Two teams now clear favorites in the Bill Belichick sweepstakes after Week 3

Miami Dolphins v New England Patriots
Miami Dolphins v New England Patriots / Maddie Meyer/GettyImages
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When it became evident that Bill Belichick would not be hired as head coach for the 2024 season, it was a shocking revelation, considering some argued he should never have been let go from his gig with the Patriots.

Despite the post-Tom Brady years not painting him as legendary as the previous 20 seasons in New England, he was still an accomplished and respected head coach who helped lead teams to eight Super Bowl wins during his career. That felt like grounds enough for teams interested in hiring him, especially more than just the Falcons.

Alas, instead, Belichick pursued roles in the media and has been impressing ever since. However, he hasn't shut down the idea of returning to the sidelines in 2025, and after how Week 3 turned out, two teams are rising in the ranks to acquire him next spring.

A handful of teams have been speculated to be in search of a head coach by season's end, a few of which are believed to be inevitably interested in hiring a coach of Belichick's caliber. Some are former homes of his, like the Giants and Jets, while others would be the ultimate Patriot betrayal, like the Bills.

However, two teams who have been quietly part of the discussion are now the frontrunners in the 2025 sweepstakes and could be the perfect destinations for Belichick to finally become the winningest coach in NFL history and maybe win another Super Bowl.

Two underperforming teams so far in 2024 now at the top of the list for Bill Belichick next year

One of Belichick's more intriguing possible landing spots has been the Cowboys, mainly because of his connection to owner Jerry Jones. Earlier this year, Jones alluded to the former Patriots coach as a contender to replace Mike McCarthy next year when his contract is up, and based on how the Cowboys have played so far this season, it's looking increasingly likely there will be a vacancy in Dallas.

He has previously spoken highly about quarterback Dak Prescott, who just received a massive extension, and the Cowboys' defense is highly touted for their aggressive play style. On top of that, the receiving corps isn't too shabby, giving Belichick a well-rounded team to take over.

If that isn't his inevitable landing spot, another NFC East team looks to be on the radar as the Eagles continue to struggle despite their push for another Super Bowl run. Head coach Nick Sirriani is under fire after the first three weeks of the year, with the Eagles struggling to attain their current 2-1 record.

Questionable decision-making has the young head coach as a leading candidate to be looking for a new job next year, with Eagles fans already demanding his firing early on in the season.

Either team would be an excellent place for Belichick to continue his career if that's his choice. They are perennial contenders with rosters built well enough to maintain a big Super Bowl window for years to come. And who better to help them accomplish that than the guy who has the most Lombardi's on his mantle?

It's still a bit early to conclude anything about Belichick's future, especially since he is seemingly enjoying his new venture in media. But it's looking like he will have many more choices than he did this year if he wants to get back into the coaching game, which might make teams fighting to be the lucky ones to hire him for 2025 and beyond.

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