Evaluating potential coaching destinations for Bill Belichick in 2024

One of the biggest stories of the NFL's offseason will be New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick's future in New England or elsewhere.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano suggested earlier this week his time could be up with the Patriots (3-10). 

"From what I can discern, the strong likelihood is someone besides Belichick will be coaching the Patriots in 2024," wrote Graziano.

Both caution against a strong market for Belichick, 71, likely due to his age. Here are five teams that might have openings this offseason, ranked by the possibility they'd pursue the future Hall of Famer. (Coach's record with current team in parenthesis.)

5. New Orleans Saints | Current head coach: Dennis Allen (13-17)

This wouldn't be the first time New Orleans, perpetually in win-now mode, made a splash hire by nabbing a former Super Bowl-winning coach. In 1997, the Saints lured former Bears head coach Mike Ditka out of a cozy studio analyst gig for a disastrous three-year run that ended with the Hall of Famer going 15-33. 

The Saints might think they're only a head coach with a winning pedigree away from returning to the playoffs. However, it's difficult to imagine Belichick and general manager Mickey Loomis coexisting, so adding the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach might be too much upheaval in the Big Easy.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Current head coach: Todd Bowles (14-16)

Belichick wouldn't be the first person to spend his golden years in Florida. He'd also follow quarterback Tom Brady's path if he landed in Tampa.

The Bucs, like the Saints, have veterans playing at a high level who could make a teardown unlikely. General manager Jason Licht has been in his post since 2014, but outside of the team's run with Brady from 2020-22, he doesn't have a track record of success. Transitioning to the "Belichick Way" wouldn't shake up the status quo in Tampa as much as it would in New Orleans.

3. Las Vegas Raiders | Interim head coach: Antonio Pierce (2-3)

Could Brady and Belichick team up in Las Vegas? Brady's deal to get into Raiders team ownership has been delayed, but if it goes through, the two reuniting would be possible. Las Vegas has added multiple former Patriots over the years. While the Josh McDaniels era ended in disaster, that shouldn't scare off the Raiders from rolling the dice on Belichick if the opportunity arises.

2. Washington Commanders | Current head coach: Ron Rivera (26-36-1)

Fowler and Graziano note the Commanders could undergo significant front-office changes this offseason under new ownership led by Josh Harris. What bigger splash could Harris make than landing the greatest head coach in NFL history? 

1. Los Angeles Chargers | Current head coach: Brandon Staley (24-23)

This is the most attractive job out of any potential opening. The Chargers are loaded with talent but have underperformed under Staley, which, according to Fowler and Graziano, could lead to his firing following the season. Belichick's dour persona might not be a natural fit in sunny southern California, but if there's one team he could go to and have no problem winning, it's the Chargers.