What Pro Football Hall Of Fame Rule Change Means For Bill Belichick

It's a foregone conclusion that one day New England Patriots legendary head coach Bill Belichick will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

But Belichick could have his bust in Canton sooner than originally anticipated.

The Hall of Fame announced Friday changes to its annual selection process, including reducing the waiting period for coaches to be inducted from five seasons to just one. That's big news for Belichick, who could enter the Hall of Fame in 2026 as opposed to 2029 when he would have been first eligible under the old rules.

It doesn't look like Belichick would be a part of the Hall of Fame class in 2025 with that selection process having already started, per reports.

But the following year, Belichick could be in Canton, albeit if he stays off the sideline. It's unclear if Belichick, who is just 14 wins shy of Don Shula's all-time mark, will return to coaching after getting passed over for a couple of jobs, including with the Atlanta Falcons, this offseason. It's been rumored that Belichick might have his eyes on a couple of NFC East teams if vacancies open up for next season.

Belichick, who won six Super Bowls as head coach of the Patriots and two additional titles when he was defensive coordinator with the New York Giants, for now will begin a new venture into the media world this season to provide football commentary. He's slated to make appearances on a number of shows, including the popular "Pat McAfee Show."

Only one coach will be named a finalist for the Hall of Fame going forward, and if Belichick remains out of coaching, he will in all likelihood be the coaching representative in the 2026 class.