FILE – In this Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, file photo, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick yells from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, Calif. President Donald Trump will present one of the nation’s highest civilian honors to Bill Belichick, the football coach of the New England Patriots and the only coach to win six Super Bowl titles. The presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom is expected Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, File)
(NewsNation) — Bill Belichick, who helped guide the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles over more than two decades, will join “Inside the NFL” as a studio analyst for the upcoming season, The CW Network has announced.
Belichick joins a panel of analysts on the weekly show, which covers NFL topics of interest and trends. The panel also includes former NFL cornerback Ryan Clark, ex-Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad Johnson and two-time Super Bowl champion defensive end Chris Long.
Belichick, who mutually parted ways with the Patriots after 24 seasons, was considered a front-runner for the Atlanta Falcons’ coaching vacancy before Raheem Morris was hired. The Patriots failed to make the playoffs in the past two seasons after winning their most recent Super Bowl in 2020.
“Inside the NFL” will air for a second season on The CW Network beginning Aug. 30. The CW Network is owned by Nexstar Media, which is the parent company of NewsNation.
“I’m thrilled to join my new team at NFL Films and to work on such a historic television franchise,” Belichick said. “I’ve always appreciated Inside The NFL’s depth of analysis, and I hope to bring the same detailed insight to The CW by talking real football with real pros – Ryan, Chris and Chad – this coming season.”
Before being hired by the Patriots, Belichick won two Super Bowl titles as the New York Giants’ defensive coordinator. In his 24 years in New England, Belichick led the Patriots to nine AFC Championships and seven Super Bowls.
He also coached the Cleveland Browns for five seasons. Belichick is expected to appear on ESPN’s “Manningcast” in the upcoming season as well.
“Bill Belichick joining Inside The NFL is a true game-changer for this storied franchise and The CW,” Dennis Miller, president of The CW Network, said in an issued statement. “Not only is he one of the most accomplished coaches in NFL history, but his knowledge and passion for football is truly unmatched. Fans will now get the chance to hear his insights and better understand the nuances of the game from the master himself.”
“Inside The NFL” is entering its 48th season on television. The show airs every Friday night throughout the season and runs through the Super Bowl. The program sets the stage for the games ahead by combining expert analysis with pivotal game action captured by NFL Films’ cinematographers and exclusive all-access “mic’d up” audio.
“Over the years, NFL Films and Coach Belichick have enjoyed a long and collaborative relationship. Adding his football mind to an already impressive roster on ‘Inside The NFL’ presents an incredible creative opportunity,” Steve Menzel, senior producer and showrunner of NFL Films, said.