Stephen A. Smith’s fondness for mocking the Dallas Cowboys is well known among NFL fans. But during an interview with Tom Brady at Fanatics Fest, Smith expressed a surprisingly candid opinion about what could have improved the Cowboys’ prospects after Brady’s retirement: bringing Bill Belichick to Dallas.
“Jerry Jones only wants to talk to the media, Bill Belichick only wants to coach and not talk to the media. It would have been a match made in heaven”, Smith said.
He considered this a missed opportunity for the Cowboys and asked Brady himself what potential Belichick had as a leader of the American team.
“I think without a doubt he is the best coach the NFL has ever had.”Brady began. He then emphasized how the Patriots were prepared for any scenario thanks to the coach’s meticulous game-day preparation, drawing on his twenty years of experience working with Bill Belichick.
But the seven-time Super Bowl winner wasn’t satisfied with that. He added: “When I look at any of these organizations that have open coaching positions, Bill Belichick is a no-brainer for me..”
However, he pointed out that Belichick has an authoritarian style and his own unique methods, which makes him a coach who can build winning teams.
Interestingly, Smith and Brady are not the only ones who share this opinion. A former three-time Super Bowl-winning Patriots coach recently expressed similar thoughts about a potential Belichick-Jerry Jones merger in Dallas.
Eric Mangini believes Dallas is the best place for coach Belichick
Four weeks ago, the former Jets HC shared his insights about “The herd“ podcast with Colin Cowherd, where he suggested that the Dallas Cowboys could benefit greatly from bringing Belichick on board.
Mangini’s approach is particularly interesting given the unique dynamic in Dallas, where Jones serves as both owner and general manager, making a power struggle between the coach and a separate GM less likely.
Mangini argues that in organizations with less football-experienced owners or new owners, the GM-coach relationship “can be much more difficult“, as it might be difficult for GMs to challenge Belichick’s decisions.
Additionally, Belichick’s track record speaks for itself and his playoff experience could be the missing piece of the puzzle for the Cowboys. Under Mike McCarthy, Dallas has struggled to advance in the playoff season, but Belichick’s calm demeanor and strategic skill in high-pressure situations could be the key to breaking that cycle.
Not to mention, the Cowboys’ defense, which already boasts stars like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, could reach new heights under Belichick’s defensive wizardry.
Looking ahead to 2025, the stars seem to be aligning for both sides. Belichick is eager to prove he can win without Tom Brady, while Jones remains determined to bring another Super Bowl to Dallas, so could this be the perfect combination to revitalize America’s Team?
