Multiple NFL teams have inquired about legendary coach Bill Belichick potentially reconsidering his recent move to college football, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The Las Vegas Raiders are among the interested parties, with former New England Patriots quarterback and current Raiders minority owner Tom Brady reaching out to his old coach.
Brady and Belichick, who won six Super Bowls together during their time with the Patriots, have recently discussed what it would take to orchestrate a reunion in Las Vegas.
The development comes after the Raiders sacked head coach Antonio Pierce on Tuesday following a 4-13 season.
Tom Brady is reportedly desperate to reunite with Bill Belichick, who he won six Super Bowls with the Patriots
PA
According to sources, Brady believes the Raiders’ situation requires a coach of Belichick’s expertise and stature to establish a sustainable winning programme.
The conversation between Brady and Belichick reportedly took place before the final decision was made to dismiss Pierce.
Brady, who became a Raiders minority owner in October 2024 alongside former Patriots teammate Richard Seymour, is expected to play a significant role in the team’s coaching search.
The 47-year-old Brady and 72-year-old Belichick’s potential reunion would mark a notable shift, coming after Brady’s departure from New England in 2020 amid reported tension between the pair.
Belichick signed a five-year contract to become North Carolina’s head coach on 11 December.
His contract includes a £10 million buyout clause if he leaves before 1 June 2025, though it’s unclear whether this applies to taking an NFL position.
When asked during his UNC introductory press conference about potentially jumping to the NFL, Belichick was adamant about his commitment, stating: “I didn’t come here to leave.”
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Bill Belichick has already appeared to have made up his mind
Reuters
The veteran coach has already begun work in Chapel Hill, bringing aboard longtime confidant Mike Lombardi as general manager and actively participating in recruitment efforts.
The Raiders’ search for a new head coach comes after Pierce’s dismissal following just one full season at the helm.
Las Vegas faces a challenging rebuild, competing in a division that produced three playoff teams in 2024, led by the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Tom Brady’s Raiders are currently 4-13
PA
At least five other NFL teams currently have head coaching vacancies, including the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots.
Belichick is just 15 wins away from passing Don Shula as the NFL’s all-time winningest coach, a milestone that could factor into any potential return to the professional ranks.
The Raiders have already submitted interview requests for other head coaching candidates as they conduct their search.