NFL Exec Labels Chargers ‘Perfect Fit’ for Bill Belichick amid Falcons Rumors

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If the Los Angeles Chargers are looking for a head coach who can navigate a tricky cap situation and make them a playoff contender in 2024, at least one NFL executive thinks they should go after Bill Belichick.

Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, an NFC personnel executive said the Chargers are a “perfect” fit for Belichick.

“I’d be surprised if he goes to a place with a young quarterback—Carolina doesn’t really work, and I don’t think [owner David] Tepper wants to go that route anyway,” the NFC executive explained. “Take a team like the Chargers—they’ve got the QB, a defense with talent but have underachieved overall—that’s perfect for him.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Mike Reiss reported on Thursday that Belichick and the New England Patriots are expected to part ways after 24 seasons.

Schefter also noted Belichick wants to continue coaching and could receive interest from multiple teams with an opening this offseason.

Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Atlanta Falcons have had interest in Belichick “for weeks” as they begin their search for a new coach after firing Arthur Smith on Sunday.

The Chargers are in a rough spot going into 2024. Their salary cap is a mess, with significant money tied up in just four players.

Next season might need to be some sort of a reset for the Chargers to get their cap in order, but having Justin Herbert at quarterback would allow them to remain competitive if they can find the right head coach.

Belichick’s track record of building strong defenses without elite talent would make him a good fit for what the Chargers need. The Patriots ranked seventh in yards allowed (301.6) this season and a respectable 15th in points allowed (21.5) per game, despite key players like Christian Gonzalez, Jack Jones and Matt Judon all missing at least 12 games due to injuries.

The Chargers, who have made aggressive moves on the defensive side of the ball for players like Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson, didn’t rank higher than 20th in yards allowed or 24th in points allowed per game in three seasons with Brandon Staley as head coach.

If Chargers owner Dean Spanos wants to make a bold move that gives him a chance to potentially compete with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West, hiring Belichick would be near the top of the list.