RUMOR MILL: Belichick & Pioli to the Giants (1 Viewer)

[PatsWillWin]

No link, so don't post that angry red face with the sign. It is on some Giants messageboards (do a google search), and it's been mentioned on the Felger show on ESPN Radio Boston as well as EEI. Some of the callers have said that it's been mentioned on ESPN TV, but I can't confirm that.

Anyway - just wanted to throw it out there. I don't think there's any question that the Giants head coaching job is looked upon as something special to Belichick.

First off, nobody knows the details of Belichick's contract. He got a 2 year extension that is up at the end of this year - that is his last publicized extension. But even that extension we didn't know about until a year after it was signed. Kraft said something like "It would not be correct to characterize this as the last year in [belichick's] contract."

Also, Belichick has been acting a little weird this year. And by weird I just mean non-Belichickian. He's been spending a lot of time talking about "adversity" when a) they haven't had nearly as much adversity (I think) this season compared to seasons passed), and b) he never typically focuses on those "excuses" anyway."

Also - after they won last week, Belichick came to the presser with an AFC East Division Champions hat. The Pats guys in the media here went back and looked at the film from other seasons and he's never worn the Division hat before - his message has always been that winning the division isn't a big accomplishment in itself.

Anyway, like I said, just a rumor. I don't REALLY see it happening but some of these things are making me wonder. You have to imagine that at some point he's going to accomplish all he can accomplish here in NEw England and will be looking for a new challenge.

 

[Banger]

It would be an absolute shock if this happened. It would be an enormous blow to the Pats and coup for the Giants if this were to happen. I just can't see it happening.

 

[Workhorse]

It would be REALLY interesting to see the fans reaction if Belichick left to take another gig. The usual response in a situation like this would be to blast the hell out of the guy on the way out of town but can any Pats fan realistically feel any animosity about what this guy has given our franchise?

I hope it doesn't happen but Belichick deserves the highest praise I can give for turning my laughingstock franchise into a legit NFL powerhouse - Even if he takes another job.

 

[qimqam]

As a Giant Fan this would be the single best thing that could happen. Better than any draft pick and better than any free agent signing possible.

 

[Bossman]

I can't imagine why they would want to leave NE. To leave behind what they worked so hard for, for so many years...just look at their salary cap position. Do you scrimp and scratch for the future cap room just to leave it to some one else? Doesn't make sense.

It is just some one in the media (NY?) that said "what if" and it snowballed like it often does.

 

[MLBrandow]

If I were Belichick, the real challenge would be winning as many SBs as I could with one team.

What's more impressive, SB Berths with 3 different teams, or 3 SB victories with the same team?

 

[PatsWillWin]

It would be REALLY interesting to see the fans reaction if Belichick left to take another gig. The usual response in a situation like this would be to blast the hell out of the guy on the way out of town but can any Pats fan realistically feel any animosity about what this guy has given our franchise?I hope it doesn't happen but Belichick deserves the highest praise I can give for turning my laughingstock franchise into a legit NFL powerhouse - Even if he takes another job.

It would certainly be an uncomfortable position. But ultimately, I can't see myself ever becoming anti-Belichick. If he left for NY, I think there are reasons that I would understand - new challenge, going back to his old job as the head coach, starting over, etc. I don't think money would be a deciding factor because I can't imagine he isn't paid a lot here (of course - we don't know since they don't release his contract terms). And if he DID leave because of the $, I'd then be in the uncomfortable position of being...anti-Kraft, lol.Bottom line is he's done absolutely incredible things here, and if he did leave for NY, I'd be worried about my team but not mad or anything. It's different than Damon since it was just about the $ then and he's a player, not a coach (although I didn't really advocate booing Damon, either). Also, obviously, Pats/Giants isn't exactly Sox/Yankees.Just sayin.

 

[Workhorse]

I can't imagine why they would want to leave NE. To leave behind what they worked so hard for, for so many years...just look at their salary cap position. Do you scrimp and scratch for the future cap room just to leave it to some one else? Doesn't make sense. It is just some one in the media (NY?) that said "what if" and it snowballed like it often does.

