Bill Belichick and Alabama Can Do the Funniest Thing Ever

On late Wednesday afternoon, Alabama’s Nick Saban announced his retirement as head football coach of the Crimson Tide. His twelve-year tenure ends with nine SEC championships and six National Championships. The news came as a shock to the sports world, particularly on the same day when long-time Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll was relieved of his duties. But the news didn’t end there; on Thursday afternoon, the New England Patriots announced that head coach Bill Belichick is moving on after 24 years as head coach. It’s never easy for a coach to move on, especially if you’ve been at a job for a very long time. If Belichick isn’t done coaching, he has plenty of NFL owners that will knock on his door. But what if – and this is a stretch – the University of Alabama and Bill Belichick do the funniest thing ever…

… and Belichick becomes head coach of the Crimson Tide.

The Greatest Twist Ever?

Remember the end of Any Given Sunday (spoiler alert incoming) when Tony D’Amato announced his retirement from the Miami Sharks? Only to announce he was joining the expansion team in Albuquerque and was bringing “Steamin’” Willie Beamen with him? The twist at the conclusion of the movie by Oliver Stone was fun to see because it was unexpected. Now, the NFL isn’t expanding – as far as we know – and no new owners are coming to see him. But what if the University of Alabama came knocking to Bill Belichick’s door?

I can imagine what the press conference would sound like:

Good afternoon, everyone. I met with Mr. Kraft on Monday and we talked about the future. We initially decided that the 2024 season would be my final season. And then, my guy Nick Saban called and told me he was leaving Alabama. I asked him, “What’s the weather like in Alabama in January?” He said, “It’s pretty damn sweet, especially on the Gulf Coast. And it’s even sweeter if you win a National Championship.” As we talked, it became more evident to me that I needed a fresh start in my coaching career. So, effective immediately, I will be leaving the New England Patriots to assume the duties of head coach at the University of Alabama. I now present the napkin I have written my resignation onto as proof. Roll Damn Tide. Come on, Nike – daddy’s gonna take you to the beach.

(Okay, there would be a lot more class and dignity than that, but humor me.)

The Link Between Saban and Belichick

Bill Belichick and Nick Saban are linked way before Saban became coach at Alabama. Saban worked for Belichick’s father when he was a defensive backs coach at Navy in 1982. After a successful stint at the University of Toledo, he went on to serve as defensive coordinator during Belichick’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns from 1991 to 1994. Saban left Belichick’s coaching staff after the 1994 season to become head coach at Michigan State, succeeding George Perles. But the relationship between both stretches beyond coaching; both men are good friends off the field. I would have killed to be a fly in the room of that hypothetical conversation if Saban were to recommend Belichick to Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne. Would Belichick accept Saban’s challenge to coach the Crimson Tide?

A New Planet to Conquer

If Bill Belichick were to ever become the head coach of Alabama, thus pulling off the funniest thing ever, I wonder how he would navigate the NCAA. The NCAA is ruled by darkness and cloak. It puts ridiculous rules and regulations on athletes under the guise of “amateurism” while raking in billions in sponsorship and television deals. Name, Image, and Likeness has given athletes the opportunity to make some cash during their college career. The transfer portal also creates more opportunities for the athlete to succeed. How would Bill Belichick navigate the NCAA? Perfectly, I reckon. Belichick is known for getting the best out of his players and allowing them to walk when he feels they’re approaching their expiration date. With the eligibility rules, NIL, and the transfer portal, how is this not a perfect fit?

While Bill Belichick heading to the University of Alabama is extremely farfetched, it’s fun to imagine what could be. In the meantime, the fire hose of sports news continues and we’re all drinking from it.

Am I too far gone in my thinking? Yeah, probably. Regardless, let me know in the comments or fight me on Twitter/X: whoisryanmcc. You can find more NFL-related articles on Belly Up Sports here. Also, check out my podcast, No Credentials Required, available at the embed below or your preferred podcast app.