Falcons Hire Morris, Options Narrow for the Hoodie

Bill Belichick has been synonymous with the New England Patriots for the entire 21st century, but his reign as head coach has officially come to an end.

Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are expected to part ways today after a remarkable 24 seasons together, ending an unmatched run in NFL history that included six Super Bowl titles, league sources tell me and @MikeReiss. pic.twitter.com/IcibaPpA4S

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2024

The Patriots had been treading water since Tom Brady left after the 2019-20 season, but the bottom dropped out in New England this year as the team limped to a 4-13 record and -130 point differential, both representing nadirs in the Belichick Era.

Rumors had been swirling for many weeks regarding the potential for a Belichick-Patriots split, and NFL odds have been posted for his next destination following Week 18.

I’ll assess the situation before giving my free NFL picks for Belichick’s next stop in 2024-25.

Bill Belichick next team odds 2024-25

Odds as of January 25, 2024.

Bill Belichick’s situation at a glance

Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots have missed the playoffs in three of four seasons since Tom Brady flew the coop, and the Pats have yet to win a single postseason game since the Brady Era came to a close.

Owner Robert Kraft has been extraordinarily patient with Belichick considering the circumstances and even gave him a vote of confidence ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, but his silence in recent weeks indicated a split was inevitable — and that split came on Jan. 11.

The buzzards had been circling for most of the year, and there were even rumbles before the season began that the 71-year-old Belichick would be let go if the Patriots failed to win a playoff game yet again.

There were other circumstances to consider, like the fact that inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo was given an extension last offseason and was considered by some to be the Patriots’ next coach in waiting. That came to pass on January 12.

Either way, Bill is gone — and his future is now available to wager on.

Bill Belichick’s next team favorite

Not the head coach of an NFL team (-2,000)

With Bill officially out in New England, the attention now fully turns to what his next stop might be, but the odds aren’t so sure that potential move is coming right away.

When lines initially came out, the Los Angeles Chargers — with Justin Herbert in tow — seemed like a logical landing spot. However, with the Bolts landing Jim Harbaugh, Dave Canales heading to Carolina, and Atlanta bringing back Raheem Morris as HC… Belichick’s options are now limited.

With several positions now filled, does Belichick take on a flawed roster like the Washington Commanders (+800)? Maybe he tries to right the ship in D.C., or maybe he waits for a better opportunity a year — or more — from now. We’ll have to wait and see.

Any other NFL team (+1,200)

Initially, smart money looked to favor Belichick sitting out the 2024 season. However, after the Dallas Cowboys were stunningly blasted by the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round, speculation swirled that Mike McCarthy could find his way to the unemployment line, which would open the door to a fairly appealing situation in Arlington. The Cowboys roster still has plenty of talent on both ends of the ball and Belichick’s pedigree as a six-time Super Bowl winner would deliver the right message to the fan base. 

While the rumor mill helped shorten the “any other team” destination considerably, the Cowboys have decided to keep McCarthy, sending these odds skyrocketing from +125.

Bill Belichick next team odds pick 

Not the head coach of an NFL team (+400)

Editor’s Note: Pick made before the hires of Jim Harbaugh (LAC), Raheem Morris (ATL), and Dave Canales (CAR).

Bettors should pay careful attention to the title of this market, as the “Not the head coach of an NFL team” option does not necessarily mean that Belichick has to retire. He just has to not be employed as a head coach next season.

Belichick has said that he still enjoys coaching, and he is also tantalizingly close to becoming the NFL’s all-time winningest head coach. He won his 300th game this season and is only 26 behind Don Shula for the all-time lead. However, the available destinations for Belichick aren’t all that appealing.

The Commanders and Titans have either a recent or overall history of losing, and Belichick will likely be picky as his next team could be his last one in the NFL. Washington at least has a promising quarterback in Sam Howell at the helm, but Will Levis doesn’t fit that bill (at least not yet).

The Saints and Giants still have a head coach in their employ, as do the Jets, whom Belichick infamously walked away from 24 years ago. 

I think Belichick could re-evaluate how he wants to be remembered in the NFL, and rather than try and fail in another place, he could walk away and protect his legacy. His other option is to wait a while and see what comes to pass. We only just saw Sean Payton walk away from the NFL and come back after a brief hiatus.

Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

Pages related to this topic