Bill Belichick insists he is not looking to return to the NFL next season. That has not stopped NFL teams from looking at him.
Videos by FanBuzz
X/@FearedBuck
NFL insider Josina Anderson reported Tuesday that at least two franchises have interest in speaking with Belichick about their head coach openings, and a third team could join the mix.
Anderson added that Belichick still commands "deep respect from a number of owners across the league," even after his two-season absence from the NFL sidelines.
The New York Giants have been the most familiar connection. Belichick won two Super Bowls there as defensive coordinator, which made him an obvious name after the team fired Brian Daboll.
Early on, Belichick did little to quiet the speculation, offering only a vague answer about his interest. That changed on Nov. 14, when he and North Carolina released a joint statement saying he will not pursue the Giants job or "any NFL head coaching vacancies."
Belichick took the UNC job after being pushed out in New England two seasons ago and never found an NFL offer that matched what he wanted.
If the idea was to use college football as a bridge back to the league, the results have not helped the case. The Tar Heels are 4-7 in his first season, and his relationship with girlfriend Jordon Hudson has created constant headlines in Chapel Hill.
There are still NFL owners who would pick up the phone for Belichick. That much is clear. But interest is not the same as an offer, and given how things have gone at UNC, a return to the league appears far from guaranteed.
