Invoice Belichick‘s saga with the New York Jets is among the most fascinating chapters in NFL historical past, marked by a quick stint as head coach that lasted simply someday. In 2000, the Jets believed that they had their man in Belichick, the inheritor obvious to Invoice Parcells. Parcells had simply stepped down as head coach of the Jets, and Belichick, who had served as his defensive coordinator, was the pure successor. Every part appeared set for a clean transition till Belichick shocked the soccer world with a transfer that also leaves followers shaking their heads at present.
On January 4, 2000, the day Belichick was speculated to be launched because the Jets’ head coach, he shocked everybody by resigning earlier than the ink might dry. In a swiftly scribbled word, Belichick wrote, “I resign as HC of the NYJ,” which immediately turned one of many most notorious moments in NFL historical past.
Rob Gronkowski first encounter with Invoice Belichick
Belichick went on to present a 30-minute clarification to the media, citing numerous causes for his resolution, together with the uncertainty surrounding the possession of the staff. Parcells had meant at hand over the staff to Robert Wooden Johnson IV, however the sale wasn’t finalized, leaving Belichick feeling uncomfortable with the instability on the prime. He walked away, and inside weeks, he was employed by the New England Patriots-a transfer that modified the course of NFL historical past.
Belichick’s abrupt exit from the Jets is usually considered as the last word “what if” state of affairs. What if he had stayed? Might he have constructed the identical sort of dynasty with the Jets that he did with the Patriots? Jets followers can solely marvel. As a substitute, Belichick went on to win six Tremendous Bowls with the Patriots, solidifying his legacy as one of many best coaches in NFL historical past. In the meantime, the Jets, who’ve struggled for many years to discover a coach able to main them to constant success, had been left to choose up the items.
Russini poured chilly water on the concept
Now, with the Jets as soon as once more trying to find a head coach after the firing of Robert Saleh in 2024, the Belichick-to-New-York rumors have resurfaced, as they all the time do at any time when the Jets want a pacesetter. Nevertheless, this time round, these desires appear much more unlikely. Dianna Russini of The Athletic not too long ago poured chilly water on the concept, telling followers to “put to mattress” the notion of Belichick returning to the Jets. On The Dan Patrick Present, she defined, “I feel it is a enjoyable thought. I feel it is generally humorous figuring out the best way it ended with Invoice Belichick in New York. However Invoice Belichick desires to work for a extremely good proprietor, and I do not imagine that he thinks Woody Johnson is.“
Russini’s feedback are a reminder that Belichick’s temporary historical past with the Jets continues to be very a lot prior to now. His resolution to stroll away from the staff 20 years in the past was rooted in considerations about possession and control-concerns that probably stay. Whereas followers should float the concept of Belichick saving the Jets, the fact is that his days with the staff are over, and the Jets must look elsewhere for his or her subsequent chief.
Belichick’s exit from the Jets left an indelible mark on the franchise, and his success with the Patriots solely deepened the sting for New York followers. The truth that the Jets nonetheless have not discovered their model of Belichick all these years later provides to the irony of all of it. In order the Jets put together for the following chapter of their seek for a head coach, it is time to lastly shut the ebook on any hopes of an unlikely Belichick return to New York.
