NFL Rumors: Bill Belichick 'Believes Having No Job' Is Better Than Wrong Fit as HC

It looks like Bill Belichick is willing to be picky when looking at his next head coaching gig.

The former New England Patriots coach parted ways with the franchise after 24 seasons in January and initially appeared to be a likely candidate for several head coach vacancies around the league.

However, most of those jobs have been filled with different coaches and Belichick remains a free agent. While the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks are still without a head coach, signs appear to be pointing towards the first "Belichick-less" NFL season since 1974.

Mike Reiss of ESPN reported that while the franchises passing on him could serve as motivation for Belichick, he is more focused on finding the right job and is willing to wait for that opportunity.

"Those familiar with Belichick's thinking relay that he believes having no job is a better result than a job that wasn't the right fit," reported Reiss. "So it seems safe to say he'll be motivated to find the right one in the future."

The job he appeared closest to getting this cycle was the Atlanta Falcons head coaching vacancy. He completed two interviews for the position, but the Falcons ultimately went with Raheem Morris instead. This likely broke down due to Belichick's desire for full control, which is what he had with the Patriots.

A job that could have been intriguing would be the Dallas Cowboys. A few weeks ago, that job would not have been a thought, but the team's collapse in the Wild Card Round had many calling for head coach Mike McCarthy's removal.

While Cowboys owner Jerry Jones elected to keep McCarthy as the head coach, that is certainly an option in the future if similar issues were to arise next season. Also, with Belichick as a known option on the market, a strong team could elect to shake things up and bring him into an already solid foundation. This is something he could be hoping for, so not settling for an open job may be the play for the legendary coach.