Tom Brady, the former star quarterback for the New England Patriots, expressed his surprise at the news that his former coach, Bill Belichick, had not been hired for a head coaching job in the NFL. Belichick, who had mutually parted ways with the Patriots after an impressive 24 seasons and six Super Bowl titles, had only two interviews during this year’s coaching cycle, both with the Atlanta Falcons. However, the Falcons ultimately decided to hire Raheem Morris for the position.
Brady shared his thoughts on the situation during an episode of his podcast, “Let’s Go!” He admitted that he was surprised that someone of Belichick’s caliber and reputation as the greatest coach ever did not have a job. However, he also acknowledged that the NFL can be unpredictable, and there are many factors involved in the hiring process.
“I don’t know the criteria for hiring coaches. I’ve never been a part of it,” Brady said. “I mean, I’m surprised that the greatest coach ever doesn’t have a job, absolutely. But I’m surprised [by] a lot of things in the NFL.”
Belichick’s absence from a head coaching position next season will mark the first time since 1975 that he will not be coaching in the NFL. At 71 years old, Belichick left New England with an impressive record of 333 career victories, including playoffs, which is second all-time behind Don Shula’s 347. He also won six Super Bowls with Brady as his quarterback.
Brady drew parallels between Belichick’s situation and his own experience in free agency when he left the Patriots after 20 seasons in 2020. He recalled how there were many teams that did not show interest in signing him as a free agent. However, Brady eventually signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and went on to win his seventh Super Bowl in his first season with the team. He played two more seasons in Tampa before retiring last year.
The NFL coaching carousel came to a halt last week when the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders filled their head coaching vacancies by hiring Mike Macdonald and Dan Quinn, respectively. With Belichick not taking a job as an assistant coach, it is evident that the league will be missing one of its most iconic figures on the sidelines next season.
While the news of Belichick not being hired for a head coaching job may come as a surprise to many, it is a reminder that the NFL is a constantly evolving and unpredictable league. Even the greatest coach ever can find himself without a job. However, with his impressive track record and wealth of knowledge, it wouldn’t be surprising if Belichick finds himself back in the coaching world in some capacity in the future.