I think you're probably correct.Belichick would have certainly given Branch the money this year if he knew he was going to leave at the end of the season anyways. And besides the "prestige" of the Giants job, it isn't like Belichick will ever have more control than he has with the Pats.

 

[PatsWillWin]

I can't imagine why they would want to leave NE. To leave behind what they worked so hard for, for so many years...just look at their salary cap position. Do you scrimp and scratch for the future cap room just to leave it to some one else? Doesn't make sense. It is just some one in the media (NY?) that said "what if" and it snowballed like it often does.

I haven't seen it attributed to one specific writer. It's just sorta "out there". I hesitated to even make a thread about it, but I heard it on the Felger show (local ESPN show) yesterday and then this morning it had seeped into EEI. So, I thought what the hell.

 

[LBH]

As a Giant Fan this would be the single best thing that could happen. Better than any draft pick and better than any free agent signing possible.

As a Jets fan...Ditto

 

[PatsWillWin]

I can't imagine why they would want to leave NE. To leave behind what they worked so hard for, for so many years...just look at their salary cap position. Do you scrimp and scratch for the future cap room just to leave it to some one else? Doesn't make sense. It is just some one in the media (NY?) that said "what if" and it snowballed like it often does.

I think you're probably correct.Belichick would have certainly given Branch the money this year if he knew he was going to leave at the end of the season anyways. And besides the "prestige" of the Giants job, it isn't like Belichick will ever have more control than he has with the Pats.

1) Belichick wouldn't have known that the Giants job was going to be available at the time thta the decision on Branch was made. 2) I'm not sure what you mean by your second point "prestige" doesn't mean "control".

 

[Workhorse]

Here's the possible source of the rumor...

OK, so the way the Giants get Pioli is to give him total control, right? Then he's going to steal Belichick away to be the new coach of the Giants and have LESS control than he currently has in New England?

That doesn't make one bit of sense.

 

[Workhorse]

I can't imagine why they would want to leave NE. To leave behind what they worked so hard for, for so many years...just look at their salary cap position. Do you scrimp and scratch for the future cap room just to leave it to some one else? Doesn't make sense. It is just some one in the media (NY?) that said "what if" and it snowballed like it often does.

I think you're probably correct.Belichick would have certainly given Branch the money this year if he knew he was going to leave at the end of the season anyways. And besides the "prestige" of the Giants job, it isn't like Belichick will ever have more control than he has with the Pats.

1) Belichick wouldn't have known that the Giants job was going to be available at the time thta the decision on Branch was made. 2) I'm not sure what you mean by your second point "prestige" doesn't mean "control".

Re-read the post. I'm saying that prestige of the Giants gig aside (which I think is very overstated), most guys look for more control -- Belichick will never have more control over a franchise than he currently does with the Pats.

 

[patrickmcgroin]

NE should give Belichick some more women just to try and keep him if they have to.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Here's the possible source of the rumor...

OK, so the way the Giants get Pioli is to give him total control, right? Then he's going to steal Belichick away to be the new coach of the Giants and have LESS control than he currently has in New England?

That doesn't make one bit of sense.

If Pioli would endeavor to bring Belichick with him to NY, I think it would be logical to conclude that they have a good working relationship. Who has the final "control" over personel decisions may not be as big a deal as you might think without know the dynamic between the two men. Maybe Pioli makes all the decisions now, we really have no idea.

 

[Workhorse]

Here's the possible source of the rumor...

OK, so the way the Giants get Pioli is to give him total control, right? Then he's going to steal Belichick away to be the new coach of the Giants and have LESS control than he currently has in New England?

That doesn't make one bit of sense.

If Pioli would endeavor to bring Belichick with him to NY, I think it would be logical to conclude that they have a good working relationship. Who has the final "control" over personel decisions may not be as big a deal as you might think without know the dynamic between the two men. Maybe Pioli makes all the decisions now, we really have no idea.

