Why readers think Bill Belichick belonged in the Hall of Fame this year

Readers Say

After Belichick fell short of first-ballot induction into the Class of 2026, Boston.com readers largely called it a snub — though some eluded to Tom Brady and Patriots-era scandals as complicating factors.

Bill Belichick owns one of the most decorated coaching résumés in NFL history, with eight Super Bowl titles — six as the Patriots’ head coach. But the legendary coach fell short of becoming first-ballot induction this year, failing to get the 40-out-of-50 votes needed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

The decision sparked reactions across the NFL, including from former Patriots and other high-profile players. The Pro Football Hall of Fame issued a statement defending its selection process and warning that bylaw violations could carry consequences.

We asked Boston.com readers whether Belichick missing the cut this year was a snub — or a fair outcome.

Of the more than 450 readers who voted, 93% believed Belichick should have made the Hall of Fame this year, while 6% said ‘no,’ and another 1% voted ‘I’m not sure.”

Most readers said his coaching résumé alone should have carried him.

“The resume speaks for itself,” one wrote.

Another boiled it down to the sheer number of Super Bowl rings: “If that’s not enough, nothing is.”

And some focused on how long he stayed at the top: “Nobody has anywhere near his record of sustained success.”

“He was great with Brady. He was at best average without,” one reader wrote.

Another put it more sharply: “Brady and Belichick together won a lot of championships. Without Belichick, Brady won another one. Without Brady, Belichick never even made it to the playoffs…”

Some readers pointed to the scandals that have followed Belichick’s teams, and argued they’re part of the legacy voters are weighing.

“He was a cheater,” one wrote.

Another said the Hall should account for more than wins and rings: “HOF honors the whole person, their character, and not just as a coach.”

Others argued the first-ballot reaction is out of proportion to the outcome: “First ballot is nice, but it’s not like other elections are somehow second-class.”

Ahead, read a sampling of responses from our readers.

Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.

Should Bill Belichick have been voted into the Hall of Fame this year?

Yes!

“Building a 20 year dynasty would not have happened without Coach Belichick. He built that team up brick by brick.” — Christy

“He’s the best of all time. They should not only let him in, they should rename the hall itself after him.” — Bill, Brighton

“The Hall of Fame is not a beauty pageant and politics should not be part of the selection criteria.” — Dan V., North Shore

“Simply put: The Greatest Coach ever in the NFL. This is a travesty!” — A Boston.com reader

“The pros outweigh any and every con.” — A Boston.com reader

“If his isn’t good enough, remove all coaches and owners!” — Joseph K., Pittsfield

“His resume speaks for itself. The only coaches remotely close to him are George Halas… and Don Shula… It’s disgraceful and a stain on the NFL HoF voting process.” — Tom D., Roswell, GA

“His record and statistical information speaks for itself. He is definitely the most successful NFL coach of the modern era! 8 Super Bowls says it all.” — A Boston.com reader

“It’s a NO BRAINER!” — A Boston.com reader

No!

“He was great with Brady. He was at best average without.” — Eddie P., Medford

“It’s clear that Tom Brady was the reason. Bill is a slightly below average coach.” — A Boston.com reader

“Just look at his record without Brady.” — Bruno G., New Bedford

“Brady and Belichick together won a lot of championships. Without Belichick, Brady won another one. Without Brady, Belichick never even made it to the playoffs…” — A Boston.com reader

“He was a cheater.” — Derek C., Boston

“HOF honors the whole person, their character and not just as a coach. A great coach, but he was a man of poor character and integrity…” — A Boston.com reader