The New York Jets made a surprising move by firing head coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start to the 2024 season, according to NFL. In a twist that’s captured the imagination of fans, speculation has emerged about Bill Belichick taking over the role and leading a revival for the Jets. The prospect of Belichick coaching the Jets and facing his former team, the New England Patriots, is undeniably intriguing. However, Patriots Insider Tom E. Curran believes this scenario is far from reality.
On Arbella Early Edition, Curran discussed why the idea of Belichick joining the Jets is improbable, pointing to team owner Woody Johnson as the main obstacle. “I wholeheartedly agree the Cowboys would be the most fascinating (destination for Belichick),” Curran stated. “When we talk about the Jets, he’s never gonna work for an owner who’s a boob like that. Never. Jerry Jones has the capacity for boobery, but he’s a respected individual. Woody Johnson is not a respected individual.”
Belichick’s history with the Jets is complicated. He served as New York’s defensive coordinator and assistant head coach from 1997 to 1999. He was even set to succeed Bill Parcells as the Jets’ head coach in 2000. However, in a dramatic twist, Belichick resigned just a day after being hired, in January 2000, shortly after Johnson bought the team. He then joined the Patriots later that month, sparking a long-standing rivalry.
Adding to the animosity, in 2007, the Jets, under then-head coach Eric Mangini (a former Belichick assistant), accused the Patriots of illegally recording their defensive signals, leading to the infamous Spygate scandal. This contentious history, Curran argues, makes a reunion highly unlikely.
“He walked away from the Jets and Woody Johnson 24 years ago,” Curran continued. “He’s not going back to that organization, and I think he loathes them to the very marrow of his being. But the Cowboys would be fun.”
Additionally, Curran noted that Belichick may prefer to take a head coaching position in the offseason, giving him the chance to build his staff from scratch rather than stepping into a midseason role without his trusted assistants. With teams like the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles potentially looking for new leadership in 2025, Belichick could have his pick of opportunities.
Despite the appeal of coaching Aaron Rodgers and facing off against the Patriots, the thought of Belichick wearing a Jets hoodie seems far-fetched. For now, it appears his next move will not involve a return to the franchise he once walked away from.