You're misreading me on this: The way the Giants can get Pioli without giving compensation to the Pats would be to give him total control of the franchise. OK, so far so good. But Pioli then trying to hire Belichick as head coach WITHOUT control would be a step DOWN for Belichick. If he's still under contract the Pats, New England would ask for (and probably get) a king's ransom in compensation for that kind of move.

 

[The Ref]

You want to know something about the Pats front office that you won't ever read in the papers in Boston?

Bill Belichick and Bob Krafts son Jonathan absolutely HATE each other. With that being said, Bob Kraft has basically said to his son that he has to deal with it because he isn't going to get rid of Belichick. I guess Krafty Bob remembers what it was like to loose Parcells and what it did to the franchise for a few years before BB rescued it.

 

[PatsWillWin]

Here's the possible source of the rumor...

OK, so the way the Giants get Pioli is to give him total control, right? Then he's going to steal Belichick away to be the new coach of the Giants and have LESS control than he currently has in New England?

That doesn't make one bit of sense.

If Pioli would endeavor to bring Belichick with him to NY, I think it would be logical to conclude that they have a good working relationship. Who has the final "control" over personel decisions may not be as big a deal as you might think without know the dynamic between the two men. Maybe Pioli makes all the decisions now, we really have no idea.

You're misreading me on this: The way the Giants can get Pioli without giving compensation to the Pats would be to give him total control of the franchise. OK, so far so good. But Pioli then trying to hire Belichick as head coach WITHOUT control would be a step DOWN for Belichick. If he's still under contract the Pats, New England would ask for (and probably get) a king's ransom in compensation for that kind of move.

It would be a step down in control, but it's difficult/impossible to quantify how much that final say on personel decisions means to Belichick compared to his desire to have the NYG head coaching job - which is also difficult to quantify. And I was just saying that the hesitence to give up control might be substantially less with Pioli than it would be with anyone else on the planet because they, presumably, have very similar principles when it comes to these decisions and have a good working relationship.But don't get me wrong - I think this is very unlikely to happen. Pioli I could see. In fact I'm surprised Pioli has stayed here as long as he has. But yes, Belichick would require a king's ransom to go to NY, and that's assuming he wants to.

Just saying the rumor is out there, and Belichick has been acting a little un-Belichickian lately.

 

[KiddLattimer]

It would be REALLY interesting to see the fans reaction if Belichick left to take another gig. The usual response in a situation like this would be to blast the hell out of the guy on the way out of town but can any Pats fan realistically feel any animosity about what this guy has given our franchise?

Remember these are fans who double as Red Sox fans. Blasting the hell out of people is what they do best.

 

[Banger]

If I were Belichick, the real challenge would be winning as many SBs as I could with one team.What's more impressive, SB Berths with 3 different teams, or 3 SB victories with the same team?

I think the berths with different teams is more impressive. Sometimes you can inherit a player or situation for which you are a passenger (Phil Jackson) and can sit back and watch the championships roll in, does that mean you're a good coach? I don't believe that to be the case at all with Bellicheck but if you are able to get 3 separate franchises to the SB it's more than luck/inheriting a situation IMO and indicative that that coach knows how to win whereever he is.

 

[Faust]

I know what would influence my decision:

Who would you rather have at QB?

Tom Brady or Eli Manning

Easy decision for me.

 

[On The Rocks]

just to throw a little more fuel on the fire....IF this were to happen, would Tiki reconsider his future?

 

[Bri]

no way

 

[Bull Dozier]

It would be REALLY interesting to see the fans reaction if Belichick left to take another gig. The usual response in a situation like this would be to blast the hell out of the guy on the way out of town but can any Pats fan realistically feel any animosity about what this guy has given our franchise?

I hope it doesn't happen but Belichick deserves the highest praise I can give for turning my laughingstock franchise into a legit NFL powerhouse - Even if he takes another job.

Didn't Parcells do that? Parcells brought the team to a Super Bowl. Pete Carrol came in and went 10-6, 9-7, and 8-8. The Pats certainly weren't a laughingstock. Were they the perreniall power they are today? Of course not, and Belicheck deserves serious props, but he didn't take over the laughingstock franchise that Parcells did.

