Bill Belichick named a potential head coach target for flailing Jaguars in 2025

The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't off to a great start, losing the Miami Dolphins in the season opener and the Cleveland Browns in Week 2. If they don't turn the corner soon, head coach Doug Pederson's seat could get considerably hot. And if he's ultimately let go next year, John Middlekauff believes Bill Belichick would be a logical replacement.

Middlekauff, a former NFL scout and former contributor at The Athletic, suggests the Jags go after Belichick next year, pointing out that owner Shad Khan hasn't shied away from making a splash signing.

"You have to wonder if Trevor Lawrence just looks solid this year and salvageable. Bill and his guy, Josh [McDaniels], go. Let's go to Jacksonville. No state income tax," Middlekauff said on his 3 and out podcast. "The AFC, not as good as the NFC. Now, that division is difficult. Houston's not going away. Obviously, Indy's really good, but I think that's a team that we should be keeping an eye on. Belichick and the Jags."

Middlekauff continued, "Just a couple years ago, Khan tried to make a huge splash hiring Urban Meyer obviously blew up in his face, but he's tried, and then he goes with a little less sexy pick. I know Doug's won a Super Bowl, but if this doesn't work out, you have to imagine he'd pivot hard and be very, very interested in Bill Belichick, and you'd have to work to be some mutual interest back."

During his 24-year stint with the New England Patriots, Belichick won six Super Bowl rings and is known as one of the biggest defensive minds in football history. He was the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants when they dismantled the Buffalo Bills' K-Gun offense in Super Bowl 25.

Belichick also coached the Cleveland Browns from 1991-1995. However, he had a toxic reputation around the league before he landed with the Pats. The future Hall-of-Fame coach was given the boot after 2023 and has spent the year in the broadcast circle, making appearances on the Pat McAfee Show, the 33rd Team, and The ManningCast.

It's worth noting that Belichick didn't have a market once he became available. The only team that showed interest in him was the Atlanta Falcons and they went with Raheem Morris. It's also important to point out that he struggled to get things going after the Pats parted ways with Tom Brady in 2020.

While Brady wasn't solely responsible for Belichick's success, he certainly played a role. Once he left, the Patriots had a hard time adjusting. That's probably why he wasn't in high demand in the latest hiring cycle.

In spite of underperforming in his last years in New England, Belichick could surface as a candidate in 2025. Although he mismanaged the Patriots' offensive side after Brady's departure, he could still coach high-end defenses late in his tenure in Foxborough. Here's Middlekauff talking about why the Jags may make sense as a destination for Belichick.

Why Bill Belichick may be a good fit with the Jaguars

Belichick couldn't find an heir apparent for Tom Brady, a Herculean task when you take into account that Tommy is one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. Having said that, he wouldn't have to worry about looking for a long-term answer behind center if he were to be hired by the Jacksonville Jaguars. After all, they have Trevor Lawrence in the fold, and he isn't going anywhere after signing a five-year deal worth $275 million in the offseason.

Lawrence has played at elite levels at times but hasn't been nearly as consistent as the Jags would want. If Belichick became the head coach, he would most likely bring in Josh McDaniels as his offensive coordinator. He could at last get the most out of No. 16.

Even though McDaniels has a dreadful resume as a head coach, he's thrived as an offensive coordinator for Belichick. He also had success developing Mac Jones, now the backup behind Lawrence, in his rookie year.

Add the fact that Belichick could get the most out of the Jaguars' current personnel on defense, and he becomes an option to supplant Pederson.

Why the Jaguars wouldn't be a fit for Bill Belichick

The defense, Bill Belichick's area of expertise, isn't the reason the Jaguars aren't off to a good start this season. Right now, the biggest issues in Jacksonville seem to be the lack of identity on offense and the inability to protect Trevor Lawrence. When Josh McDaniels left to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, Belichick couldn't adjust and the offense struggled. Similarly, Mac Jones regressed considerably under his watch.

What makes you believe that Belichick has changed his style or is open to change after being dismissed by the Patriots?

Moreover, there's a chance the Jaguars will turn the corner with Pederson at the helm. But if he's ultimately dismissed, there may be hotter names in the hiring cycle, such as Detriot Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson or Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

This is to say that Belichick should be considered if the Jaguars are looking for a head coach, but he won't be the only candidate who will get consideration.

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