The Bill Belichick Model for Retirement
One of my coaching heroes is the polarizing former coach of the New England Patriots Bill Belichick. Everyone that is a football fan has an opinion of his methods and they span the spectrum from cheater to genius. Despite what you think, Belichick managed to last a half century in the NFL, is the second winningest coach and has collected 8 Super Bowl rings.
After the end of his tenure with the Patriots, he took the 2024 season off from coaching and popped up on a lot of media outlets to discuss the game of football. There was lots of speculation about his future and if this was the end of his coaching career. Then, in move some understand and others find puzzling, he took the head coaching role at the University of North Carolina (UNC) ending his “retirement.”
Historically, UNC is not a football school and has been known for its basketball program over the last 75 years or so - including Michael Jordan.
In the wake of Belichick’s move to college one article got sent to me with the title “Bill Belichick as a role model for seniors” written by Josh Bernoff, a fellow senior. What is highlighted is something to take quite serious. Most don’t want to continue the rat race but are not done making contributions - so what options are out there to consider?
Belichick’s move may offer some insights.
Now, your move is probably not that of taking over a major college football program, but there are a couple principles that can be applied.
We live in a new world of work that makes entrepreneurial endeavors more accessible and desired by many. Freelance work is on the rise and those with years of experience can leverage their expertise in new ways. You may not need a 9-5 to do your work but can consult or teach. Others are finding extensive volunteering to be fulfilling alternatives in their later years.
Several of the recommendations are to look closely at what it is you have expertise in and what you like to do. Those can be clear road signs for future ventures. In addition, it is a great time to be creative and explore alternative methods for doing what you have done your whole career. Those that remain stuck in a 9-5 mindset may find options dwindling as they age whereas those that take advantage of the new age of work and think outside the box may find more fruitful and rewarding golden years.
Plus - you’ll probably enjoy better overall health in your later years!
In other words - be like Belichick (maybe not the suspected cheating)
https://bernoff.com/blog/bill-belichick-as-a-role-model-for-seniors
As always, if you come across a financially related article you’d like to send my way please do!
Best place to send them is to me.
More next time!
Jonathan