Here's Why Eagles Decided Not To Pursue Bill Belichick Despite Rumored Interest

Did the Eagles make the right move by not pursuing Belichick this offseason?

Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the / Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles at one point was linked to arguably the best head coach in National Football League history but decided not to make a move.

Philadelphia has been one of the top teams in football over the last few years and seemed like it was going to have another deep playoff run in 2023, but things sputtered out of control. The Eagles struggled down the stretch after a great start to the season and was knocked out of the playoffs by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

There were rumblings that the Eagles could make a change at head coach and relieve Nick Sirianni of his duties. Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick became available after the season and there was some speculation that the two sides could make sense for one another.

While this is the case, the Eagles ultimately decided against a move in large part because he likely would only stick around for possibly two seasons, according to ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr., Seth Wickersham, and Jeremy Fowler.

"Despite some owners and executives believing the game had passed Belichick by, the Eagles felt he still had his fastball; he had nearly beaten them in the 2023 season opener with an inferior team," Van Natta, Wickersham, and Fowler said. "There's also a belief that Belichick will coach only until he gets 15 more wins, enough to pass Don Shula as the winningest coach in NFL history. Though not seriously considering a move, (Jeffrey Lurie) wondered to a confidant: Was it worth overhauling the building, changing personnel and philosophies on everything from training staff to salary cap structure, for someone who might coach only two years?"

Philadelphia ultimately ended up sticking with Sirianni and deciding against a pursuit of Belichick. The legendary head coach still is available, though, and there's speculation that he's still interested in the role if it becomes open after the 2024 season.

A move seems unlikely, but shouldn't be completely ruled out at this point.

More NFL: Ex-Eagles Running Back Reportedly Could Sign With Seahawks After Recent Visit