Bill Belichick is heading back to coaching – but in the college ranks instead of a return to the NFL.

The coaching legend opted to take over at the University of North Carolina this week.

But reports indicate if he were to take an NFL job, he found the Bears to be the most appealing role.

ESPN’s Seth Wickersham wrote Thursday morning:

According to sources with direct knowledge, the group deemed that the Chicago Bears were probably the most attractive job, but that team brass was unlikely to consider Belichick. The group expects the same thing that most around the league do: that the Bears will go offense, hoping to give quarterback Caleb Williams a chance at a career, probably targeting Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Belichick is 72 and also served as the Patriots GM during his time in New England. He has a defensive background, serving as a coordinator before and in between his head coaching gigs.

[NFL Mock Draft roundup: Analysts have Bears adding size up front]

It’s not a surprise to hear that the Bears might be the most attractive job out there for prospective coaches.

The team was thought by many to be a potential contender entering the 2024 season and have an enticing young quarterback in Caleb Williams (who is on his rookie deal for 3 more years).

Since this year hasn’t turned out well for the Bears, they’re now in line for another Top 10 selection in next spring’s NFL Draft, which would add more top young talent into the pipeline.