 

[massraider]

You want to know something about the Pats front office that you won't ever read in the papers in Boston? Bill Belichick and Bob Krafts son Jonathan absolutely HATE each other. With that being said, Bob Kraft has basically said to his son that he has to deal with it because he isn't going to get rid of Belichick. I guess Krafty Bob remembers what it was like to loose Parcells and what it did to the franchise for a few years before BB rescued it.

It would have to be something internal like this that we don't know about for this to happen.I think the most important thing for coaches is job security. And I can't think of a pro coach in any sport that has BB's job security. He has to know that if he went to NY, he wouldn't have the rope he has in New England. And Belichick doesn't really strike me as a guy that pines to have a bigger stage, like New York, just to feed his ego.

 

[PatsWillWin]

It would be REALLY interesting to see the fans reaction if Belichick left to take another gig. The usual response in a situation like this would be to blast the hell out of the guy on the way out of town but can any Pats fan realistically feel any animosity about what this guy has given our franchise?

I hope it doesn't happen but Belichick deserves the highest praise I can give for turning my laughingstock franchise into a legit NFL powerhouse - Even if he takes another job.

Didn't Parcells do that? Parcells brought the team to a Super Bowl. Pete Carrol came in and went 10-6, 9-7, and 8-8. The Pats certainly weren't a laughingstock. Were they the perreniall power they are today? Of course not, and Belicheck deserves serious props, but he didn't take over the laughingstock franchise that Parcells did.

Yeah, this is more accurate. Parcells was really there at the turn-around point. There were a few years of mild regression under Caroll, and obviously Belichick has taken the Patriots to unprecedented heights, but he did not inherit a "laughingstock."

 

[Colin Dowling]

I should prolly go back and read the whole thread, but what would the point be for Pioli and BB to make this move? Just a change of scenery and a challenge?

 

[PMENFAN]

When BB took over, the Pats were in Cap Purgatory. They had been stadilly regressing, having poor drafts, and the future looked bleak as they were going to have to shed contracts and talent. And they did, and went 5-11 in BB's first year. IIRC, it was around 30 new players his first season. It had to be done. They had no hope with the direction Carroll was taking them

As for Pioli and BB moving, I don't see it. THEY have total control of the franchise. I don't see egos playing. I don't see Pioli as a guy who loves media attention, starving to feed his ego. He gets recognition, and frankly I think he shies away from it. He doesn't seem to run to the mikes at every chance he gets, but from them. He seems to just take satisfaction in doing his job, and doing it well, and taking the accolades in stride. That's always been my read. He is a great manager, but I still say it's a team accomplisment. Say he's doing it all on his own. The cap management and scouting. What's to say that he doesn't recognize that in and itself that doesn't win championships? You still have to have the coach to organize that talent. The coach to scheme the game plans. And frankly, that's all Belichick. That's if Pioli is doing all the management all on his own, which he may be. He's at least responsible for a lions share, but there's no question it's an organizational model, and the pool is deep.

Could it happen? Absolutely. I see no reason that it would though. I's no sooner believe a rumor of Ozzie Newsome and Brian Billick packing for New York. They're the two best management/coach tandems in football, regardless of where the line is drawn between responsibilities. They're in great situations, and their owners give them free reign. There's no reason for them to leave. They run model franchises. The Pats moreso than the RAvens, but they are the models that the other franchises attempt to emulate.

And if it did, I wish them luck. They're two of the best character guys in the business. I wish them luck. I think it's just idle speculation, and I'd be stunned to see it. They're still in the process of history making in NE, with one of the great runs in history still in progress. I just don't see them going anywhere.

Why where the cap this year? Why the talk of adversity? I think it's been his best job of coaching, flat out. What they've doine this year in a division that is far tougher than anybody predicted, against a fairly tough schedule is nothing short of impressive. He's got reason to be proud. They continue to improve, and they might just come through.

 

[LBH]

I can see Pioli going on to be GM, but I dont really see BB as part of that equation

 

[pinda]

give credit where credit is due

PFT broke this story two days ago, all I have to say is rumors or not, PFT is becoming a very credible source.

