New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots HC Bill Belichick to serve as guest picker for 'College GameDay'

ESPN announced on Thursday that the notoriously uptight head coach of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick, will appear on College GameDay as a guest picker ahead of the 124th Army-Navy Game on Saturday. 

But why Belichick? The game will take place at the Patriots' home, Gillette Stadium, in Foxborough, Mass., but there is a deeper connection for the Patriots' head coach. 

"This is an important game for him. This is family," NFL insider Michael Lombardi said on "The Pat McAfee Show."       

Growing up, Belichick's father was an assistant coach for the Naval Academy football team, which helped mold him into the coach and man he is today. Considering his penchant for instilling discipline while growing a culture of "Do your job" football players, it's safe to say that the environment of his upbringing rubbed off a tad on his coaching philosophy and approach. 

Lombardi likened Belichick's rise to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who grew up near the University of Washington and had access to computer labs when they were few and far between. 

"Belichick might not have been who he is if he didn't play catch every day with Roger Staubach as a young kid, and his dad was a coach at the Naval Academy," Lombardi said. "That part of it is part of the 'Patriot Way.'" 

The Patriots haven't fared well this season, making his appearance Saturday even more of a shocker. However, considering the circumstances, he could probably use all the positive press he can get. 

Entering Week 14, the Patriots are an AFC-worst 2-10, and the team's downswing has led to whispers about Belichick's future with the franchise. While it might seem like the end of a legendary ride, Belichick is riding out the season, and his duties as if he'll be back in 2024, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. 

"Every indication I've gotten is that he is doing the stuff that he'd normally be doing, including getting ready with pieces of business for 2024 like he normally would in any other season," Breer said on 98.5 The Sports Hubs' "Zolak and Bertrand Show."

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