Wild Rumor: Carolina Panthers 'Seriously' Targeting New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick?

After the Carolina Panthers fired Frank Reich on Monday, an NFL league insider suggests that they could make a run at New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

The NFL coaching carousel is rarely merciful, and it claimed its latest victim on Monday.

Amidst a league-worst 1-10 start, the Carolina Panthers fired Frank Reich before he even completed his first season. Reich, who was also fired mid-season last year by the Indianapolis Colts, becomes the second coach let go this season, joining former Las Vegas Raiders coach Josh McDaniels.

After Reich's firing, the conversation naturally shifted to who the Panthers may hire to replace him. Rumors have ranged far and wide, but one particularly interesting one came from Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. According to the NFL insider, the Panthers may have "serious" interest in longtime New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who is in plenty of rumors for other jobs amidst the worst season of his Patriots tenure.

Reich (left) and Belichick shake hands after the Patriots' win over the Colts last year, the former's final game in Indianapolis / Getty

"But there is another team that joined the conversation Monday and needs to be taken seriously," Volin wrote. "The Panthers are on the prowl after firing coach Frank Reich, and Belichick makes sense for all kinds of reasons.

"This isn’t just my opinion; this is based on conversations with league sources who know the coaching market and know Belichick. Keep a close eye on Belichick and Carolina."

It makes sense that the Panthers would have interest in Belichick, as they're going on six straight seasons with no playoff appearances and hiring a six-time Super Bowl champion would certainly bring some legitimacy to the team. The question is, would Belichick reciprocate that interest?

Looking at the big picture, it's hard to envision Carolina's opening being a particularly enticing one. Not only is the Panthers' roster lacking in talent, but they don't have their first round pick, which could very well be No. 1 overall, after trading up to take quarterback Bryce Young in April's draft. There's also the fact that owner David Tepper has fired three coaches in less than six years on the job, and Reich not even getting a full season only supports that trigger-happy reputation.

Additionally, Belichick is also 71 and likely won't coach too much longer. Would he really want to spend the end of his career leading a rebuilding team, let alone one that isn't the Patriots?

Belichick Angrily Reacts to Leaving Patriots: 'That's Ridiculous!'

Sure, there are some factors that may be positives, such as Tepper's deep pockets or Carolina being a much smaller market compared to New England. However, it's hard to imagine those few positives outweighing the negatives, just like it's hard to imagine Belichick joining the Panthers.

---