New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will make a jump to another team in 2018, according to one of several bold offseason predictions by ESPN. Based on ESPN’s prediction, Belichick might return to his former team, the New York Giants, where he worked as special teams coach and defensive assistant, linebackers coach, and defensive coordinator from 1979 to 1990. Belichick is close to Giants team owner John Mara, who has reportedly sought his advice several times on past hiring. In its report, ESPN said Belichick will face a new challenge with the Giants, who remain fond of him since his days as an assistant coach with the Patriots.

If the Giants successfully lure Belichick from the Patriots, ESPN said they will have a head coach “uniquely equipped to handle whatever might come his way.”

However, ESPN said Belichick won’t take a chance in leaving a Super Bowl-caliber squad for a floundering one. ESPN also mentioned that Belichick can get any job of his choice after veteran quarterback Tom Brady calls it a career and hangs up his cleats for good. This was not the first report that Belichick will leave the Patriots and join the Giants in 2018. Matt Burke of Metro.us first raised the possibility after the rift between Belichick and Brady’s personal trainer/friend Alex Guerrero emerged. According to Burke, Belichick could bolt to the Giants if Patriots team owner Robert Kraft sides with Brady in case the feud boils over.

Aside from Belichick, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is also rumored to take the helm of the Giants, who recently fired Ben McAdoo as head coach after another disappointing season.

Giants hire new GM

Recently, the Giants hired Dave Gettleman as general manager, replacing Jerry Reese, who was fired together with McAdoo on Dec.

4. Gettleman is not new to the Giants, as he worked with the organization for 15 years as a personnel executive from 1998 to 2012. After that, he was hired by the Carolina Panthers as general manager, helping the team reach the Super Bowl in 2015. Despite helping the Panthers win three straight NFC South titles, Gettleman was fired in July.

In hiring Gettleman, Mara said the organization put a premium on bringing someone with experience as a general manager and a proven track record.

Giants secure No. 2 overall pick

Gettleman will be tasked with evaluating the Giants’ options for the No. 2 overall pick, which they clinched after the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Houston Texans, 22-13. The Giants could use the pick to get an heir-apparent for veteran quarterback Eli Manning, who secured the second overall pick after finishing the season with a 3-13 mark, the second-worst record in the league behind the winless Cleveland Browns (0-16).
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