Ranking the three best fits for Bill Belichick if he leaves the Patriots

With the New England Patriots (2-9) experiencing what could be their worst season in franchise history, the future of legendary HC Bill Belichick has become a topic of conversation.

While Belichick has ripped any reports of him already choosing a new team to join as "ridiculous," there have been enough rumblings about his potential departure to suggest the rumors are more than just smoke. Should Belichick coach elsewhere next season, here are the three best fits. 

3. Los Angeles Chargers 

Every Chargers game in the Brandon Staley era feels like a repeat of the previous week's matchup, and it seems inevitable that the sides will finally part ways this offseason. With several stars on its roster, including Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert, Los Angeles is well-positioned to contend immediately if Belichick is hired, which is why several around the industry believe it could be the 71-year-old's most logical destination. 

Despite Belichick reportedly being fond of the beach and the fact that he'd have his best quarterback since Tom Brady in Herbert, there are a few drawbacks to moving to Los Angeles. The Chargers defense, which has prominent names like safety Derwin James and defensive end Joey Bosa, has been the worst unit in terms of yards per game this season (390.6). Swapping out Staley for a better defensive-minded coach in Belichick would likely lead to improved performance from the defense, but it desperately needs significant upgrades -- something Los Angeles might not be able to do.

The Chargers rank 31st in effective cap space for 2024 (-$43.4 million), making it nearly impossible to make moves without cutting ties with some of the roster's highest earners. Nonetheless, with the glamor of Hollywood and having a roster capable of competing for a playoff spot, the Chargers could still end up the winner of the Belichick sweepstakes. 

2. Washington Commanders

Although the Commanders aren't in a position to contend for a championship, it's difficult to imagine many teams being willing to give Belichick control of roster decisions given his string of draft and free agency blunders. However, Washington will be in the market for a new head coach and possibly a general manager, per CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones. If first-year owner Josh Harris intends to stamp his mark on the franchise, there might not be a better opportunity than bringing in the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach. 

Aside from its offensive line, Washington has few holes on offense, but the defense is another story. The Commanders have allowed the most points per game in the NFL this season (29.2) and don't have many impactful pieces on their defense to build around. However, unlike the Chargers, the Commanders will have plenty of financial flexibility to fill their needs, boasting the fifth-most cap space for 2024 ($73.1 million), a factor that may appeal to Belichick.

It's also worth noting that Belichick was raised in Annapolis, Maryland, less than a 40-minute drive from FedEx Field, potentially giving Washington a leg up over the other suitors. 

1. Dallas Cowboys

Despite boasting an 8-3 record and averaging the most points per game in the league (31.5), the Cowboys have to make a deep postseason run to consider this season a success. HC Mike McCarthy entered 2023 on a hot seat after getting bounced out of the playoffs by the San Francisco 49ers for the second consecutive season. While former OC Kellen Moore became the scapegoat for last season's shortcomings, McCarthy has no place to hide if Dallas falters again in the playoffs. 

Nevertheless, if owner Jerry Jones fired McCarthy, he would have to have a replacement that could truly take Dallas over the top, considering his current head coach is 62-40 since being hired. Belichick sticks out as the obvious candidate to meet the criteria, and it appears Dallas may already be looking into hiring him if its season ends prematurely.

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Cowboys joined Washington as one of the teams "most connected" to Belichick. Given the Cowboys' roster, coupled with the relative lack of competition in the NFC compared to the AFC, it's easy to understand why a partnership would be desirable for both sides.