NFL Rumors: Bill Belichick Eyed Jets Before UNC Contract, NY 'Stunned' by Interest

Before being hired as North Carolina's head coach, Bill Belichick's desire to return to the NFL was so strong that he had interest in joining the team he famously spurned for the New England Patriots 24 years ago.

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the New York Jets were "stunned" to learn that Belichick at one point was interested in their vacant head-coaching job.

Russini noted a "very small circle" of people in the Jets organization were aware of Belichick's interest, but no meeting or formal conversation ever happened before he met with North Carolina officials.

It's unlikely the Jets actually would have entertained hiring Belichick if he were still available. His deal with North Carolina is for five years and $50 million.

ESPN's Seth Wickersham reported on Thursday, after Belichick was officially hired by UNC, that the Jets "were a nonstarter" because he had issues with Woody Johnson back in 2000 and has "been critical this past season in his media roles with Johnson's horrific stewardship."

The history of Belichick and the Jets is one of the most famous stories in recent NFL history. Bill Parcells' hand-picked Belichick to be his successor in New York after he stepped down following the 1999 season.

Belichick was an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator on Parcells' staff for his three seasons with the Jets from 1997 to '99.

On Jan. 4, 2000, the day the Jets were set to introduce Belichick as their head coach, he wrote on a piece of loose-leaf paper he was resigning from the position and handed it to team officials before going through with the already-scheduled press conference explaining his decision.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft received a letter from Parcells 23 days later that stated the Jets granted Belichick, who was under contract to New York, permission to speak with him "about any position they desire."

The Patriots traded the Jets three draft picks, including a first-round selection in 2000, for the contractual rights to Belichick and two draft picks. It turned out to be one of the most important moves any NFL team made this century.

New England went on to win six Super Bowl titles during Belichick's 24 seasons as head coach. The Jets have won a total of six playoff games since 2000 and haven't made the postseason since the 2010 season.