New England Patriots/NFL insider Albert Breer raised eyebrows when he said last week that the Jacksonville Jaguars could be a “sneaky” landing spot for former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick should Jaguars owner Shad Khan fire coach Doug Pederson during or after the season.
During a midweek appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams,” retired tight end and current FOX Sports personality Rob Gronkowski addressed if his former coach would be interested in joining the Jaguars this coming winter.
“I think coach Belichick will pick up the phone if the Jacksonville Jaguars call if they have a head coach vacancy,” Gronkowski said, as shared by Tim Crowley of NESN. “No doubt about that.”
While Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports is among NFL reporters who have also linked Belichick with the Jaguars, some have wondered if the 72-year-old could co-exist alongside backup quarterback Mac Jones with the same organization. Belichick’s failed working relationship with Jones — coupled with the fact that New England missed the playoffs three times across the past four seasons — resulted in Patriots owner Robert Kraft parting ways with the six-time Super Bowl champion head coach this past January.
Jaguars starter Trevor Lawrence signed a five-year contract extension worth up to $275M with $142M fully guaranteed during the offseason but realistically could be benched in favor of Jones if the 24-year-old doesn’t start playing better beginning with this Sunday’s game between the 0-4 Jaguars and 2-2 Indianapolis Colts.
“Coach Belichick does belong in the coaching world,” Gronkowski added during the show segment. “I think he’s doing a great job in the media this year and taking a year off. I think he will be back in the NFL next year. Everyone wants to see that. I want to see that. NFL fans want to see that.”
Vacchiano believes the New York Jets, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys could all target Belichick by the time the middle of January 2025 rolls around. Khan theoretically could obtain an advantage in negotiations with Belichick by dismissing Pederson as soon as this coming Monday.
At least one person close to Belichick sounds convinced the legendary coach would love to have a chat with Khan this fall.
