Bill Belichick‘s saga with the New York Jets is one of the most fascinating chapters in NFL history, marked by a brief stint as head coach that lasted just one day. In 2000, the Jets believed they had their man in Belichick, the heir apparent to Bill Parcells. Parcells had just stepped down as head coach of the Jets, and Belichick, who had served as his defensive coordinator, was the natural successor. Everything seemed set for a smooth transition until Belichick shocked the football world with a move that still leaves fans shaking their heads today.
On January 4, 2000, the day Belichick was supposed to be introduced as the Jets’ head coach, he stunned everyone by resigning before the ink could dry. In a hastily scribbled note, Belichick wrote, “I resign as HC of the NYJ,” which instantly became one of the most infamous moments in NFL history.
Rob Gronkowski first encounter with Bill Belichick
Belichick went on to give a 30-minute explanation to the media, citing various reasons for his decision, including the uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the team. Parcells had intended to hand over the team to Robert Wood Johnson IV, but the sale wasn’t finalized, leaving Belichick feeling uncomfortable with the instability at the top. He walked away, and within weeks, he was hired by the New England Patriots-a move that changed the course of NFL history.
Belichick’s abrupt exit from the Jets is often viewed as the ultimate “what if” scenario. What if he had stayed? Could he have built the same kind of dynasty with the Jets that he did with the Patriots? Jets fans can only wonder. Instead, Belichick went on to win six Super Bowls with the Patriots, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. Meanwhile, the Jets, who have struggled for decades to find a coach capable of leading them to consistent success, were left to pick up the pieces.
Russini poured cold water on the idea
Now, with the Jets once again searching for a head coach after the firing of Robert Saleh in 2024, the Belichick-to-New-York rumors have resurfaced, as they always do whenever the Jets need a leader. However, this time around, those dreams seem even more unlikely. Dianna Russini of The Athletic recently poured cold water on the idea, telling fans to “put to bed” the notion of Belichick returning to the Jets. On The Dan Patrick Show, she explained, “I think it’s a fun idea. I think it’s sometimes humorous knowing the way it ended with Bill Belichick in New York. But Bill Belichick wants to work for a really good owner, and I don’t believe that he thinks Woody Johnson is.“
Russini’s comments are a reminder that Belichick’s brief history with the Jets is still very much in the past. His decision to walk away from the team two decades ago was rooted in concerns about ownership and control-concerns that likely remain. While fans may still float the idea of Belichick saving the Jets, the reality is that his days with the team are over, and the Jets will have to look elsewhere for their next leader.
Belichick’s exit from the Jets left an indelible mark on the franchise, and his success with the Patriots only deepened the sting for New York fans. The fact that the Jets still haven’t found their version of Belichick all these years later adds to the irony of it all. So as the Jets prepare for the next chapter in their search for a head coach, it’s time to finally close the book on any hopes of an unlikely Belichick return to New York.