Could Bill Belichick be eyeing a return to coaching with the New York Jets after Saleh's dismissal?

Bill Belichick has acknowledged the potential of the New York Jets as Super Bowl contenders, with particular praise for their squad earlier in the season.

His commendation of the team fuelled rumours that he might step in to replace Robert Saleh after his abrupt ousting. Saleh was released by the Jets on Tuesday following a loss to the Minnesota Vikings. This move was unexpected, considering the Jet's 2-3 start this year and their aspirations for the playoffs.

Although the Jets are maintaining their coordinators Nathaniel Hackett as OC and Jeff Ulbrich as DC, with Ulbrich poised to serve as interim head coach, speculation around Belichick's coaching future persists amid reports he may savour media work and his new personal relationship until possibly returning to coaching in 2025. Nonetheless, an offer from New York, should it emerge, could prove tempting, notably as some predictors have the Jets pegged to top the AFC East.

Belichick hasn't been reticent about his esteem for the Jets' lineup, especially Breece Hall. He commented before this offseason: "The Jets are one of the hardest teams to prepare for from a skill standpoint because of Breece Hall. Outstanding running back that has the ability to take the ball the distance. He's very good in the passing game."

"Defensively you want to do everything you can to get the ball out of his hands and load the box. The problem is, if you load the box you're singled out there on Wilson, and that's a tall order.

"Aaron (Rodgers) knows how to use them and Aaron will know where the defense is heavy and where they're light and be able to work the ball there. They just need to solidify the consistency of the offensive line, but on paper I think they have a good offense, and