Dianna Russini: Coaches/NFL Suits Link Bill Belichick To Bucs (And Other Teams)
November 23rd, 2024
Could the Bucs have a new coach next year? Would that new coach have the second-most wins in NFL history?
Some league insiders think that is a real possibility.
One speed bump stands in the way: Todd Bowles is very much still employed by Tampa Bay. And if he is able to rally his troops to reach the playoffs in the remaining seven games, it would be a stretch to think Bowles would get run.
However, from a few coaches and NFL suits who spoke to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, if the Bucs’ season goes south in the next two months, a long shadow will hang over One Buc Palace.
That would be the silhouette of Bill Belichick.
The former Browns and Patriots coach lurks. He has six rings to his resume as a head coach and is largely believed to be seeking a new team after parting ways with the Patriots in January.
Russini asked coaches and NFL shot-callers where Belichick may land. While Jacksonville was often mentioned, so too (“frequently”) were the Bucs, Russini typed.
One common answer was the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a recent episode of the “Scoop City” podcast, my co-host Chase Daniel and I discussed the possibility of Belichick taking over Jacksonville in 2025, should Doug Pederson get fired. While Belichick has maintained a strong relationship with Jaguars ownership, it’s anticipated he would seek changes in the front office, particularly regarding current general manager Trent Baalke.
The other two teams that came up frequently: The Dallas Cowboys and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (should those jobs open up).
Of course, Belichick has been dropping hints himself in his many media responsibilities this year. Earlier this season on “Inside the NFL,” Belichick enthusiastically said of the Bucs’ offense, “I love Baker Mayfield.”
And recently on the Manning Bros. show, Belichick spoke glowingly of Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht who worked with Belichick in New England.
Belichick, on his YouTube channel, said Bucs left tackle Tristan Wirfs was the best at his position this season.
So there is something for Bucs fans and Joe’s readers to chew on as they prep for the Bucs-Giants game tomorrow at 1 p.m.
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November 23rd, 2024 at 5:27 pm
I don’t think he would want to follow Brady here. If he doesn’t succeed it will really show he couldn’t win without Brady. The Giants seem to be the best fit.
November 23rd, 2024 at 5:46 pm
So exactly how would the “Evil Hoodie” wear a hoodie in the Florida heat?
November 23rd, 2024 at 5:47 pm
Dewey, at this stage of His career, Belichick might want to come here for the same reasons Brady did: lots of pieces in place, weather, Licht, and ownership that’ll give him everything he needs. Giants are a dumpster fire. LOL
November 23rd, 2024 at 6:01 pm
Meh..🫤
November 23rd, 2024 at 6:02 pm
Bill Belichick and Liam Coen.
Yep.
I’m all in on that.
November 23rd, 2024 at 6:13 pm
Did Belicheat EVER have a winning season without Brady?
Asking for a friend…
November 23rd, 2024 at 6:15 pm
yes — upgrade at coach with the GOAT
if we could only be so lucky
November 23rd, 2024 at 6:31 pm
Sure! He got the Brownies to the playoffs. Won a playoff game too. Took the Browns 25 years to win another.
November 23rd, 2024 at 6:33 pm
The Bucs NEED a current successful OC to become HC for several years of winning success…..
BUT, as long as its not Bowels…
The verdict is in and extremely clear, Bowels make a horrific HC!
November 23rd, 2024 at 6:37 pm
Another Patriot retread ?
If Todd goe’s I’d rather see somebody not in their “golden years”.
November 23rd, 2024 at 6:56 pm
I like Bowles but a defensive coach with a bad defense??
November 23rd, 2024 at 8:14 pm
Mayfield throwing to Gronk and Edelnutt haha !!!
November 23rd, 2024 at 8:43 pm
Belichick is a surly jerk and is preoccupied with his 24 year old girlfriend. Too old, too stubborn and out of touch with young players. Would love to to see the pairing of Jerry Jones and Mr. Bill. That will not end well.
November 23rd, 2024 at 9:03 pm
This would be just stupid….
November 23rd, 2024 at 9:05 pm
I believe Belichick turns 73 next spring which would make him the oldest coach to coach a franchise in the NFL. This would not be a long term solution. We’d be right back to starting another coaching search in short order. No to Belichick and yes to Coen.
November 23rd, 2024 at 9:15 pm
How much noise will the Buca make in the next 2 months and what does Liam Coen want. 2 huge dominos that need to fall before any moves are made. I don’t mind the idea of Belicheck but at 73… there better be a good succession plan.
If anyone could say what Coen wants for the next year, the next 5 years.. it would make speculating a lot easier.
November 23rd, 2024 at 9:29 pm
Gipper, to old. Yet he has a 24 year old hottie for a girlfriend. Sounds like the old dude has more game than me, and you lol.
November 23rd, 2024 at 9:34 pm
Joe finds its wild that the Bucs may have a chance to get the greatest coach who ever lived and people are like, “Nah, man. We’re good.”
