New England Patriots fans, it happened!
Brandon Staley was let go by the Los Angeles Chargers after an embarrassing night on Thursday Night Football. With rumors, and an overall feeling that Robert Kraft will look to bring massive organizational change, this most recent void for a highly motivated head coach appears to be the best potential fit.
New England Patriots Coach Will Keep Coaching
For head coach Bill Belichick, there does not appear to be a life after coaching. His preparation, and the way he goes about his day to day, since Annapolis has been consumed with football. For anyone questioning his drive or motor, you just have to watch his sideline action during a losing season this year.
For anyone questioning his respect for the game at this stage in his career, you just have to watch his College GameDay interactions from the Army/Navy game.
There is a certainty that Bill Belichick will be coaching on the NFL sidelines in 2024. The question is where?
In a vacuum he would want to stay in Foxboro. Despite recent reports, the reality is that the decision is likely not going to made until after the season, and it will be between Kraft and Belichick. If those two aren’t able to agree on their visions for the future, than what would be the actual likelihood that he accepts the Los Angeles Chargers head coaching job?
New England Patriots Anticipated Head Coach Switch By Vegas
Belichick is the favorite from sites, including BetOnline, to be the next head coach for the Chargers. With the next most likely candidates listed being Frank Smith, Kellen Moore, and Ben Johnson; Belichick, head and shoulders, has the largest pedigree of any potential candidates.
The factors in favor of him going to the Chargers include Justin Herbert, other explosive pieces on offense, and a talented defense with several game changers. The offensive aspect is nice to entertain, as that side of the ball is not his specialty, and he would enjoy coaching someone with the temperament and skillset of Herbert. But more importantly, he would know going in what the QB situation is and wouldn’t be struggling due to an inherently limited offense, unlike what we have been seeing as of late for the New England Patriots.
Defensively, he has always been able to put a good product on the field, taking away the opposing offenses’ strengths, developing players, and squeezing the most potential out of everyone. In terms of the roster, for one season, it looks like it would be a good situation.
New England Patriots Coach Cons Of Joining The Chargers
Many have criticized Belichick, not as a coach, but for his role as the GM. While other teams seem to be able to draft skilled position players from college every year, the New England Patriots can’t seem to find success, especially in drafting wide receiver talent.
One area that he has navigated better than most is the salary cap. Always responsible in spending, and leaving room in the cap, the Chargers are in cap space hell. This coupled with some aging players, makes the situation less ideal for Belichick . He would need to fix this managing aspect of the team while bringing in younger talent and depth.
The main opposition would be front office and ownership not aligning on steps to proceed. For the Chargers, there is a history of focusing on the wrong aspects of owning a team, and of drawing non-negotiable lines in the sand, it’s tough to see how a partnership with Belichick could end well.
A couple years ago, Belichick spoke to Gary Myers and made it clear that he does not want to “rebuild a front office at this stage in his career.” If not with the New England Patriots, this would mean bringing in people that already know the way he sees is the best way to go about business, or having them already in place at the new destination. The main takeaway from Belichick, is that he does not want to be a part of a rebuilding mess that does not have foundational structure already well established within the organization.
What will Belichick look at as the best situation in the current landscape? Are the Commanders the most viable option, could the Bills be a dark horse landing spot to keep on the lookout for?
Bottom line, Belichick to the Chargers is not the forgone conclusion that it may initially appear to be.