Julian Edelman Endorses Bill Belichick as Ideal Giants Head Coach
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Julian Edelman says Bill Belichick could be the perfect fit for the Giants’ head‑coach job
In a candid interview that made the front page of Boston.com, former Patriots star and now defensive assistant Julian Edelman floated a name that has long been a whisper in the New York football community: Bill Belichick. Edelman told the outlet that he thinks the legendary New England defensive mastermind would be an ideal hire for the New York Giants, who are still in the search for a permanent head coach after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Context: the Giants’ coaching crisis
The Giants finished the 2025 season with a 4‑13 record, the worst in the NFL and the worst in franchise history since the 1990s. They part ways with their head coach in early November, just weeks after the season ends, and begin a hiring process that will determine the direction of the franchise for years to come. As part of that process, the Giants’ general manager Brian Cazwell, who has overseen the team’s rebuild over the last few years, has been reaching out to a long list of candidates, but the news about Belichick has been a surprise, to say the least.
Why Edelman mentioned Belichick
Edelman’s role as a defensive assistant for the Patriots—first as a player and later as a coach—makes him a natural source for commentary on the coaching market. He explained that he has a “close eye on what works for a program at the very top of the league.” According to him, Belichick’s ability to adapt to different offensive schemes and his skill at developing young talent make him a compelling candidate.
He noted that Belichick “has the experience and the knowledge to help a franchise like the Giants turn a lot of the pieces around.” Edelman added that Belichick’s “intellectual approach to the game, his calm demeanor, and his ability to get the best out of players in any situation” would mesh well with the Giants’ brand, which has struggled to define a cohesive identity for several seasons.
Edelman’s comments come after a year in which the Giants’ front office has been courting a variety of candidates—everything from former quarterbacks to veteran defensive coordinators. The Giants have specifically expressed an interest in coaching philosophies that emphasize a strong defense and a balanced offense, both of which are hallmarks of the Patriots’ playbook. In this context, the mention of Belichick felt like a natural alignment of the Giants’ stated priorities and the coach’s proven track record.
The Giants’ search list
While the Giants have not publicly released a full list of candidates, several names have been discussed in various sports media outlets:
Bruce Arians – Arians, formerly the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach, has a defensive background and a reputation for building resilient teams. He is a potential candidate, but some speculate that he may still be in contract negotiations with the Cardinals.
Sean McVay – The Los Angeles Rams’ offensive-minded coach is a perennial candidate, especially for teams that want to re‑invent their offense. McVay has expressed interest in new challenges but has yet to rule out an offer from New York.
Robert Brown – Brown, the Carolina Panthers’ defensive coordinator, has been praised for his aggressive defensive philosophy and his ability to develop young defensive linemen. He has also been on the radar of the Giants’ front office.
Mike McCoy – The former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator is known for his innovative defensive schemes. While he has not publicly pursued head‑coach roles, the Giants might consider him a suitable candidate for a defensive-minded franchise.
These candidates—along with other potential options—are part of the Giants’ “long list” as they search for a head coach who can bring stability and direction.
Belichick’s candidacy in context
Bill Belichick’s name is not new to the Giants’ conversation. In the early 2020s, after the departure of long‑time Giants head coach Tom Cavanaugh, the franchise briefly considered Belichick as a possible interim or long‑term hire. While Belichick has largely stayed in the New England orbit, his influence on the league has made him a touchstone for many NFL teams looking to emulate the Patriots’ winning formula.
The Giants have publicly stated that they want a coach who can “build from the ground up” and “take a team with talent and develop it into a winning culture.” Belichick, known for his ability to create a culture of discipline and accountability, would fit that description. Still, there are questions about whether Belichick would be willing to take the job in New York—a city with its own unique challenges—and whether he would be ready to step away from the Patriots’ front‑office duties to become a full‑time head coach again.
Edelman’s take on the future
Edelman was clear that he sees the Giants’ coaching search as an opportunity for the franchise to move forward. “They’re at a point where they need a coach that can handle the pressure, build trust, and bring a system that people can understand,” he said. He added that “Belichick would bring a level of respect that the Giants could rally around.” However, Edelman also acknowledged that Belichick is one of the most “mystery coaches” in the league, and that any move would require a significant commitment on both sides.
Follow‑up and next steps
After Edelman’s comments, the Giants’ front office is reportedly conducting interviews with a dozen candidates, as reported by Sports Illustrated and The New York Times. The team’s coaching search is expected to culminate in the hiring of a head coach before the 2026 season. Whether Belichick’s name will stay on the list remains to be seen, but the conversation has opened a new chapter in the Giants’ quest for a leader who can bring the franchise back to relevance.
For further reading, check out the Giants’ official hiring announcement (linked in the original article) and Bill Belichick’s career highlights on the NFL.com profile page.
Read the Full Boston.com Article at:
[ https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2025/11/12/julian-edelman-mentions-bill-belichick-as-a-potential-fit-for-giants-coaching-job/ ]