The Green Bay Packers are looking for a defensive coordinator, and one of the greatest defensive talents in NFL history is looking for a job.Bill Belichick is testing the market after winning six Super Bowl championships in 24 years with the New England Patriots.
He interviewed twice with the Atlanta Falcons for open head coaching positions with that organization. However, the Falcons announced on Thursday, January 25 that they have hired former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
The Falcons were the most likely landing spot for the legendary coach, and with two holes left to fill, the NFL has an opportunity to move on from Belichick throughout this cycle. Kyle Maljan of WFRV Local 5 in Green Bay floated the idea that Packers head coach Matt LaFleur could make a run at Belichick for the team’s open DC position if that is indeed the case.
“What if Matt LaFleur and the #Packers do the unthinkable and Bill Belichick becomes Green Bay’s defensive coordinator?” 🧐” Malzhan posted on his X page on Thursday.
The idea that Belichick would step aside after years of unprecedented success as the Patriots’ head coach and general manager only adds to the disbelief. But if he wants to stay in the game, he might need him for at least another season or two.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on the state of the 2024 NFL head coaching cycle on Thursday.“The last two coaches in this cycle are the Seahawks and the Commanders. “Neither team is expected to hire until next week after Sunday’s championship game,” Schefter wrote to X, according to league sources.
“The final two spots go to the coaches: Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll, Aaron Glenn, Ben Johnson, Anthony Weaver, Mike McDonald, Ejiro Evero, Dan Quinn and Bobby Slovic.”Pro Football Talk reported that as of Thursday, no franchise had interviewed Belichick, meaning he is unlikely to participate in the team’s spring training.
Several networks would welcome an NFL personality with Belichick’s record of success and recognition, and he would likely be selected for an open position. But if Belichick doesn’t want to work in media, a DC job could make sense. LaFleur fired Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry on
Wednesday.Barry has been on fire for most of the past two seasons as Green Bay has struggled to stop the run during that span. However, the team also had its fair share of passing issues, with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield receiving a perfect passer rating in Week 15 at Lambeau Fields.
Belichick’s experience will be a big help in rebuilding a defensive line that desperately needs him. The Packers had the youngest offense in the NFL last season, which was a huge step forward for freshman QB Jordan Love. Belichick can help develop a defense to match Love’s offense, and Green Bay will be a force in the NFC for years to come.
