The race for Bill Belichick? Five best fits for teams with coaches on hot seat

Jacksonville Jaguars: It’s starting to feel like when, not if, Doug Pederson gets fired even though he’s early in his third season with the Jags. Things looked so good when they were 8-3 heading into December last year. Since then, even though he’s got a supposed franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence and lots of talent on both sides of the ball, they’ve gone 1-9, including 0-4 to start this season.

And while Jacksonville might not be Belichick’s dream destination, Jags owner Shahid Khan isn’t averse to taking a big financial swing. After all, he’s the one that once lured Urban Meyer out of college for a five-year deal reportedly worth somewhere between $50 and $60 million. Belichick would obviously be a better choice and bring some star power to a market that is one of the NFL’s worst and some toughness and discipline to a team that clearly needs it.

Don’t be shocked if Khan’s pursuit begins sometime soon.

New York Jets: Seems crazy that the infamous “HC of the NYJ” would come to the franchise’s rescue nearly 25 years after the end of his hilarious one-day tenure, right? Maybe, but keep in mind that Woody Johnson was still a week away from owning the Jets when Belichick quit on them, and at least some things have changed since then. Also, Belichick is known for holding grudges, and what better way to get back at Robert Kraft for not bringing him back than to go coach for his intra-division rival?

There are obstacles, to be sure. For one thing, any firing or hiring by the Jets (2-2) would have to be approved by Aaron Rodgers, and for the moment he’s sticking by Robert Saleh — though that certainly could change quickly if the losing persists. Also, don’t underestimate Rodgers’ love for offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett. He hand-picked the OC and he’s not going to want a new coach — especially a defensive-minded one — to boot his old friend.

But if they can work that out, Belichick could be an outstanding short-term fit for a team with a short-term quarterback and short-term goals. It would also generate headlines in New York — something that attention-starved organization loves.

Philadelphia Eagles: Yes, Nick Sirianni is less than two years removed from taking the Eagles to the Super Bowl, but a lot has happened since then. His coaching staff was a disaster last season and his own coaching decisions have been pretty questionable this year. Most importantly, quarterback Jalen Hurts has become a turnover machine and the Eagles (2-2) are 3-8, including a blowout loss in the playoffs, since last December.

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie reportedly looked into Belichick last offseason, so if things continue to go awry in Philly it makes sense that he’d do it again. He’s also not averse to making a big swing. He’s the one who once lured Chip Kelly out of college with a then-astronomical five-year, $32.5 million deal.

One thing is certain: The Eagles’ front office believes they have a team built to win a Super Bowl. If Sirianni can’t get it done, they’re going to do whatever is necessary to find someone who can.

Dallas Cowboys: Everything about this makes sense. It’s about as high-profile a job as Belichick will find. It comes with a franchise quarterback and a Lawrence Taylor-like defensive player in Micah Parsons. They were good enough to win 12 games each of the last three years. Belichick’s old friend, Bill Parcells, can tell him how to work with Jerry Jones. And don’t forget: Mike McCarthy is coaching in the final year of his contract, so there likely will be an opening this winter if the Cowboys (2-2) don’t turn things around.

It’s such a perfect spot that it’s hard to believe Belichick would say no if he was offered it. But would Jones really do it? He has been painfully patient with coaches in the past. And really, you have to go back to 2003 when he hired Parcells to find the last big swing Jones took at a head coach.

But again, not to be indelicate, but Jones is about to turn 82 and the Cowboys haven’t been to a Super Bowl since he was a youthful 53. The window on this team he’s built is closing. Belichick might be the right guy to prop it open.

New York Giants: He was once supposed to be the heir apparent to the great Bill Parcells, but back in 1991 New York got Ray Handley instead. Would John Mara right what once went wrong, 33 years later, and ask him to save the Giants (1-3)?

It’s hard to completely rule it out. He’s getting pretty tired of all the losing after just three winning seasons in the last 12 years. And he’s always had a soft spot for Belichick who still has friends in the organization after all these years.

But there are some significant caveats here. For one, Mara is pretty embarrassed that he’s cycled through five head coaches in the nine years since he nudged Tom Coughlin out the door, so there’s no guarantee he’ll fire Brian Daboll. For another, general manager Joe Schoen seems relatively safe and Mara likes his organizational structure. Belichick, of course, likely wants some measure of control and has never been one for working with a structure.

And there’s one more issue. As much as Belichick would surely love to ride to the rescue for his old team, if this season becomes a trainwreck for the Giants they’re likely looking at a reset behind a rookie quarterback in 2025. That might not be something Belichick will want to do.

Ralph Vacchiano is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. He spent the previous six years covering the Giants and Jets for SNY TV in New York, and before that, 16 years covering the Giants and the NFL for the New York Daily News. Follow him Twitter at @RalphVacchiano.