 

[fatness]

just to throw a little more fuel on the fire....IF this were to happen, would Tiki reconsider his future?

I think Tiki is going to reconsider his future if the coach of the Giants next year is "Anyone But Coughlin".

 

[Bri]

give credit where credit is duePFT broke this story two days ago, all I have to say is rumors or not, PFT is becoming a very credible source.

how will you feel when this doesn't happen?

 

[ThisGuy]

I read a story about this in last week's Newark(NJ) Star-Ledger. The Giants are expected to go hard after Scott Pioli to become the Giants new GM with Accorsi retiring. The article alluded to the "possibility" Belichick could be persuaded to join him.

I would love Belichick to come back here and run the team, but I'm not sure he would want to.

I am interested in hearing what Bill Cowher is going to do after this season.

Either one of these 2 guys would be exactly what this franchise needs.

 

[LBH]

You want to know something about the Pats front office that you won't ever read in the papers in Boston? Bill Belichick and Bob Krafts son Jonathan absolutely HATE each other. With that being said, Bob Kraft has basically said to his son that he has to deal with it because he isn't going to get rid of Belichick. I guess Krafty Bob remembers what it was like to loose Parcells and what it did to the franchise for a few years before BB rescued it.

and how do you know this??

 

[Yenrub]

give credit where credit is duePFT broke this story two days ago, all I have to say is rumors or not, PFT is becoming a very credible source.

Didn’t they say Charlie Casserly was the top candidate two days ago?

 

[Tau837]

I read a story about this in last week's Newark(NJ) Star-Ledger. The Giants are expected to go hard after Scott Pioli to become the Giants new GM with Accorsi retiring. The article alluded to the "possibility" Belichick could be persuaded to join him.I would love Belichick to come back here and run the team, but I'm not sure he would want to.I am interested in hearing what Bill Cowher is going to do after this season.Either one of these 2 guys would be exactly what this franchise needs.

Bill Cowher is going to move to Raleigh, NC. He and his wife both attended N.C. State in Raleigh and have said in the past that they would ultimately settle in Raleigh. They bought a mansion there earlier this year, and his youngest daughter enrolled in a private high school there for this year, rather than in Pittsburgh as in years past, which means he is living apart from his family this season. I suppose it is possible that he could be wooed to another team's HC job, but I believe he plans to take at least a year off.

 

[qimqam]

I should prolly go back and read the whole thread, but what would the point be for Pioli and BB to make this move? Just a change of scenery and a challenge?

Did you ever hear of this thing called "Money"? It seems to make people happy and they will even change jobs to get more of it.

 

[pinda]

give credit where credit is duePFT broke this story two days ago, all I have to say is rumors or not, PFT is becoming a very credible source.

how will you feel when this doesn't happen?

i'll feel the exact same way. I'm not basing their credibility on one story. They have broken numerous stories now that nobody gives them credit for. Other than constantly calling them rumor mongers. They hit on a lot and for everything else, they report it and then somebody else picks it up like the NY media in this case and "breaks" the story. Whether it happens or not is irrelevant, it obviously has legs to it if all the major media sources in NY are running with the story.

 

[Bri]

give credit where credit is duePFT broke this story two days ago, all I have to say is rumors or not, PFT is becoming a very credible source.

how will you feel when this doesn't happen?

i'll feel the exact same way. I'm not basing their credibility on one story. They have broken numerous stories now that nobody gives them credit for. Other than constantly calling them rumor mongers. They hit on a lot and for everything else, they report it and then somebody else picks it up like the NY media in this case and "breaks" the story. Whether it happens or not is irrelevant, it obviously has legs to it if all the major media sources in NY are running with the story.

The Daily News does not=all NY media.I'll agree that calling them rumor mongers all the time is not fair. What you're doing, however, is not fair either. You can't disregard the bad, IMO. It's gotta be both ways.

