Posted on Dec 14
Belichick inquired about the Jets' coaching vacancy, raising eyebrows
u/alex •
Bill Belichick, the former coach of the New England Patriots, reached out to inquire about the New York Jets head-coaching vacancy.
Why it matters: Belichick's history with the Jets adds intrigue to his interest in the position and raises questions about his motivations.
What's new: Belichick, who quit the Jets in 2000, made critical comments about owner Woody Johnson and personally contacted the Jets regarding the coaching opening.
Yes, but: There were no formal discussions between Belichick and the Jets, suggesting that his inquiry may have been more of a courtesy or due diligence than a serious pursuit.
What to watch: The Jets recently fired Robert Saleh as their head coach, creating an opportunity for a new leader to take over the team.
What's next: Belichick accepted the University of North Carolina job shortly after reaching out to the Jets, indicating that he has moved on from pursuing the NFL head-coaching position.
Belichick's complex history with the Jets includes resigning as the "HC of the NY Jets" in 1999 and the Spygate scandal in 2007.
The bottom line: While Belichick expressed admiration for Woody Johnson as an owner, his interest in the Jets' head-coaching position appears to be a brief and inconclusive chapter in his storied career.