Bill Belichick’s next NFL coaching chapter could potentially keep him on the East Coast.

The Commanders and Falcons are expected to be discussed as the “most likely Belichick landing spots,” according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, as speculation swirls about what’s next for the eight-time Super Bowl winner following his departure from the Patriots on Thursday.

Belichick, who spent 24 seasons in New England, where he won six Super Bowl titles, was linked to the Falcons in a separate ESPN report that noted: “He will want to continue coaching and is expected to draw interest from at least some of the other seven NFL teams that have head-coaching vacancies, quite possibly the Atlanta Falcons.”

However, there are conflicting reports about the Commanders’ interest in Belichick, with CBS NFL insider Jonathan Jones reporting Thursday, “Sources I’ve spoken to have reaffirmed the Commanders are not expected to pursue Bill Belichick.”

Ron Rivera was dismissed by the Commanders on Monday after four years in Washington.

As for the Falcons, who fired head coach Arthur Smith on Monday after three losing seasons, they have requested permission to speak with 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks about their head coaching vacancy, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

There has been much speculation about Belichick’s future in New England beyond the 2023 season.

In the wake of a disappointing 4-13 campaign, in which the Patriots missed the postseason for the third time in four years, Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft opted to part ways.

What we know about the split between the Patriots and Bill Belichick

The Patriots and Bill Belichick will reportedly part ways on Thursday after 24 years and six Super Bowl wins.

Rumors had swirled around Belichick’s future all season as the Patriots finished with a 4-13 record and missed the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. Belichick met with Patriots owner Robert Kraft over the past several days before reaching the mutual decision.

4

Belichick notched a 266-121 overall record with the Patriots and has another 31 playoff victories.

The 71-year-old has no plans to retire, and needs just 15 more wins to match Don Shula’s all-time wins record — regular season and playoffs — by a head coach in NFL history.

Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo — who was the heir apparent — has taken over the job and become the next New England head coach.

The discussions from both parties reportedly were amicable, with sources telling ESPN, “There was said to be no conflict, no disagreement,” and how the “productive talks resulted in a mutual decision that left both sides comfortable and at ease.”

Belichick, 71, leaves New England with an overall record of 266-121.

As for whom Kraft could potentially turn to next, Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, former Titans coach Mike Vrabel and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores — all of whom have ties to the organization — likely will be among the names tipped as potential Belichick successors, according to ESPN.