Reports: Bill Belichick Did “Reach Out” to Jets
Leave it to Bill Belichick to be the ultimate troll on his way out the door when it comes to the New York Jets.
Multiple outlets reported Saturday, starting with Dianna Russini of The Athletic, that representatives for the ex-New England Patriots head coach had reached out to the Jets to express interest in the Jets’ vacant head coaching position.
“A very small circle of people in the Jets building were made aware of his interest, though no meeting of formal conversation ever happened because the UNC opportunity popped up.”
It’s amazing how this now comes out a mere couple of days after Belichick was introduced as head coach at the University of North Carolina.
From all indications, the story is indeed true. It was confirmed by both the New York Post and SNY. UStadium even tweeted that Belichick “reached out to multiple teams, even those without openings, to gauge interest.”
It appears that Belichick was very much looking for an NFL job before committing to UNC. He found no takers. This was the problem for him last off-season when the Falcons and owner Arthur Blank balked on hiring Belichick because the front office in Atlanta was not keen on his hiring.
The Falcons opted for Raheem Morris instead.
Reports at the time indicated that Patriots owner Robert Kraft had called Blank to warn him about Belichick’s ways. Belichick is known as a control freak of sorts, who likes to have full control of his program and roster. He was the defacto GM of the Patriots for nearly all of his 24-plus years there.
It is hard to believe that Belichick would want the Jets’ job. He has had it out with the Jets ever since the year 2000 when he resigned as “HC of the NYJ” on a napkin, one day after getting the job from a retired Bill Parcells.
Ever since he’s held disdain for the Jets, even calling out owner Woody Johnson for firing Robert Saleh this past October.
“That’s kind of what it’s been like with the Jets,” Belichick said on the ManningCast back in October. “Barely won over 30 percent (of games) in the last 10 years. The owner, being the owner. Just ready, fire, aim.”
It’s hard to believe he wanted to come to New York and coach the Jets. It’s more likely he was kicking the proverbial tires to see if anyone would bite. Instead, he chose the college game, and the Jets will wisely go about finding their next coach and GM in a matter of weeks.
