NFL Rumors: Bill Belichick 'Was Considered' for Commanders HC Before Dan Quinn Hire

Legendary head coach Bill Belichick "was considered" by the Washington Commanders during their search, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

"The Commanders spoke with him and he had support from some decision-makers," Russini reported Thursday.

Washington settled on Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

It's unclear at what stage in the process Belichick was on the Commanders' radar and fell off.

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported Jan. 7 that team owner Josh Harris was "enamored with the idea of Belichick coaching the Commanders." The eight-time Super Bowl champion was also linked to Washington well before he was out of a job with the New England Patriots.

By Jan. 11, though, it appeared the franchise was moving in a different direction.

Ben Johnson's decision to stay with the Detroit Lions was a bit of a curveball for the Commanders, but that may have done little to indirectly boost Belichick's candidacy. He was nowhere to be found when Schefter listed off the finalists for the opening.

Perhaps more insight will surface to explain why the 71-year-old was bypassed during this hiring cycle, but fans can surmise some of the biggest reasons.

Age will have been a factor, and along with that, the Patriots' steady fall toward mediocrity raises the question as to whether he has lost his edge strategically. Just like with players, even great coaches can fall behind the curve.

Then there's the extent of Belichick's authority in New England. While he was willing to take a step back with the Pats, he might have felt he had enough leverage on a prospective suitor to request being a lead decision-maker on football matters.

Everybody knew this day would arrive at some point, but it will be weird when the 2024 season kicks off and Belichick isn't on an NFL sideline in his trademark hooded sweatshirt.