 

[pinda]

give credit where credit is duePFT broke this story two days ago, all I have to say is rumors or not, PFT is becoming a very credible source.

how will you feel when this doesn't happen?

i'll feel the exact same way. I'm not basing their credibility on one story. They have broken numerous stories now that nobody gives them credit for. Other than constantly calling them rumor mongers. They hit on a lot and for everything else, they report it and then somebody else picks it up like the NY media in this case and "breaks" the story. Whether it happens or not is irrelevant, it obviously has legs to it if all the major media sources in NY are running with the story.

The Daily News does not=all NY media.I'll agree that calling them rumor mongers all the time is not fair. What you're doing, however, is not fair either. You can't disregard the bad, IMO. It's gotta be both ways.

I'm not disgregarding the bad. They tell you what they hear. People's view of that and how they take it and the lengths they go to to prove or disprove their stories is ridiculous. Nobody blasts PFW with their "Whispers" section, it's always PFT this and PFT that, I'm just saying the guy who runs it obviously has connections.I agree that the Daily News isn't the NY media, but add to it the Star Ledger, add to that ESPN, add to that Mike and Mike who are based out of NY. What else do you want, Tiki to come out on his newscast and confirm it?????

 

[The Ref]

You want to know something about the Pats front office that you won't ever read in the papers in Boston? Bill Belichick and Bob Krafts son Jonathan absolutely HATE each other. With that being said, Bob Kraft has basically said to his son that he has to deal with it because he isn't going to get rid of Belichick. I guess Krafty Bob remembers what it was like to loose Parcells and what it did to the franchise for a few years before BB rescued it.

and how do you know this??

Someone I know is friends with Jonathan Kraft.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

I was watching NFLN last night and was overjoyed to watch the America's Team countdown of the 1990 New York Giants.

When Carl Banks spoke of the defensive game plan for the Super Bowl, and said that Bill Belicheck got the defense in the meeting room and said, "if you want to win this game Thurman Thomas has to get 100 yards rushing. Do you trust me?" - I got chills. I just knew the 2-man rush drop 9 defense was going to be the next clip as the Giants sucked the life out of the Bills.

Ah, the memories. I would be ok with Bill coming back to NY. Then again, I'd be happy with a chimp over Coughlin, so my opinion might not be worth that much.

 

[Sweetness_34]

Is Belichik taking Tom Brady or Richard Seymour with him to the Giants?

If not, who cares......Belichik plays the 3-4 for a lot of snaps. Giants do not have a NT like Wilfork nor do they have DEs like Seymour who could rush he passer as a 4-3 and play the run as a 3-4. Giants LBs are the suck.....who would play in the 3-4....

Belichik would be stupid to make this move but to each one their own.....

 

[PMENFAN]

give credit where credit is duePFT broke this story two days ago, all I have to say is rumors or not, PFT is becoming a very credible source.

how will you feel when this doesn't happen?

i'll feel the exact same way. I'm not basing their credibility on one story. They have broken numerous stories now that nobody gives them credit for. Other than constantly calling them rumor mongers. They hit on a lot and for everything else, they report it and then somebody else picks it up like the NY media in this case and "breaks" the story. Whether it happens or not is irrelevant, it obviously has legs to it if all the major media sources in NY are running with the story.

They're just saying that the Giants plan to make a run at Pioli, not that Pioli is planning on going. Big difference. He's a great exec, and other tams have tried to lure him away, but he's happy where's he's at, or that's been his response in the past. Maybe he'll go this time; we'll have to see. The BB moving too would be the unimaginable part. But, stranger things have happened. What it comes down to is does Pioli want to stay in Foxboro and take over when BB retires, which is probably no more than 5 more years, working for a known entity, the Kraft family. Or, move on to an unknown entity that may promise more, but has geen in constant turmoil, and many unknown factors. Money comes either way. So does power.

 

[Boston]

The local media has picked up and been throwing this story around the last few days. While there has been the speculation and what if's as of right now there really hasn't been a shred of actual info and/or anyone talking about a credible source. Right now this is pure rumor and it's easy to do with BB/Pioli's ties to New York. I believe the best way to look at this is it would not totally floor you but it would be a pretty big surprise.

