Report: Bill Belichick ‘extremely excited’ about working with Mac Jones

Is a rejuvenated Bill Belichick about to turn things around in Foxborough? That may be the case after the first round of the NFL Draft.

When the Patriots selected Mac Jones 15th overall on Thursday night, they added the long-term option at quarterback they've been missing since trading Jimmy Garoppolo in 2017. It may seem like a 'long-term plan' wouldn't mesh with a 69-year-old head coach, but it sounds like Belichick is ready to see it out.

"Bill Belichick is obviously one of the older coaches in the NFL - I think he literally never retires," Ian Rapoport said when reacting to the pick on NFL Network Friday morning. "From the sense I get, he's extremely excited about working with a young quarterback, teaching a young quarterback, grooming a young quarterback. He hasn't done it since Tom Brady."

It's an interesting statement, considering the team had drafted a drafted a quarterback in three of the five years leading up to Jones' selection. This could be an indication that the Patriots - and  specifically Belichick - view Jones' as more of a solid plan as opposed to some of the projects they've brought in in the past.

Over the last few offseasons, Belichick's potential retirement has become more and more of a talking point. However, now that he has a new project to work on, Rapoport believes it's time to put those conversations to the side.

"I think Bill Belichick will probably coach, oh I don't know, forever," he exclaimed. "And I think Mac Jones is one of the reasons why."

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Alex Barth is a writer and 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. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.