Where Did the Hoodie Go?

A look at Bill Belichick’s sideline style, with the help of an invaluable database. Plus gear for Raiders fans that doesn’t involve skulls or spikes

Hoodie. It’s one of the most iconic nicknames for an NFL coach. It’s also inaccurate, at least in 2016. I’ll explain below and also lay out some game day gear for Raiders fans ahead of their mammoth matchup against the Broncos.

Here we go...

Hasta La Vista, Hoodie?

Through eight games, Bill Belichick has yet to wear a true hoodie on the Patriots sidelines. The closest he came was Week 8 when he wore a Nike weather jacket for a cold, wet day in Buffalo. Otherwise, it’s been all mock sweatshirts and self-cut short-sleeve jackets.

These images were taken in 2014 and 2015, before Bill Belichick apparently shunned the hoodie / Getty Images (2)

We have all this critical information thanks to the Belichick Hoodie Database, meticulously maintained by Patriots blogger Mike Dussault. Since 2011, Dussault has been tracking Belichick’s sideline attire. (Dussault used photographs, video and reader input to backfill with data starting in 2000.) The resulting information allows us to know how the Patriots perform in specific Belichick style scenarios. For instance, the Pats are 31-9 when he sports the iconic gray Reebook hoodie with cut sleeves that started it all. Don’t expect to see Belichick in a red hoodie anytime soon: New England is just 3-3 when he wears one, including the gutting Super Bowl 42 loss to the Giants.

Another fun fact: According to the database, Belichick hasn’t gone a full season without sporting at least one hoodie since 2002. What does this MEAN? Well, for now it means these official Nike Patriots sideline hoodies do not get the Belichick stamp of approval. What does? Here now is a buying guide for anyone looking to replicate Belichick’s 2016 sideline style:

Nike :: Getty Images

(Click on picture or bold red link for purchase information.)

• NIKE BELICHICK HEAVY SIDELINE SWEATSHIRT: Unbeaten in 2016, Belichick wore this for wins over Houston and Cleveland. Of course, he hacked it up with hilarious results; I don’t recommend doing the same, unless you’re really into Flashdance. (This one is also available in blue.)

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Nike :: Getty Images

• NIKE SIDELINE PERFORMANCE JACKET: This one sports a 3-1 record in 2016, and 18-7 overall dating back to 2013. And again, Belichick hasn’t been shy about breaking out the scissors.

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Nike :: Getty Images

• NIKE CHAMP DRIVE SIDELINE FULL-ZIP JACKET (similar): As mentioned, Belichick wore this for the victory in Buffalo last week. With the New England winter bearing down once the Pats return off a Week 9 bye, we should expect to see more of this.

• One final note: Dussault’s blog, Pats Propaganda, has a store element where he sells New England merch he designed himself. A few years back, he received a cease-and-desist letter from the NFL because he was making dozens of dollars and the NFL is just the worst. Dussault stopped selling the shirts for a couple years, but is back at it again. So if you enjoy thumbing your nose at the league—and what Patriots fan doesn’t, really—go check it out. This shirt gets the official Football Lifestyle stamp of approval.

Game Day Gear

It’s the best game on the Week 9 schedule, and one of the biggest Oakland has hosted in some time: the 6-2 Broncos at the 6-2 Raiders on Sunday Night Football. Spiked shoulder pads and face paint certainly has its place at Alameda Coliseum. But if you’re looking for a stylish twist while still representing the Silver and Black, here are a few ideas:

The MMQB Illustration

(Click on bold red link for purchase information.)

• Flask: Stanley 8 oz. You’ll need to be creative to get this through the gates. Or perhaps it’s more useful at the pregame tailgate, to keep the nerves at bay in the tick-tock to game time.

• Shoes: Onitsuka Tiger by Asics Ultimate 81. So much to like here, from the old-school vibe to the casual team-color combo. And the comfort to carry you through kickoff.

• Jacket: Nike Salute to Service Hybrid Performance. I wrote about these last week and had to bring it back. The heavy black look is perfect for Raiders fans and don’t miss the American flag patch on the right shoulder. Official team gear doesn’t get better than this.

• Pants: Bonobos Bedford Carpenter Corduroy. With temps dipping into the 50s by the early evening kickoff, a hefty material will be necessary keep you warm. These light gray cords will do the trick and provide nice contrast to all the dark elements.

• Hat: State Traditions Palo Alto Gameday. Best of both worlds here: Rep state pride while breaking up all the black/gray with a pop of red.  

• Shirt: Casavva Charcoal Herringbone Flannel. A button-down to a football game? I can see the eyerolls already. But a comfortable, untucked flannel will keep you warm and is the ideal layer under the black jacket.

MORE GAME DAY GEAR: Lions || Eagles || Best Tees for All 32 Teams

Published every Friday, The MMQB Football Lifestyle columnis a curated list of links to what’s catching Dom’s eye off the field. The MMQB has affiliate deals with some of the brands featured and receives commission on certain purchases. Have an item for consideration? Share it.