Bill Belichick Reportedly Misses Hall of Fame Induction

The six-time Super Bowl champion coach failed to receive the necessary 40 votes from the selection panel.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:15pm by Ben Kaplan

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According to a report from ESPN, former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick did not get voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Belichick, who won six Super Bowls with the Patriots, reportedly received a call from the Hall of Fame last Friday informing him that he did not receive the required 40 votes from the 50-person selection panel.

Why it matters

Belichick is considered one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time, leading the Patriots dynasty for nearly two decades. His exclusion from the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility has sparked significant criticism, with players like Patrick Mahomes calling the decision "insane."

The details

Belichick's coaching career includes 333 regular season and playoff wins, the second most in NFL history behind only Don Shula. He won three AP NFL Coach of the Year awards and was also a top defensive coordinator, winning two Super Bowls with the New York Giants before taking over in New England. However, Belichick's tenure was not without controversy, as he was implicated in the "Spygate" scandal in 2007.

  • Belichick was hired by the New England Patriots in 2000.
  • He led the Patriots to six Super Bowl wins and three other appearances from 2001-2018.
  • Belichick's tenure in New England ended following the 2023 season.
  • He just finished his first year coaching in college at North Carolina.

The players

Bill Belichick

A six-time Super Bowl champion head coach who was not voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback who criticized Belichick's exclusion from the Hall of Fame, calling it "insane."

Don Shula

The NFL coach with the most regular season and playoff wins, ahead of Belichick.

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What they’re saying

“Insane... don't even understand how this could be possible.”

— Patrick Mahomes (Twitter)

What’s next

The Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026 will be announced on February 5th during NFL Honors in San Francisco.

The takeaway

Bill Belichick's exclusion from the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility has sparked outrage, highlighting the ongoing debate around his legacy and the criteria for induction. This decision will likely fuel further discussion about Belichick's place among the all-time great NFL coaches.