Bill Belichick survived Black Monday, while two coaches were fired.
Washington’s Ron Rivera was let go after three seasons and a 26-49-1 record. And Atlanta’s Arthur Smith was canned following his third straight 7-10 season.
That brings the total to five teams in need of a new head coach. More could follow depending how certain teams fare in the post-season.
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Regarding the latter, the one to keep an eye on with Belichick in mind, should he ultimately part ways with the Patriots, is Dallas. With Belichick indicating on Monday he would be willing to relinquish some of his G.M. duties, this would be an attractive job for him given the rich history, along with Dak Prescott running the offense, and Micah Parsons leading the defense.
For now, Mike McCarthy is still at the helm, but Jerry Jones’ patience might wear thin with another early exit from the playoffs.
The Cowboys makes sense if Belichick becomes available, because the best fit for the six-time Super Bowl winning head coach would be a ready-made team that’s not too far away from making a run.
From the five teams currently available, here’s a look at the current options for Belichick from best to worst if Robert Kraft ultimately decides to move on.
L.A. Chargers
Pros: An elite quarterback. The Chargers currently have the best quarterback of the available teams. Justin Herbert has the talent, he just needs a head coach who can lead him to the promised land.
Should Belichick bring along Josh McDaniels to lead the offense, Herbert might finally soar. The offense has plenty of weapons, and the Chargers also have the No. 5 overall pick in the draft which should yield an impact player.
Cons: Age of star players. Eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker Khalik Mack turns 33 in February, while star linebacker Eric Kendricks hits 32 next month. Six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen will be 32 in April.
Beyond that, they’re currently in cap space jail. So there’s no money to spend.
Also, is Belichick an LA-type of guy?
Lowdown: When it comes to ready-made teams, the Chargers sit atop of the current list. Former coach Brandon Staley couldn’t do much with a talent-laden team which is why he’s no longer employed. He never met a fourth-down he didn’t like.
Belichick errs more on the side of caution which would be a huge upgrade over the previous decision-maker. He’d also make more out of a good defense, and also supply Herbert with a coordinator (McDaniels) who would get the most out of him.
It just depends on the Spanos family and if they’re willing to pay Belichick anywhere near what he’s making in New England.
Former Patriot Devin McCourty, during Sunday night’s NBC broadcast, also picked LA as the best destination for Belichick because that’s where the best quarterback resides.
Washington Commanders
Pros: They have the No. 2 pick in the draft and a ton of cap space (roughly $85 million). Belichick would have similar control as he does with the Patriots, and he’d be close to where he grew up.
Cons: Quarterback Sam Howell has showed some promise, but there’s no guarantee he can carry a team. The Commanders also traded their two best defensive players prior to the deadline. This is largely a rebuilding assignment.
Lowdown: New owner Josh Harris wants to make a big splash. Landing a six-time Super Bowl winner fits that desire.
Belichick would remain on the east coast, and he’d also be close to Annapolis, Maryland, where he grew up. It’s not the best roster, but with cash to spend, a top pick and a lot of draft capital, Belichick might be tempted, thinking he could turn it around sooner, rather than later.
Las Vegas Raiders
Pros: Both coach and GM jobs are open. He’d be reunited with Jimmy Garoppolo, his first choice to succeed Tom Brady. They boast plenty of offensive weapons with Josh Jacobs, Devante Adams, Hunter Renfrow and Jakobi Meyers, even if Belichick thought he was expendable.
There’s plenty of familiar players on the roster (Meyers, Brandon Bolden, Jack Jones, Adam Butler, Jermaine Eluemunor).
Cons: The quarterback play with Garoppolo and Aiden O’Connell was suspect. The defense wasn’t very good, either.
Would owner Mark Davis even go back to the Patriots well again?
Lowdown: Davis has a lot of money tied up in fired head coaches, but if he’s willing to spend more for Belichick, it’s a possibility. Belichick certainly loves the practice facility. He raved about it when the Patriots were out there for joint practices. But it’s still hard imagining Belichick making Las Vegas his home, although stranger things have happened.
Atlanta Falcons
Pros: A talented defense. The offense also has better weaponry than what Belichick would be leaving behind in New England.
Cons: Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. Quarterback is a problem. They have some young talent (Bijan Robinson), but they’re not quite ready-made.
Lowdown: Atlanta fans aren’t exactly fond of Belichick after Super Bowl LI, with the Patriots coming back from 28-3 to take down the Falcons. Owner Arthur Blank is still scarred. Nightmares abound. Perhaps they could exorcise that ghost bringing Belichick aboard. The only thing missing would be Tom Brady.
Carolina Panthers
Pros: Both coach and GM jobs are open. The defensive front is decent.
Cons: David Tepper. Ownership is a problem. Tepper is quick to pull the trigger on his head coaches. He’s fired three coaches in the past four years. Frank Reich didn’t last his first season.
Meanwhile, Bryce Young, last year’s first overall pick, didn’t show much in Year 1.
The Panthers don’t have a first-round pick in the 2024 draft. They surrendered that to the Chicago Bears.
Lowdown: It’s hard to imagine Belichick walking into this situation. There’s Tepper, there’s a massive rebuild, and a young quarterback who already looks like a bust. This is the longest road toward breaking Don Shula’s record.
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