Bill Belichick’s first season at North Carolina ended with more questions than answers, and now the NFL rumor mill is heating right back up.
NFL insider Josina Anderson reported that at least two teams have expressed interest in speaking with Belichick on an exploratory basis, and that there are upper level decision makers in Atlanta, New York, and Cleveland who still think highly of the longtime New England Patriots coach.
Bill Belichick’s NFL buzz returns after a 4-8 UNC year
North Carolina finished 4-8 in Belichick’s debut college season, which only fueled the idea that his time in Chapel Hill might not be a long stay if the right pro situation opens up.
Bill Belichick has upper-level personnel still fond of him in Cleveland, per @JosinaAnderson.
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) December 18, 2025
Two NFL teams have reportedly expressed interest in speaking with Belichick. pic.twitter.com/sHvDtUWFXb
The timing matters too, because the NFL’s evaluation season is already underway and front offices tend to do quiet background work before formal searches go public.
Giants, Titans openings add fuel to Belichick rumors
Two vacancies are already real, not hypothetical. The New York Giants fired Brian Daboll on November 10, 2025, and the Tennessee Titans fired Brian Callahan on October 13, 2025, meaning there are jobs on the board before the regular season even wraps.
I'm told there's been recent interest expressed, at the very least, in speaking with Bill Belichick on a exploratory basis from two teams , per league source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 18, 2025
My understanding is Belichick has upper-level personnel still fond of him in Atlanta, New York, Cleveland, whilst all… pic.twitter.com/jNvgFBAGET
If New York is the team Anderson was hinting at, the Giants make the best “familiar opponent” connection, given Belichick’s history with the organization earlier in his career.
Photo Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
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