Invoice Belichick stunned many when he grew to become the North Carolina Tar Heels coach on Thursday afternoon.
However earlier than that, Belichick surprisingly contacted his former rival about their emptiness.
Belichick, 72, who famously was the Jets coach for a day earlier than surprisingly resigning in 2000, referred to as the group “to gauge interest” concerning the present teaching opening, in accordance with a supply.
The Athletic first reported Belichick’s camp contacting the Jets concerning the emptiness, however no formal conversations occurred due to UNC’s job opening. Earlier than he accepted the Tar Heels teaching job, Belichick assessed the present NFL opening [Jets, Saints, and Bears], in accordance with ESPN.
It’s unfathomable to consider Belichick carrying the Jets’ colours once more. For years, Belichick has been essential of the Jets’ entrance workplace and proprietor Woody Johnson due to numerous selections.
This season, Belichick ripped Johnson for his untimely determination to fireplace coach Robert Saleh on Oct. 8.
“That’s kind of what it’s been there at the Jets — barely won over 30 percent in the last 10 years,” Belichick mentioned throughout an look on the ManningCast in October. “The owner being the owner, just ready, fire, aim.”
“I’m not a big Jets fan, in case you don’t know that. I like Fireman Ed, but that’s it. Coach Saleh did a good job with that program. He brought in a culture, a level of toughness and competitiveness.”
On Thursday, Belichick was launched as UNC’s coach and signed a five-year, $50 million contract.
After serving because the Jets’ defensive coordinator from 1997 to 1999, Belichick was alleged to succeed Invoice Parcells as coach. However on Jan. 4, 2000, the day he was launched because the group’s coach, Belichick resigned on a serviette that learn, “I resign as HC of the NYJ.”
Shortly after, Belichick was launched because the Patriots coach, additional igniting the Jets-Patriots rivalry. He coached the Patriots for 23 seasons (2000-2023) and gained six Tremendous Bowls, whereas the Jets made the playoffs simply six occasions throughout that very same span.
In 2007, the Jets and then-coach Eric Mangini accused Belichick and the Patriots of videotaping New York’s teaching employees from the sidelines, a scandal famously generally known as Spygate.
Belichick tormented the Jets all through his profession, ending with a 39-13 document in opposition to them. Nonetheless, Gang Inexperienced, so far, gave Belichick the ultimate lack of his NFL profession after it defeated New England within the 2023 season finale to snap a 15-game dropping streak within the rivalry.
The Jets will likely be in search of each a brand new coach and normal supervisor in the course of the offseason. Along with firing Saleh, Johnson additionally fired normal supervisor Joe Douglas final month.
The Jets introduced in November that that they had employed The thirty third Group to help them with their teaching and normal supervisor searches. They presently have a 3-10 document and can miss the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season.
Initially Printed: December 14, 2024 at 4:53 PM EST