Bill Belichick is taking a year off from professional football after failing to obtain a new head coaching job shortly after departing New England.
However, while it is widely assumed that he will be hired by one team in 2025, one analyst claims that there are "whispers" that a certain AFC team's post is already set for him.
In a podcast with Bill Simmons for The Ringer, Steven Ruiz said that he has heard "whispers" from beat reporters for the Jacksonville Jaguars that
the franchise will be ready to employ Belichick around New Year's Day this January. Ruiz believes it will become one of the NFL's
"worst kept secrets" even if it is not publicized right away. He explained that Jaguars owner Shad Khan isn't scared
to make a huge impact and will not be deterred by Belichick's request for more influence within the team.
Bill Belichick will be coaching the Jaguars next season, and we'll know by New Year's. "It won't be official, but it will be the worst kept secret in the NFL," Ruiz stated.
"First and foremost, I know several beat reporters down in Jacksonville, and I believe there are already whispers there. I'll start with that.
The main reason I feel this is that Shad Khan is a hands-off owner. I don't think he'll be terrified like Atlanta was when Bill Belichick came in and said,
"I want to run the organization like this." I wish to have GM abilities. I hope to be able to hire my own coordinators.
I want to be able to influence the direction of this franchise. I don't think (Khan) will be scared by it.