Earlier this offseason, the New England Patriots had to make some serious changes to their coaching staff and front office, and that started with parting with Bill Belichick after 24 seasons.
Belichick was interviewed for the Atlanta Falcons open head coach position before they ultimately hired Raheem Morris for the job, so he's left without a team in 2024.
Recently, a few media members have discussed the potential of Belichick returning in 2025 after spending this year in the media himself.
Patriots radio broadcaster and 98.5 The Sports Hub host Scott Zolak weighed in on some teams that he believes Belichick would lead if/when he comes back, including one team in the Patriots' division.
"We do know that he does like the Northeast," Zolak said. "He’s always liked the Giants. I think he has a great relationship with Howie Roseman in Philadelphia, which is why Philly comes up. I don’t think it’s Philly. I’ve always thought it’s Cowboys and then potentially Buffalo, because Buffalo’s got some cracks. I’ve told you guys, you know, we call games in Buffalo that Terry Pegula is in in the box right next to us with all the front office guys. He’s not hosting anybody. He’s not shaking hands. He’s not dealing with clients. He’s got a notepad out, and he takes notes the entire game, and he’s listening to what everybody’s talking about.
"You just look over there, he’s involved in football. And if you see things that are changing, you got a new stadium coming, right? Quarterback ain’t going anywhere. The attraction to Buffalo is you already got the quarterback. You could put the defense together… There could be a setback in Buffalo. I always thought that starting last year and it’s kind of starting. That’s an area that loves football, that is ravaged by it, they’re crazy nuts, and they want to win. If the owner sees that and something’s not working and there’s something not right on that sideline. Go make the move. I think it’s the Cowboys in there. And I think Philly’s a long third outside the box. "
Buffalo has always made some sense for Belichick, as they have the quarterback, a solid general manager and a fan base that's starving for a Super Bowl. That may entice Pegula to for a shorter-term option in Belichick than someone who could potentially be in place for the next 20 years or so.
The other two spots also make a lot of sense. Dallas seems to be everyone's favorite, considering Belichick's relationship with owner Jerry Jones as well as Jones' desire to win himself to bring his team back to the top.
