There’s a growing sense that 2023 might be Bill Belichick’s final year with the New England Patriots. But if it is, will that also make it his final year as an NFL head coach?
Perhaps not.
Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, former NFL executive Michael Lombardi said that Belichick is determined to continue coaching whether Patriots owner Robert Kraft decides to fire him or not.
“Bill Belichick still wants to coach & obviously the Patriots team isn’t playing well… If Robert Kraft feels like it’s time to make a change that’s fine… Bill Belichick still wants to prove that he’s a really good coach & he’ll go somewhere else,” Lombardi said.
The Patriots are currently 2-9 and on the verge of their first season with double-digit losses since Belichick became the team’s head coach in 2000.
“Bill Belichick still wants to coach & obviously the Patriots team isn’t playing well..
If Robert Kraft feels like it’s time to make a change that’s fine..
Bill Belichick still wants to prove that he’s a really good coach & he’ll go somewhere else”@mlombardiNFL #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/kaSjUum5QJ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 28, 2023
Bill Belichick should have no problem finding another head coaching job next year. The Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers – both of whom have fired head coaches already – would almost certainly be interested in bringing him into the fold if the opportunity arises.
But we’re putting the cart before the horse here a little bit.
Until Belichick actually does get the boot in Foxborough, it’s hard to speculate on what he’ll do next year.