Bill Belichick ‘Absolutely’ Coaching Patriots In 2018; Slams ‘Baseless’ Reports
Is Bill Belichick back in New England in 2018? Absolutely.
Take the head coach’s word for it. During his Monday conference call, Belichick addressed recent speculation that he’s eyeing the vacant Giants head coaching job. Not only is Belichick not jumping ship, he sounds ready to continue coaching the Patriots in 2018 as well.
Asked if his plan is to remain in New England next season, Belichick took a short pause (which felt forever) and simply responded, “Absolutely.”
Bill Belichick Back With The Pats: An End To ‘Baseless’ Reporting
Belichick’s response came days after the New York Daily News’ Gary Myers reported that a source told him Belichick “sees an opening” to coach the Giants next season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who may have spoken to Belichick himself, quickly shot down those rumors over the weekend.
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Still, Myers’ report was the least of the Patriots’ troubles. ESPN’s Seth Wickersham published a detailed investigative report on supposed trouble within the Gillette Stadium walls last Friday. The story has since dominated the conversation surrounding the team.
Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots stands on the sidelines during a preseason game against the New York Giants. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
However, Belichick swiftly shot down that report as well – and claimed he hasn’t even read it. When asked about the passage that suggested he was “furious and demoralized” over having to trade Jimmy Garoppolo, Belichick was quick to dispute it.
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“First of all, I don’t really know what you’re talking about; I haven’t read the article,” said Belichick. “I don’t know what that refers to. Look, Mike [Reiss], I know we’ve been through this before. I know you want to report on things that are inaccurate and un-attributable. I’m not really interested in responding to all those random, and I would say, in a lot of cases, baseless comments.”
Bill Belichick Back in New England: Now What?
So, the Belichick-to-Giants speculation can end now. And the rest of the NFL can groan at the thought of yet another season of Belichick and Tom Brady together, if not 3-5 more. On the contrary, Belichick probably did at least peruse the ESPN story or get some kind of briefing on it. But at the end of the day, he dismissed the most salacious detail of the entire thing. He will be back with the Patriots in 2018.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
