / Eric Canha-Imagn Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Tuesday morning featured some major AFC East news as the New York Jets announced the firing of head coach Robert Saleh. The 45-year-old bench boss led the Jets to a 20-36 record since the beginning of the 2021 NFL season and was 2-3 on the current campaign before his dismissal.

Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the year. New York will likely look for its next full-time head coach during the offseason, which could be good news for none other than former New England Patriots HC Bill Belichick.

Patriots Rumors: Could the Jets Hire Bill Belichick?

Since parting ways with the Patriots earlier this year, Belichick's name pops up whenever an NFL team's next head coach is discussed. He's been linked to teams such as the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys, however, it might not be that shocking if he joined the Jets.

For starters, the 72-year-old already has ties to the organization. Belichick spent three seasons as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Jets. He was promoted to New York's head coach in 1999 but resigned after one day, leading to his eventually joining the Patriots ahead of the 2000 NFL season — a move that required the franchise to send a first-round pick to the Jets for his rights.

If the Jets want to go all in and win a championship next season, bringing Belichick back should be at the top of their priority list. The future Hall of Famer has won eight Super Bowl rings throughout his lengthy career, including six as the Patriots head coach.

Belichick might also be enticed by the possibility of working alongside Aaron Rodgers. Although Rodgers isn't on Tom Brady's level, he's still a four-time NFL MVP who could potentially turn back the clock under the legendary coach's guidance.

Seeing Belichick with a division rival would certainly sting for Patriots fans. At the same time, you can't blame him for wanting to get some revenge against New England after everything that led to his offseason departure.

For now, the Jets will focus on their current coaching staff for the remainder of the 2024 season. Once that ends, keep an eye on Belichick potentially making his way back to the AFC East.

More New England Patriots News:

feed

Home/New England Patriots