Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has taken a break from the NFL for the 2025 season, spending his time discussing football on talk shows, podcasts, and other media outlets.
He’s also enjoyed some downtime with his girlfriend, stepping away from the intensity of coaching.
Despite his year off, many expect Belichick to return to the sidelines in 2025, as he remains one of the most sought-after coaching candidates for the upcoming hiring cycle.
Among potential destinations, two teams—the Dallas Cowboys and Jacksonville Jaguars—have been frequently mentioned. However, a new contender has emerged. According to The Athletic insider Dianna Russini, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have surfaced as a team to watch in the race for Belichick.
Russini detailed the Jaguars’ potential fit before noting that the Cowboys and Buccaneers are also strong possibilities, provided those head coaching positions become available.
“The other two teams that came up frequently: The Dallas Cowboys and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (should those jobs open up),” Russini reported.
For Tampa Bay to enter the mix, they would need to part ways with current head coach Todd Bowles. While Bowles has done a commendable job, the Buccaneers could consider a change if they believe Belichick’s leadership would elevate them back into Super Bowl contention.
Known for maximizing his team’s potential and establishing a winning culture, Belichick could be exactly what Tampa Bay needs to take the next step. While it’s surprising to see the Buccaneers linked to Belichick, the pairing could be a perfect match.
Ultimately, Belichick’s next move remains uncertain, but the addition of Tampa Bay to the list of potential suitors adds intrigue to what promises to be one of the offseason’s biggest storylines.
