Bill Belichick’s future seems to be the hottest topic in the NFL right now and several NFL insiders have the latest speculation circulating around the league.
Here is what they are saying.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport
According to Rapoport, he does not envision the Patriots firing Belichick on Monday.
“Robert Kraft says we’re just going to move on and fires Bill Belichick… That seems highly, highly unlikely.”
Rapoport does envision a scenario where the two men meet and ultimately decide to mutually part ways.
“There is the scenario where they mutually part ways, in that case where Belichick walks away, Kraft walks away, and the Patriots can get no compensation for Belichick coaching somewhere else.”
On Belichick staying on as head coach only.
“There also is a scenario where Bill Belichick says here’s my pitch for how to fix this team. I want to stay, and it’s hard for me to imagine Robert Kraft saying, ‘Actually, you know what, you’re fired.’ That would come potentially with some personnel changes…”
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini
Russini reports the Krafts and Belichick are meeting this week
“There is a meeting set for next week between owner Robert Kraft, Jonathan Kraft and Belichick.”
On the mood around the building.
“There are some who work for the team who are expecting changes and have started to put out feelers about jobs elsewhere.”
Interest around the league in Belichick.
“There are other organizations, like the Commanders and Raiders, hoping to get a chance to meet with Belichick. There are more teams in the shadows, but that will depend on outcomes from Week 18 games and playoff results.”
On the rumored speculation that Nick Caserio might come back.
“There has been chatter for months that if the Patriots part ways with Belichick, Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio, a former longtime member of the personnel brain trust in New England, would want an opportunity to return to the Patriots as their general manager. But based on my conversations with league sources, Houston is where the 48-year-old wants to be”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter
When will Belichick meet with the Krafts?
“New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft are expected to meet soon to discuss their futures,”
Whether a decision on Belichick has been made.
“Although many around the league expect that a change will come in New England, the sides apparently have not yet talked about a split at any point this season, sources told ESPN.”
NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran said weeks ago that the Kraft’s have already made a decision.
Long time NFL Insider Peter King said this week that Belichick returning to New England next season would be an upset.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported yesterday that Belichick and the Krafts are scheduled to meet on Monday.
Bill Belichick’s future will be front and center this week and until a decision is made, it will in many ways be the number one topic of conversation.