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Bill Belichick may return to the NFL at some point, but as of now he’s an unemployed and potentially retired coach after his 24-season stint as the head coach of the New England Patriots came to end following a disappointing 2023 season.
The six-time Super Bowl champion head coach is a lock to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Now, his induction ceremony could take place sooner than anyone ever thought it would.
The previous rules of the Pro Football Hall of Fame state that players and coaches must be out of professional football for five years before their names can go on the ballot to be selected for football immortality. But, that’s set to change. Here’s the Boston Herald with more details.
A change to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s eligibility bylaws could fast-track Bill Belichick’s inevitable induction.
The Hall of Fame on Friday announced it was cutting the mandatory post-retirement waiting period for coaches from five seasons to one.
Because the selection process for next year’s Hall of Fame class is already underway, Belichick is not eligible for induction in 2025, according to multiple reports. But the legendary former Patriots coach could receive his gold jacket and bust in Canton as early as 2026.
The article also notes that under the new rules, only one coach will be allowed in per year.
Did the Pro Football Hall of Fame change their rules, which were part of broader changes to member selection, to get Bill Belichick into the Hall of Fame sooner? That seems unlikely, to be honest. And, many people expect him to return to coaching, which would reset his eligibility clock.
I think the main reason why they’ve moved it up for coaches is because some of them retire well into their 70’s. Getting them into the Hall of Fame as soon as possible can help them be in great health for their induction ceremony. Belichick, now 72, seems to be in great shape. But, things can change quickly.
Needless to say, as long as he doesn’t take a head coaching job between now and then, expect Belichick to enter the Hall of Fame in 2026.
In the meantime, Belichick will be doing television appearances, including being a panelist on Inside the NFL.
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