So what if he’s old? So was Arians. How’d that work out?
November 23rd, 2024 at 9:37 pm
Honest question……Bowles is in over his head as DC and HC….why would we want a new HC that also handles OC duties??? Recipe for disaster.
November 23rd, 2024 at 9:38 pm
^^ talking about Coen.
November 23rd, 2024 at 9:38 pm
Bill is just as stubborn as Bowles. Stuck in his ways and would likely bring in the likes of Joe Judge, McDaniels and Patricia. Would likely be a failed experiment for 2 years before an entire reset. No thanks.
November 23rd, 2024 at 9:40 pm
Cohen will be a head coach next year most likely. The offense has never been this good and balanced. How many years does bill have left? Installing a new offense may take a while to find the right system and gel.
November 23rd, 2024 at 10:02 pm
Hodad,
Young girlfriend likes that big bulge in Bill’s pocket—his wallet.
November 23rd, 2024 at 10:33 pm
Speed bump is an apt description of Bowles.
November 23rd, 2024 at 10:41 pm
no
November 23rd, 2024 at 10:49 pm
ONLY if and ONLY if Liam stays on board
November 23rd, 2024 at 11:08 pm
Hodad
Billy’s just got more Mill$
November 23rd, 2024 at 11:11 pm
Belichick will be looking for a team with talent not a rebuild. If he coaches for a couple years then hands it over to Coen would be great. I’m sure Coen would love to learn under him before taking over.
November 23rd, 2024 at 11:22 pm
The best part would be that BB will want to be coach and GM. SO long to the worst GM in the league JL. Bye Bye!
November 23rd, 2024 at 11:32 pm
No. Not just no, HELL NO!
November 23rd, 2024 at 11:46 pm
I can’t think of a better pick (proven winner) for head coach if the Glazers decide to replace coach Bowles. But ….. I really think coach Bowles is a great head coach who has a great chance of winning a Super Bowl. Hopefully, that SB win will be with the Bucs !!
Go Bucs, beat the Giants !!
November 24th, 2024 at 5:21 am
Just to troll Brady and reopen the debate, BB may want to try his hand at winning a Lombardi with the Bucs. Heck, he’s probably thinking about winning two just to one up Brady!
November 24th, 2024 at 7:22 am
Joe: Maybe you need to start drug testing your posters, because Bartow Buc is high AF! That even rhymes!
November 24th, 2024 at 7:23 am
I think Bowles finishes this season strong. The Bucs may well be one of the 5 or 6 best organizations in the league the next decade. How many other teams have made the playoffs the last 4 years? And some of you guys say we’d be lucky to get Belidunce? It’s just the opposite, Belidunce would be lucky that our team would even give him an interview. You Bucs fans sure sell yourselves short. My fantasy would be to sit at a negotiating table with you morons. GO BUCS!
November 24th, 2024 at 7:25 am
The greatest Coach?
lol.
He was clueless and hopeless after Brady left.
November 24th, 2024 at 7:25 am
Joe in Michigan you’re a poet and now we all know it!
November 24th, 2024 at 7:45 am
Everyone hates on Bowles. he doesn’t seem like a good head coach to me. Give me arguably the best coach ever and I know the defense improves immediately. I would want to keep our current OC. I think it could work but not if he wants to bring in his all new coaching staff.
Rather see that than him go to the saints.
November 24th, 2024 at 8:02 am
Joe says:
And if he is able to rally his troops to reach the playoffs in the remaining seven games, it would be a stretch to think Bowles would get run.
Darn, Joe. You are making me want the Bucs to lose at least 3 of their final seven. Surely this cat has used up all of his 9 lives by now.
November 24th, 2024 at 8:08 am
Itzok, I agree. B – chick will immediately make the defense better. Hopefully he would also have veto authority over Licht’s horrid defensive draft selections. And since he is a Mayfield fan, he will want to keep Coen.
November 24th, 2024 at 8:20 am
I saw more of the article Joe mentions here, and it said the Bucs are the best chance to give BB coaching and GM duties than the other jobs, if we need a coach.
Sorry, the GM thing ain’t happening. If we need a coach and BB is the guy, count me in. But in no way would the Glazers get rid of JL for 2-3 years of a guy who couldn’t draft a WR to save his life.
November 27th, 2024 at 9:02 am
Don Shula has 347 wins, Belichick has 333. Dude would love to catch Shula so of course he is going to get his surrogates to float his name concerning potential openings and Dallas and Tampa would make the short list long with a few other clubs. 15 wins will take 2 seasons of mediocre ball to pass Shula though keep in mind that the hoodie only won 4 games last year so obviously the dude will want to coach a club which has the talent to play 0.500 ball but has underachieved because of the current head coach. Bowles would have to be in that conversation as the Bucs should have 7 or 8 wins with better leadership at the HC position.