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NFL coaching legend Jimmy Johnson was furious with the contingent of voters who decided to keep Bill Belichick from achieving Hall of Fame status in the first ballot on Tuesday.
Belichick did not get the necessary 40 votes from the 50-person panel made up of media members and other Hall of Famers, ESPN reported, citing sources. The reported snub sparked outrage, including from Johnson, who appeared furious on social media.
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Former Miami Hurricanes head coach Jimmy Johnson celebrates after the 2025 Cotton Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinal game at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2025. (Jérôme Miron/Imagn Images)
“This is simply WRONG…#2 winning ALL THE TIME…more Super Bowls than anyone, an unimaginable number of division championships…lots of jealous little votes,” he wrote first on X.
“I’d like to know the names of the assholes who didn’t vote for him. They’re too cowardly to identify themselves…” he continued. “PLEASE…If you didn’t vote for BB, identify yourself!!! Probably too cowardly. Hide behind your SECRET BALLOT!!!”
The class of 2026 won’t be officially revealed until next week, closer to Super Bowl LX. Belichick was among the candidates in a separate group in the modern era player category with Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, LC Greenwood and Robert Kraft.
Belichick was “perplexed” and “disappointed” by the decision and wondered what more he needed to do as head coach to get in immediately,” ESPN reported.
“Politics has kept him away. He doesn’t think it reflects his achievements,” another source told the outlet.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick leads his team during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
BILL BELICHICK Reportedly Missed Out on First Ballot to Hall of Fame, Provoking Quick Backlash
Belichick, who is currently the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, had a record of 302-165 during his head coaching career between the Patriots and Cleveland Browns. He won six titles with Tom Brady as Patriots head coach before mutually parting ways with the franchise after the 2023 season.
He served as a defensive assistant under Bill Parcells with the New York Giants from 1979 to 1991. The team won two Super Bowls during this period.
He had a controversial ending with the Browns and New York Jets. The Browns moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens under the cover of obscurity, essentially leaving the entire franchise in the city. When he was about to accept the job as head coach of the Jets, he backed out at the last minute and decided to take the job in New England instead.
Belichick’s Patriots career hasn’t exactly been sunshine and rainbows, either. He was involved in the Spygate and Deflategate scandals during his time. ESPN reported that the cheating scandals played a role in some voters’ decision about Belichick’s candidacy.
Belichick’s coaching tree looked stronger than ever. The Patriots will return to the Super Bowl with Mike Vrabel at the helm. Vrabel won three titles under Belichick. Josh McDaniels, another member of Belichick’s staff, is also the team’s offensive coordinator.
Former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson speaks during his induction into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor at halftime during an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
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“As a HOF coach I think Bill Belichick is the greatest of all time… Yes he had a great QB but we all did that. He won AFTER THE salary cap and free agency and I know how much he LOVES THE NFL and the game. I’m f—ed,” Johnson added.
