Morning Sports Update
The plan, conceived of by Denver head coach Sean Payton, was ultimately scrapped.
Sean Payton and Bill Belichick in 2017. AP Photo/Paul Vernon
July 7, 2026 | 10:41 AM
2 minutes to read
Bill Belichick could’ve been the (temporary) Broncos coach: In the long and interesting history of NFL “what ifs,” a particularly over-the-top but fascinating example was uncovered by ESPN senior writer Seth Wickersham.
In a recently published piece that went behind-the-scenes and very in-depth on Sean Payton’s head coaching performance with the Broncos, Wickersham included a reference to Belichick as Payton was (coincidentally) preparing his team to play New England in the 2026 AFC Championship Game.
While presenting a slate of “playoff myths” that Belichick previously conveyed to the Patriots, Payton is revealed to have once considered an unorthodox plan involving the legendary ex-New England coach.
“When Belichick and the Patriots divorced in 2024, Payton considered presenting Broncos owner Greg Penner a proposal for the ages: Hire Belichick as head coach until he reached 15 wins, enough to break Don Shula’s career record of 347,” wrote Wickersham. “Payton would temporarily step down to assistant head coach and run the offense, then move back after Belichick became the all-time leader.”
It’s a wild notion, and one that ultimately failed to materialize.
“In the end, it was too complicated — and maybe too fanciful,” Wickersham concluded.
It’s one of many compelling anecdotes and references made in the expansive look at Payton’s turnaround of the Broncos, and obviously one that rings most relevant for Patriots fans.
Belichick eventually left the NFL ranks to become head coach of the University of North Carolina football team.
Trivia: Bill Belichick actually does have a coaching history with the Broncos, having worked there as an assistant in 1978. Denver was a quality team that season, going 10-6 before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Steelers in the playoffs. Who was the Broncos quarterback that year?
(Answer at the bottom)
Hint: He became the first quarterback in NFL history to start two Super Bowls for different teams.
Scores and schedules:
Tonight, the Red Sox begin a three-game series against the White Sox in Chicago at 7:40 p.m.
The United States lost to Belgium 4-1 in the World Cup Round of 16, ending the Americans’ tournament run in tough circumstances.
The World Cup schedule today:
- Argentina vs. Egypt at 12 p.m.
- Switzerland vs. Colombia at 4 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
Caleb Durbin’s turnaround: Taking a closer look at the Red Sox infielder’s recent upswing.
On this day: In 2005, the Red Sox traded for utility infielder Alex Cora (amid a few other interesting headlines).
Daily highlight: In the other World Cup game yesterday (arguably the much more consequential one), Spain eventually prevailed in the most Spanish way possible. After a series of quick passes, Mikel Merino snuck in behind the Portuguese defense, and scored a later winning goal.
¡¡¡GOL DE ESPAÑAAAAA!!! ¡¡¡MIKEL MERINO LE DARÁ EL PASE A CUARTOS DE FINAL A SU PAÍS!!!
El jugador del Arsenal se mete al área y define de zurda para poner a La Roja 1-0 arriba sobre Portugal.
El adiós de Cristiano Ronaldo del Mundial se acerca… pic.twitter.com/GG8B0CZRAA
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 6, 2026
Trivia answer: Craig Morton
Hayden Bird
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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