CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is really interested in hiring legendary coach Bill Belichick, he could soon have his chance.
The Patriots are reportedly planning to part ways with Belichick at the end of the season. According to a report from Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston, team owner Robert Kraft made his decision when the Patriots lost to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany last month.
"Conversations I had that week made it very clear that a decision was made," Curran said. "They were going to play out the string, and at the end of the year there would be a parting of ways, for a variety of reasons."
Belichick, 71, remains under contract through 2024. Curran's report added that the Patriots could be open to the idea of trading Belichick at season's end. Belichick has been with the Patriots for 24 seasons, leading the team to six Super Bowl victories, but he's in the midst of his worst season since taking over, with New England sitting 3-10 overall.
Former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who played under Belichick in New England in 2020, said he believes Tepper is hoping to hire the iconic coach. It would give Tepper credibility with his third coaching hire since taking over, plus it would give Belichick an opportunity to prove he can win outside of New England, according to Newton.
"The thing that I know would be the enticing lure to it, is because Tepper will give him everything that he would need," Newton explained. "And also, that will allow Belichick to say, 'You know what, things didn't work out. Now I can show you I can do it somewhere else.'"
The Panthers remain without a full-time coach after Frank Reich's firing last month. Carolina returns to action Sunday at home against the Atlanta Falcons.