CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — As the NFL coaching carousel begins its annual rotation, a familiar name has resurfaced at the center of the league’s hiring rumors. Bill Belichick, the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach currently leading the North Carolina Tar Heels, is reportedly drawing “exploratory” interest from multiple NFL franchises regarding a potential return to the professional ranks for the 2026 season.
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, high-level personnel within the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants remain “fond” of the legendary coach. The report indicates that while Belichick is currently under contract in Chapel Hill, at least two unidentified NFL teams have already made preliminary inquiries into his availability on an exploratory basis.
The interest comes despite a difficult transition to the collegiate level. In his debut season with the Tar Heels, North Carolina finished with a 4–8 record (2–6 in ACC play), missing bowl eligibility following a season-ending 32–25 loss to Duke and a subsequent lopsided defeat to NC State. Despite the on-field struggles—and his recent hiring of Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator to replace Freddie Kitchens—the lure of Belichick’s defensive acumen and championship pedigree continues to resonate with NFL front offices.
Each of the three teams mentioned has a distinct connection to Belichick. The Atlanta Falcons conducted multiple interviews with him during the 2024 hiring cycle before ultimately selecting Raheem Morris. The New York Giants, where Belichick served as defensive coordinator for two Super Bowl titles, officially moved on from head coach Brian Daboll in November 2025 after a 2–8 start. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns represent Belichick’s first head coaching destination (1991–1995); reports suggest the organization is weighing the future of its current leadership following a disappointing 2025 campaign.
While Belichick has publicly maintained his focus on the Tar Heels, stating in late November that his “commitment to the UNC football program has not wavered,” the reported “fondness” from these three franchises suggests the door for an NFL return remains open. Belichick currently sits at 302 regular-season wins, trailing only Don Shula (328) for the most in NFL history.
As the 2025 NFL regular season nears its conclusion, the “exploratory” interest reported by Anderson underscores a significant development: despite his age and recent collegiate struggles, the NFL’s most decorated coach remains a top-tier consideration for teams looking to reset their organizational culture.
