NFL Teams Eye Bill Belichick Amid College Coaching Stint

Legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick, who recently signed a five-year contract to lead the University of North Carolina‘s football program, is already drawing interest from multiple NFL teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders. Raiders minority owner Tom Brady has reportedly spoken with Belichick about a potential reunion in Las Vegas, according to NFL Network sources.

Belichick, 72, has yet to coach a single college game but has spent recent weeks assembling his staff and roster at North Carolina. His contract includes a $10 million buyout if he leaves before June 1, 2025, though it remains unclear whether this clause applies to an NFL return. The buyout is a fraction of Belichick’s salary during his tenure with the New England Patriots, making it a manageable hurdle for interested teams.

Brady, who won six Super Bowls with Belichick in New England, believes the Raiders need a coach of Belichick’s caliber to build a sustainable winning program. The Raiders fired head coach Antonio Pierce after a 4-13 season, creating a vacancy that Brady is reportedly eager to fill with his former coach.

Other NFL teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, have also inquired about Belichick’s availability. Jaguars owner Shad Khan has shown a willingness to invest in the team, recently constructing a new training facility and committing $625 million in private funding toward a $1.4 billion stadium project.

Belichick’s situation mirrors that of Jim Harbaugh, who returned to the NFL last year after winning a national championship at Michigan. Harbaugh ultimately signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, becoming one of the league’s highest-paid coaches. Like Harbaugh, Belichick brings a championship pedigree and a drive to win, making him a coveted candidate despite his lack of college coaching experience.

NFL teams must adhere to the Rooney Rule, which requires multiple interviews with minority candidates before hiring a head coach. This process could delay Belichick’s potential return to the NFL, as teams navigate the league’s deliberate hiring timeline.

For now, Belichick remains focused on his role at North Carolina, where he faces the challenges of recruiting, conference realignment, and managing NIL opportunities. However, the allure of an NFL return, particularly with a team like the Raiders, could test his commitment to the college game.