NFL Rumors: Bill Belichick in 2nd Tier of HC Targets; Vrabel to Have ‘Edge’ on Legend

Adam WellsNovember 27, 2024

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Despite being arguably the most accomplished head coach in NFL history, Bill Belichick may not be the most sought-after candidate for teams looking to make a new hire after this season.

Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the sense right now is that Belichick will be in the “second tier” of coaching candidates because the top coordinators everyone is likely to pursue will take precedence.

Fowler also noted that former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, who played for Belichick with the New England Patriots, will have an “edge” between the two because of his age and the job he did building a culture in his previous job.

Belichick has already been linked heavily to the Jacksonville Jaguars if Doug Pederson gets fired.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on the Nov. 19 episode of Scoop City (starts at 16:50 mark) that Belichick “certainly has his eye” on the Jaguars job if it comes open.

In an informal poll of 10 coaches and executives around the league conducted by Russini, the Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were all mentioned as possible landing spots for the future Hall of Famer.

The problem with a team like the Cowboys is how the dynamic between Belichick and Jerry Jones would work. Jones has control over everything in the organization, including roster personnel.

Belichick has said he doesn’t need to be in control of everything, but there would definitely be a personality clash if he worked with Jones. It’s also not even certain the Cowboys have an opening after Jones teased possibly giving Mike McCarthy a new contract.

Another potential issue for Belichick is his age. He will turn 73 on April 16. Andy Reid is currently the oldest active NFL head coach at 66 years old. Only five other coaches are at least 60 years old.

If teams are potentially looking for a long-term solution at head coach, Belichick’s age could be something that works against him. Vrabel doesn’t turn 50 until Aug. 14. He had a very good run with the Titans from 2018 to ’23, compiling a 54-45 record with three playoff appearances and two division titles.

The Jaguars seem like an ideal fit for Belichick because owner Shad Khan has a reputation for being hands-off. They already have a talented quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, but the front office has struggled to put a better roster around him.

New England’s formula for success was Tom Brady steering the ship for the offense, with Belichick assembling the roster and coaching the defense. Lawrence has a long way to go before coming close to Brady’s level, but he would easily be the best quarterback Belichick has worked with since Brady left the Patriots.