Bill Belichick to Jets? 3 reasons why 6x Super Bowl-winning HC makes perfect sense in New York

On Tuesday, the New York Jets announced they were parting ways with Robert Saleh following their 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. The franchise promoted defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to the head coaching position in an interim capacity until the end of the season.

Ulbrich has at least 12 games to convince owner Woody Johnson and the Jets' top brass that he can continue leading his team next season. However, if he fails to impress, New York will likely audition several candidates in the offseason, but the most logical choice might already be available.

Six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach Bill Belichick auditioned for multiple jobs in the offseason but failed to land any. He has been enjoying his time away from coaching as a TV analyst but is intent on returning to the NFL. Given their complicated history, it's difficult to envision the former New England Patriots coach joining the Jets. However, it could be the perfect fit.

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Bill Belichick to the Jets: Why a reunion makes perfect sense

1) The Jets' short championship window

The franchise traded for Aaron Rodgers in the 2023 offseason with the sole intention of winning the Super Bowl. His first season with the team ended on his debut as he suffered an Achilles tear, and he hasn't gotten off to a great start in his second year in New York.

The four-time MVP will turn 41 in December. The Jets' championship window with Rodgers is short, and only a few candidates - other than Belichick - can maximize it.

2) The Jets have an elite defense

While the Jets' offense has been underwhelming, their defense has been excellent this season. They've given up the second-fewest yards in the league and have allowed only seven touchdowns, the joint-lowest mark in the league. They also rank fourth in the league in sacks.

Belichick, one of the greatest defensive minds in NFL history, could do wonders with this unit and potentially ride it to a Lombardi Trophy like he has in the past.

3) Belichick has scores to settle

The eight-time Super Bowl champion spent three seasons as the Jets' defensive coordinator and assistant head coach under Bill Parcells and was announced as the franchise's new head coach in January 2000.

However, he infamously resigned only a day later to join the Patriots and led them to six Super Bowl wins. The coach and the Jets haven't seen eye-to-eye since, but they could put their differences aside and mend fences to achieve a common goal.

Belichick likely wasn't too pleased about the Patriots firing him at the end of the 2023 season, and he'd be gunning to show them they made a mistake by letting him go. The Jets are hoping to usurp the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and New England and become the first AFC East team outside of the Patriots to win a Super Bowl since 1974.

Belichick leading them there would be the storybook ending to the franchise's long history with the legendary coach.