Despite establishing a prominent media presence, including launching an "Instaface" account, Bill Belichick remains a coach at heart.


Those close to Belichick say that, despite his expanding media résumé, the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach is keen to return to coaching in 2025—but only if the right opportunities arise. Belichick is expected to be selective about his next role if and when he decides to return to the sideline.


This past offseason, Belichick had several opportunities to join various teams as a defensive coordinator or a high-profile assistant. The San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams both considered him for their defensive coordinator positions, but Belichick opted to explore other avenues this season.


For the first time in nearly 25 years, Belichick will not be on the Patriots’ sideline when New England opens its season in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The last time the Patriots played without Belichick, their current head coach, Jerod Mayo, was just 13 years old.


Instead, Belichick will be preparing for appearances on Monday night's "ManningCast," along with other media projects. He is also serving as a strategic adviser for the 33rd Team, a company focused on football analysis, and making weekly appearances on "The Pat McAfee Show." Additionally, Belichick will join Peyton Manning on a weekly Friday show to preview "Monday Night Football" games and contribute as an analyst on "Inside the NFL." He is also set to host a football show on YouTube TV.


Although Belichick recently joined Instagram, sources indicate he is not expected to join Threads. Despite his newfound prominence in the media, his true passion remains coaching. Belichick will use his media platform to stay closely connected to the league, monitor its players, and prepare for a potential return to coaching.


After parting ways with the Patriots following the 2023 season, ending his 24-year tenure with the franchise, Belichick, who led New England to six Super Bowl victories, remains second in all-time wins with one team (296, including playoffs), behind only George Halas. His overall coaching win total, including playoffs, stands at 333, placing him second only to Don Shula.


Belichick, 72, was also nominated for a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Studio Analyst for his work on the 2019 NFL Films series "NFL 100 All-Time Team," which aired on NFL Network.