Buying Bill Belichick: Top 5 NFL Landing Spots if New England Patriots Fire Legendary Coach

If the New England Patriots indeed fire Bill Belichick after this disastrous season, where might the Hall-of-Fame coach end up in 2024?

Fine, let's say the New England Patriots can't regain control of their nasty nosedive and - either after Sunday's game in Germany or after the season - do the once-implausible and fire Bill Belichick. The apparent successor is defensive coordinator Jerod Mayo, though some experts believe owner Robert Kraft is targeting Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel as the "home run" hire.

But what of Belichick? Before ending up in Canton in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where would the six-time Super Bowl head coach land?

Surely the 71-year-old Belichick won't simply retire. No. 1, with 29 seasons leading NFL teams he knows no other way of life. No. 2, with 300 coaching victories he's too close to Don Shula's all-time record to quit now.

Sports Illustrated took a look at the Top 5 teams that would likely go after Belichick if he becomes a free agent in 2024.

If Robert Kraft fires Bill Belichick, where would the future Hall-of-Fame coach wind up in 2024? / Clutchpoints

Chicago Bears - They are in Year 2 with Matt Eberflus at the helm and, no matter how you spin it, a 5-21 record is abysmal. The Bears think they have their franchise quarterback with Justin Fields. They need a franchise coach.

Washington Commanders - New ownership group headed by Josh Harris is growing tired of Ron Rivera's annual mediocrity and would love nothing more than to continue his team's re-branding with a splash hire like Belichick. Maybe even a trade can be worked out?

New York Giants - Also at 2-7, the shine is already gone from Brian Daboll's rookie playoff season. Belichick - with a long history with the organization - would rival Aaron Rodgers to the Jets as New York's biggest football acquisition.

Las Vegas Raiders - Owner Mark Davis went after Tom Brady as a minority owner. Why not go after his partner-in-crime as coach? Only roadblock would be former Patriots' assistant Josh McDaniels' disastrous tenure muddying the waters for "Patriots West."

Los Angeles Chargers - Whereas Brandon Staley's career has been marked by an underperforming wealth of a talent and a blown 20-point lead in the playoffs, pairing Belichick with rising star quarterback Justin Herbert might be appetizing.

---