5 Most Likely Bill Belichick Landing Spots for 2024
By Ryan Bunton
2. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are in for the same reason that the Carolina Panthers are out. Despite a 4-7 record, the Chargers are viewed as much better positioned to win now have underperformed given the talent on their roster.
They have a star young quarterback in Justin Herbert that is locked up through the 2029 season, and impact players on both sides of the ball. Many of the pieces are already in place in Los Angeles, which is why one expert has the Chargers as the favorites to land Belichick in 2024.
"One of my well-placed sources believe the Chargers are the favorites for Bill Belichick in 2024: Excellent QB; team ready to win; Belichick likes California and the beach."
- Gary Myers
Skipping over Belichick's apparent love for the beach, the Chargers are the best-positioned franchise on this list (bar the Cowboys, possibly) for Belichick to pass Shula's record. With the aforementioned Reich's dismissal, Los Angeles head coach Brandon Staley's seat might be the hottest in the league.
"Brandon Staley, barring a miracle down the stretch, is out with the Los Angeles Chargers. The reason is they have not had sustained success. They’ve only been to one playoff game in three-plus years — that was a catastrophic loss to the Jaguars. Their defense is consistently at the bottom half, or in this season, bottom five in every single major statistical category including total defense where they are dead last."
- Jordan Schultz, Bleacher Report
The Chargers' need for help on the defensive side of the ball would also be an intriguing draw for the defensive-minded Belichick, and he could appoint one of his confidants to run Herbert's offense (does Josh McDaniels' phone ring?) while he focuses on his forte with the defense.
One major outstanding question is if Staley's departure would also coincide with general manager Tom Telesco. If Telesco is also sent packing, this opens the door for the total player personnel and coaching control that Belichick might demand.
The Chargers have been chronic underachievers throughout their franchise history, perhaps bringing an eight-time Super Bowl winner pushes them over the edge. The Chargers roster gives Belichick the chance to win now. This could be a mutually beneficial partnership.