Payton Laments Belichick's Absence From NFL After Two Years Away
Sean Payton expresses a desire for Bill Belichick to return to the NFL, praising his impact on the league despite Belichick's recent struggles in college football.
Bill Belichick hasn't stepped onto an NFL sideline in two years, and Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton wants him back.
"I'll be honest with you, I miss him being in the league," Payton said Wednesday. "I miss him not being in the league, and I wouldn't be surprised, and I would be somewhat hopeful that he ends up back in the league. We'd all be better for it. He's something."
The Belichick Timeline
After 24 years leading the New England Patriots (2000-2023), Belichick commanded one of football's most dominant dynasties. He won six Super Bowls and earned three NFL Coach of the Year awards. He sat out the entire 2024 NFL season before taking the head coaching job at the University of North Carolina in December 2024.
His college debut has been a disaster. The Tar Heels finished the season 4-8 overall and 2-6 in ACC play—15th in the conference.
Payton's Success Story
Meanwhile, Payton's Broncos are thriving. Denver sits at 10-2 and claimed the No. 2 seed in the AFC this season. Since taking over in 2023, Payton has posted a 28-18 record with the Broncos. His previous stint with the New Orleans Saints (2006-2021) saw the team go 152-89 in the regular season, capped by a Super Bowl XLIV victory.
The two coaches have faced off five times, with Belichick holding a 3-2 edge in those matchups.
