Belichick among 12 final coaches for HOF class

"Six-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick advanced to the final 12 coaches in running for the 2026 class for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Belichick is in his first year of eligibility after rule changes put in place last year requiring coaches only to be out of the NFL for one full season before being considered for the Hall. Two-time Super Bowl champion coaches Tom Coughlin, Mike Shanahan and George Seifert also advanced, along with another Super Bowl winner in Mike Holmgren."

"Belichick was the architect of the New England Patriots dynasty in the 2000s, leading the franchise to six Super Bowl titles and three other appearances in the game during an 18-year span from 2001-18. Belichick's 333 wins in the regular season and playoffs with New England and Cleveland are the second-most to Don Shula's 347. Belichick also was one the game's top defensive assistants before taking over New England, winning two more Super Bowls as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants."

"A blue-ribbon committee will reduce the field to nine semifinalists next month and eventually down to one finalist. Holmgren earned that spot last year but fell short in the final vote. The coach will be grouped with one contributor and three seniors candidates. Between one and three of those five finalists will make it to the Hall based on getting at least 80% of the votes from the full committee."

Bill Belichick reached the final 12 coaches considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2026 class in his first year of eligibility after a rule change shortened the required time out of the NFL to one full season. Other notable coaches advancing include Tom Coughlin, Mike Shanahan, George Seifert and Mike Holmgren, alongside Bill Arnsparger, Alex Gibbs, Chuck Knox, Buddy Parker, Dan Reeves, Marty Schottenheimer and Clark Shaughnessy. A blue-ribbon committee will trim the field to nine semifinalists and then to one finalist; finalists must secure at least 80% of committee votes for induction. Belichick compiled six Super Bowl titles, three additional appearances, and 333 wins, and previously won two Super Bowls as the New York Giants' defensive coordinator. Belichick left New England after the 2023 season and is now coaching at North Carolina, where his team is 2-4.

Read at ESPN.com