Bill Belichick was the most popular free agent on the market, that is, the media market. But his plans in the media finally come to light a few days before the 2024 NFL Draft.
The six-time Super Bowl-winning coach was unable to land a head coaching job in the NFL for next season, and reports have emerged in recent months that several networks such as ESPN and NBC were pursuing Belichick to come in. as an analyst.
Related: Dan Le Batard has an interesting takeaway from Pat McAfee in securing Bill Belichick
Last week, Pat McAfee announced that Belichick would join him on “The Pat McAfee Show” for special coverage of the NFL Draft on April 25. McAfee also expressed that he would like to have Belichick on his show every week, similar to how he has had big names like Aaron Rodgers as a weekly guest.
More information about the coach's media future was revealed when The Athletic reported on April 24 that the former New England Patriots coach will join the program that features some of Tom Brady's biggest foils.
Belichick on the 'Manningcast'
Belichick will reportedly be a frequent guest on ESPN's “Manningcast,” which is the alternative broadcast of “Monday Night Football” hosted by Peyton and Eli Manning.
But the two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks are not employees of ESPN, but of the production company founded by Peyton, Omaha Productions. That production arm has done a lot of work with ESPN, but ESPN reported that Belichick's deal would likely be directly with Omaha.
Additionally, the Athletic report also claims that Belichick could be included in an Omaha football program, along with a podcast and even a book.
Related: Bill Belichick explores media options with Peyton Manning, ESPN
Previous reports have indicated that Belichick did not want to be part of a study program, which now makes more sense given the number of things it seems Belichick could be up to.
There's still a chance Belichick could return to coaching in the future, especially since the 72-year-old is just 14 wins away from tying Don Shula for the most wins by a head coach in NFL history.
Transmission equipment trainers
It's not uncommon for a coach to enter the media and then return to the sideline, and ESPN is very familiar with this case considering one of the most notable examples occurred earlier this year, but in the NBA.
Doc Rivers was hired by ESPN for its lead broadcast team calling the NBA Finals, but left after less than four months when he was offered to coach the Milwaukee Bucks.
Rivers' replacement on the broadcast team was JJ Redick, who, according to an April 23 multi-source report, is a leading candidate for the Charlotte Hornets head coaching job for next season.
Related: Bill Belichick's net worth: How much the former Patriots coach is worth when he leaves the franchise
