Cowboys Country

Bill Belichick was interested in one NFL team, and it wasn’t Cowboys

Before taking the job with UNC, Bill Belichick expressed interest in one organization, which wasn't the Dallas Cowboys.

Randy Gurzi

North Carolina Tar Heels new head coach Bill Belichick at Loudermilk Center for Excellence.
North Carolina Tar Heels new head coach Bill Belichick at Loudermilk Center for Excellence. / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
In this story:

For the majority of the season, the Dallas Cowboys were being linked to Bill Belichick as a potential replacement for Mike McCarthy in 2025. That idea was laid to rest this past week when Belichick agreed to take the head coaching position with the North Carolina Tar Heels.

McCarthy, who is coaching without a contract beyond 2024, has been on the hot seat due to failures in the postseason. Belichick is one of the most successful coaches in league history with six Super Bowl wins on his resume. Throw in the claim from Jerry Jones that the two could work together and the union made sense.

Or at least it might have to Jones.

MORE: Former Cowboys star proved again he’s most mid boxer alive

Belichick, on the other hand, reportedly never showed any interest in the Dallas job. Instead, Dianna Russini of The Athletic says the New York Jets were the one NFL team the veteran coach had his eyes on.

Had Belichick joined the Jets, it would have been quite the storyline. Not only would he instantly become a rival with the New England Patriots, but it would be a full-circle moment for New York.

Bill Belichick
Former New England Patriots' head coach, Bill Belichick / Bob Breidenbach / USA TODAY NETWORK

They initially hired Belichick before he took the job in New England. He quit after just one day, leaving the franchise in a tough spot. He was also far from complimentary of the franchise during his tenure as an analyst, but perhaps he just wanted a challenge.

Just not the challenge of working with Jerry Jones apparently.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

Dallas Cowboys make surprising trade in 3-round NFL mock draft

4 great players not named Ashton Jeanty Cowboys could target in 2025 NFL Draft

3 Dallas Cowboys to start in fantasy football vs. Panthers

Updated 2025 NFL Draft order: Cowboys inching toward top 10 after Week 14

Meet Abby Summers: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Rookie

Published
Randy Gurzi
RANDY GURZI

Arizona State grad

Home/News