Amid the reported turmoil at the highest level of the Patriots organization, it’s natural for speculation to turn toward the possibility of Bill Belichick leaving New England to become head coach of the Giants.
Sure enough, the New York Daily News has floated such a scenario, citing an unnamed source close to Belichick who says, of course the coach would be interested in the Giants job should he bolt from Foxboro.
“I’m sure Bill knows this is his last chance to be the Giants coach,” the source said Friday. “Bill sees an opening — an opening to get to the Giants.”
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A bombshell ESPN report said Belichick is considering leaving the Pats after owner Robert Kraft forced him to trade backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo largely because of Tom Brady’s insecurity. Belichick was an assistant coach with the Giants from 1979-90, serving as defensive coordinator under Bill Parcells for the last six years of that run.
The source had not spoken to Belichick since the ESPN story broke, but said he is certain, “The Giants are the only place he wants to be.”
Belichick exuded rare emotion as NFL Films documented him before a Patriots-Giants preseason game in 2009, the final year of Giants Stadium.
“This is a great organization,” said a teary-eyed Belichick, per the Daily News. “It’s hard not to get choked up about it. I loved it here. I loved it here.”
We caution that while a Belichick/Giants reunion makes sense in the wake of the ESPN report, it’s only speculation at this point.
Since Belichick is still under contract, Kraft may demand draft picks in return for letting him go. The New York Daily News notes Giants co-owner John Mara has a close relationship with Kraft, so a deal that doesn’t include the Giants’ 2018 first-round pick – with which they’ll likely select a quarterback – should be feasible.
The Daily News’ source also believes Belichick and new Giants GM Dave Gettleman would be compatible from football/personality perspective.
A Newsday source, however, doubts Belichick is leaving New England.
“There would have to be some pretty substantial compensation if he wants to coach somewhere else,” said a person who knows Belichick. “Can you see that happening? I don’t.”