Six-time Super Bowl champion head coach Bill Belichick was not voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, according to a report from ESPN.
Citing four unidentified sources, ESPN reported Tuesday that Belichick did not receive the necessary 40 votes from the 50-member panel of media members and other Hall of Famers. ESPN said Belichick received a call from the Hall of Fame last Friday with the news.
The Hall of Fame declined to comment before the class of 2026 was announced during the NFL Honors in San Francisco on Feb. 5.
Belichick’s censure report received widespread criticism, including from Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomeswho posted on social media: “Insane… I don’t even understand how this is possible.”
Lance King via Getty Images
Belichick was hired by New England in 2000 and led the franchise to six Super Bowl victories and three other title game appearances during an 18-year span from 2001-18. Belichick’s 333 regular-season and playoff wins with New England and Cleveland are second-most behind Don Shula’s 347. He won AP NFL Coach of the Year three times.
Belichick was also one of the game’s best defensive assistants before taking over in New England and winning two previous Super Bowls as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
Kevin C. Cox via Getty Images
Belichick’s career had spots. He was involved in a sign-stealing scandal dubbed “Spygate” during the 2007 season and was fined $500,000 after the team was caught filming the New York Jets’ defensive signals during a game.
Belichick’s tenure in New England ended after the 2023 season. He just completed his first year of college coaching in North Carolina.
Belichick was one of five finalists among coaches, contributors and senior players who last appeared in a game in 2000 or earlier. Patriots owner Robert Kraft was the entry finalist, with Roger Craig, Ken Anderson and LC Greenwood among the players.
One to three of these finalists will be included in the venue, along with three to five modern players from a group of fifteen finalists.
