Sean Payton had a plan to bring Belichick on board with the Broncos that never came to fruition, according to a report.

Bill Belichick’s NFL Coaching Future Speculated

Though Bill Belichick is currently the head coach for the University of North Carolina, many believe his return to the NFL was always in the cards, largely influenced by his connections with other head coaches.

For instance, Sean Payton, the head coach of the Denver Broncos, has a long-standing relationship with Belichick, dating back to their days on Bill Parcells’ coaching staff. They have crossed paths as NFL head coaches at different times.

In a comprehensive piece discussing Payton’s approach during the Broncos’ playoff journey last season, which concluded in a loss to Belichick’s former team, the New England Patriots, it was noted that Payton had discussed with Broncos owner Greg Penner the possibility of bringing Belichick on as an interim head coach until they secured 15 victories.

Interestingly, should Belichick achieve that exact milestone, he would surpass Don Shula for the all-time wins record among coaches.

The report indicates that Payton is maintaining his role as assistant head coach, with plans to step back in as head coach once Belichick reaches that notable total.

However, in the end, Payton determined that implementing this plan would be too complex and reliant on Belichick’s agreement, so he didn’t formally approach Penner about hiring him.

This talk about Belichick’s future in the NFL has surfaced again after his split from the Patriots, reigniting discussions about his career trajectory.

Belichick’s standing in the football world is unparalleled, yet it has recently been overshadowed by controversy surrounding his legacy, notably during the Pro Football Hall of Fame voting, where his nomination sparked debate.

Despite the possibilities, many are curious if Belichick will outdo Shula’s career win record. This remains a topic of discussion even after he took on the role at UNC.

In fact, it’s said that while he’s committed to his second season with the Tar Heels, there are whispers that he might reconsider if an NFL coaching position opens up after the 2025 season.