For the local guys...I ran into one of the big local media guys a few days ago and talked Pats for a little while. He echoed the above sentiments. Something I found interesting was this...I asked him if Weis would be the successor if the unthinkable happens. He said to me that he believes the powers that be absolutely love Dean Pees and although he's not sure they would give him the HC job he would definetly be a contender for it. Take it for what it's worth...

 

[Chaz]

Sure, it's only a rumor, but this stuff is fun.

Not being a "cap" guy, I wonder if anyone could speak to the following:

1. Are the Patriots due for some big cap hits at some point? In other words, is there a dark cloud on the horizon that Belichick would want to avoid?

2. Do the Giants have some sort of flexability with the cap coming up? In other words, would they be able to sign a few good players in the near future, making this an attractive situation?

I agree with another poster who said that this would be better than any player or pick for the Giants.

Something else to consider....Does Belichick see that the AFC is simply so competitive that it would be difficult to continue his great run? Maybe he looks at the NFC as easy pickins?

 

[Boston]

Sure, it's only a rumor, but this stuff is fun.Not being a "cap" guy, I wonder if anyone could speak to the following:1. Are the Patriots due for some big cap hits at some point? In other words, is there a dark cloud on the horizon that Belichick would want to avoid?2. Do the Giants have some sort of flexability with the cap coming up? In other words, would they be able to sign a few good players in the near future, making this an attractive situation?I agree with another poster who said that this would be better than any player or pick for the Giants. Something else to consider....Does Belichick see that the AFC is simply so competitive that it would be difficult to continue his great run? Maybe he looks at the NFC as easy pickins?

As far as #1 goes it's the exact opposite. The Pats are incredible shape with the cap. Due to not overpaying (or letting walk depending on how you want to look at it) guys like Woody, Givens and Branch they will be around 30 mill under this offseason (what they do with it is anyone's guess but it's not a fluke it's there). Also, the whole O line is signed long term term, the D line all has multiple years as does Brady, Watson, Bruschi, Maroney, Vrabel, Colvin and other key members of the team (I believe Samuel and Graham are the only two big names who's deal are up this offseason and with Graham's injury history and the addition of Thomas it's not a big deal). If anything the future is very bright with the Pats as they also have two #1's this year as well.My guess is if BB ever did leave it would be due to a soured relationship (i.e. with the Krafts) within the organization. It really doesn't make too much sense otherwise unless deep down he has a goal of winning a championship with the Giants...and having read a lot about him I've never seen that indicated although with BB you definetly will not know everything he's thinking.

 

[softball]

Scott Pioli has a "tie" to the Giants as Bill Parcells Son in Law. So with the Marra family they would be bringing "one of theirs" home. I could see that.

Belichick could be a different story IMHO, the woman he has had an affair (alleged affair) worked for the Giants as an assistant. That could be the kind of "bringing home" they may want to avoid. For the record I thin if they could get BB they would ignore his finding a date in their hallways.

The only reason I would believe all of this is things change fast in the NFL, and there have been so many coaching changes that "would never happen" starting with Bill Parcells that you just cannot say never.

And in a REALLY wild thought (my own)

Why not Pioli and John Fox to the Giants, two homers and

Bill Cowher to the Panthers??

 

[Boston]

One other thing to think about here. BB is not a fan of the media. He has the "issue" going on down in the NY/NJ area. I find it hard to believe he would want to be there full time as long as that's going on. It would be a page 6 media frenzy (this story seems to be a little juicy) and that's just not his style.

 

[Bri]

Is Belichik taking Tom Brady or Richard Seymour with him to the Giants? If not, who cares......Belichik plays the 3-4 for a lot of snaps. Giants do not have a NT like Wilfork nor do they have DEs like Seymour who could rush he passer as a 4-3 and play the run as a 3-4. Giants LBs are the suck.....who would play in the 3-4....Belichik would be stupid to make this move but to each one their own.....

With Osi and Kiwi, the Giants may have the best young bookends in the game. Whether they could be 3-4 linemen is irrelevent since BB could certainly make use of their considerable talent. Strahan seems like he still wants to play for a few more years and I'm sure he can handle whatever BB worked up too.Pierce is very good.