New England Patriots

Julian Edelman believes Bill Belichick will coach in the NFL again

“I think he wants that [wins] record.”

Julian Edelman thinks Bill Belichick is planning to return to coaching and using being in the media to his advantage. AP Photo/Matt Slocum

One of Bill Belichick’s former players seems convinced the 72-year-old will be back on NFL sidelines again.

Julian Edelman was asked on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” podcast if he thinks Belichick will return to coaching in the future. The retired wide receiver gave a clear answer:

“Hell yeah,” he said.

@barstoolsports

Julian Edelman On if Bill Belichick Will Coach Again? 🤔 @pardonmytake

♬ original sound – Barstool Sports

Since mutually parting ways with the Patriots back in January, Belichick has stayed busy with various media endeavors. From his “Coach” podcast with Underdog Fantasy, co-hosting “Inside the NFL” on The CW, and making weekly appearances on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show,” the legendary head coach has willingly taken on a front-facing role within NFL media.

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Edelman, who played for Belichick his entire 12-year career, said he believes it’s all by design.

“I think he’s been doing great [in the media], but I do think he loves football and he wants to coach, man,” he said. “I think this could be all a part of his master trick of trying to get back in, show that he’s young and cool. That’s part of his plan. I think he wants that [wins] record.”

Belichick has won 333 games between the regular season and the playoffs as a NFL head coach, good for second-most all-time. He trails Don Shula (347) by 14 wins.

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The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported in January that Belichick desires to surpass Shula for the record. Given the amount of head coaching turnover in the league annually, it’s likely that Belichick will at least get interviews again this coming offseason.

By critiquing or praising players and analyzing important plays in games each week on various networks, he’s displaying that he’s still in the know when it comes to the NFL. It’s a smart plan by Belichick to prove that he can still keep up if he indeed wants to coach again.

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