Sources: Bill Belichick will not be a first-ballot Hall of Famer - ESPN

Bill Belichick, the eight-time Super Bowl-winning coach, is not a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

In voting earlier this month, Belichick fell short of the 40 out of 50 votes needed for induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame during his first year of eligibility, four sources with firsthand knowledge of the outcome told ESPN. Belichick received a call from a Hall representative last Friday afternoon with the news that he won't be inducted into the Hall in Canton, Ohio, this summer.

Several sources who spoke with the coach over the weekend described Belichick as «puzzled» and «disappointed» by his inability to secure support from at least 80% of Hall committee members.

«Six Super Bowls isn't enough?» Belichick asked an associate, referring to the championships he won as head coach of the New England Patriots. He won two more as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants. To another associate, he said, «What does a guy have to do?»

Another source familiar with Belichick's thinking said, «Politics kept him out. He doesn't believe this is a reflection on his accomplishments.»

Belichick declined comment to ESPN. A spokesperson for the Hall provided a statement: «The Pro Football Hall of Fame does not comment on the voting of the Selection Committee and awaits the unveiling of the Class of 2026 at 'NFL Honors' on Feb. 5 in San Francisco.»

The inductees are scheduled to be announced next week during Super Bowl activities.

With an NFL coaching record of 333-178, including playoffs — career victories second only to Don Shula's 347 — Belichick was considered by most fans and Hall voters to be a first-ballot lock.

The Hall's voting committee is composed mostly of veteran NFL reporters, but also includes football figures such as