Six-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick has reportedly been snubbed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. The news, first reported by ESPN, has sparked widespread shock and criticism from fans and sports stars alike. According to ESPN, citing four unnamed sources, Belichick failed to receive the necessary 40 votes from the 50-person Hall of Fame panel. He reportedly learned of the decision last Friday through a call from the Hall of Fame. The organization has declined to comment ahead of the 2026 class announcement at NFL Honors in San Francisco on 5 February. Belichick is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. His tenure with the New England Patriots, which began in 2000, included six Super Bowl victories and three additional appearances in the championship game from 2001 to 2018. He accumulated 333 wins in regular season and playoff games with New England and Cleveland, second only to Don Shula’s 347. Belichick also earned AP NFL Coach of the Year honors three times. The reported snub drew strong reactions from current athletes. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes called it “insane” on social media, saying he could not understand how it was possible. Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt also expressed disbelief, writing that there is “not a single world whatsoever in which Bill Belichick should not be a First-Ballot Hall of Famer.” The surprise extended beyond football. Lakers star LeBron James reacted with outrage, posting that the omission was “IMPOSSIBLE, EGREGIOUS, and quite frankly DISRESPECTFUL!” Before his New England tenure, Belichick was a top defensive assistant, winning two Super Bowls as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. His career has included some controversies, including the 2007 “Spygate” scandal, which involved filming the New York Jets’ defensive signals. Belichick was fined $500,000 as a result. Belichick recently completed his first year coaching college football at North Carolina, following the end of his Patriots tenure in 2023. This year, Belichick was one of five finalists among senior players, coaches, and contributors. The others included Patriots owner Robert Kraft as a contributor, and players Roger Craig, Ken Anderson, and LC Greenwood. Between one and three of these finalists will be inducted, along with three to five modern-era players from a group of 15 finalists. Despite the snub, Belichick’s record and impact on the NFL remain widely celebrated. Analysts note that the decision reflects the Hall of Fame’s competitive selection process rather than a dismissal of his achievements. Fans, however, continue to voice their frustration across social media platforms. Belichick’s first-year omission has reignited debate over Hall of Fame voting standards, eligibility rules, and the recognition of coaching legends. With the official announcement approaching, anticipation is building around which candidates will ultimately be honored.