Nebraska coach says he was ‘embarrassed’ by Bill Belichick’s vast football knowledge

You already knew this, therefore you didn’t need to read it. Ball-knowing certified, that’s Bill Belichick.

The coach, who has won six Super Bowls, left company with the Patriots in January after 24 seasons. Despite not having an NFL season to prepare for, the future Hall of Fame inductee continues to be involved with the game.

He recently showed up at a practice to support his son, defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, while dressed in full Washington Huskies uniform. He spoke as a guest speaker at a Nebraska coaches’ seminar on Friday, and former NFL coach Matt Rhule was deeply impressed.

“He can make the complex so simple, and it humbles and embarrasses you because he is so smart and has seen so much,” Rhode remarked. “Listening to him yesterday made me feel uncomfortable.”

Belichick spent 4.5 hours talking with the Huskers coaching staff, and it seemed like he could have talked for longer.

After 3.5 hours, I asked, “Coach, would you like a drink of water?” Coffee? Go to the bathroom?” said Rhule. “I’m fine, Matt,” he said. I said, “Yes, sir.”

The 71-year-old coach’s ability to remember obscure incidents from decades past astounded Rhule, he added.

However, this shouldn’t be shocking. Having started his coaching career in 1975, Belichick has earned a reputation as something of a football historian due to his extensive understanding of the game and the subtleties of every position.

“He has to slow down to make sure you comprehend what he’s saying, which is the main reason we don’t get through more stuff,” Rhule stated. “This man is a prodigy who has experience as a special teams coordinator and defensive coordinator. He might work as a coordinator of offenses. He has two stints as head coach. As a general manager, he has a way of explaining football that makes sense and leaves you thinking, “Oh my gosh.” The pleasure of spending that time with him was amazing.

After being let go by the Carolina Panthers in 2022, Rhule claimed that Belichick and Kansas City coach Andy Reid were among the first coaches to reach out to him. In addition, Belichick sent Rhule a bottle of Dom Pérignon as a thank you for accepting the job at Nebraska.

Belichick left New England with 333 career wins (including playoff triumphs), second only to Don Shula’s 347 career victories.

Since the NFL’s postseason play began in 1933, just three coaches have won six championships: Belichick, George Halas, and Curly Lambeau.

At Lincoln, 49-year-old Rhule is starting his second season. As a college coach, he is 52–50 all time, and the Huskers finished 5-7 in 2023.

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