Bill Belichick Rumors: 'Not Everyone Believes' NFL Icon Won't Insist on Team Control

There is reportedly skepticism within the NFL regarding Bill Belichick's demands should he land a head coaching job during the upcoming hiring cycle.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, some feel Belichick "won't insist on the same level of organizational control" as he had with the New England Patriots, but "not everyone believes that."

Belichick and the Patriots parted ways after the 2023 NFL season, and although Belichick did not immediately land a new head coaching gig, he is expected to be among the top candidates again once the 2024 regular season comes to an end.

The 72-year-old Belichick enjoyed unprecedented success during his 24 seasons in New England, going 266-121 during the regular season and 30-12 during the playoffs.

The Pats won 17 AFC East titles and reached the postseason 18 times under his guidance. They also made it to the Super Bowl nine times, winning six of them.

In addition to being the head coach, Belichick was also the de facto general manager for his entire tenure with the Patriots, meaning he was the primary decision-maker on personnel moves.

After Belichick and the Pats decided to split, one of the biggest questions looming over Belichick's candidacy for other jobs was whether he would be willing to take a position as only a head coach without having the last say on personnel decisions.

The Atlanta Falcons were the main team Belichick was linked to after the 2023 season, and although the Falcons ended up hiring Raheem Morris as head coach, Falcons owner Arthur Blank gave Belichick a ringing endorsement coming out of the process.

Per ESPN's Michael Rothstein, Blank said in February that Belichick was "very inclusive" and "very collaborative" during their discussions and that Belichick "never asked" for full control of personnel decisions.

Blank added that Belichick told him he would be "happy working with" general manager Terry Fontenot after meeting with him.

On Thursday, ESPN's Chris Low reported that Belichick met with University of North Carolina officials regarding the Tar Heels' head coaching vacancy. If he were to take that job, it would mark his first foray into the collegiate coaching ranks.

It is unclear what level of interest Belichick has, but it would allow him to both pick and coach the players, much like he did in New England.

However, if Belichick is set on getting another NFL head coaching job, it is likely that he will have to cede much of the power over personnel that he had with the Patriots.