Nebraska HC Matt Rhule reveals how an encounter with legendary Patriots coach Bill Belichick left him ’embarrassed’

Belichick spent his week with the coaching staff of the Cornhuskers.

Matt Rhule and Bill Belichick (via Screengrab on X/ IMAGO)

The legend of Bill Belichick continues post his retirement from the NFL. The former head coach of the New England Patriots will not be part of an NFL coaching staff for the first time in nearly 50 years.

Despite retirement, he remains drawn to the game and is helping coaches to understand the game in a better way. Last week, Belichick spent his time with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the team head coached by former Carolina Panthers HC Matt Rhule.

After getting the opportunity to pick his brains, HC Matt Rhule could not hold himself back from ogling at Bill Belichick‘s knowledge of the game.

He (Belichick) is so smart and has seen so much that he can make the complex so simple that it humbles you and embarrasses you. I was embarrassed yesterday listening to him, how smart he is, how simple it was. He went four and a half hours just with the coaching...he came in and met with our coaching staff.

Matt Rhule in his press conference earlier today

There has never been a doubt concerning Bill Belichick’s ability to coach the game at an elite level. He has spent his entire life around the game and it comes as no surprise that his knowledge base leaves experienced NFL coaches such as Matt Rhule feeling as though they know nothing about football. As Rhule stated, Belichick has seen a lot in his time as an assistant coach, defensive coordinator, and a head coach.

Bill Belichick’ football acumen leaves athletes and coaches in awe

In addition to that, Belichick has dealt with players from diverse backgrounds over the years. He has had the opportunity to coach players with different characters and in this journey; he became a pro at figuring the best way to convey his message to the players. Despite the media perception of Belichick being a man who prefers to be introverted and hates engaging in chit-chat, he is an expert communicator.

 
Bill Belichick (Via Imago)
Matt Rhule further revealed that he had to use the restroom three hours into the meeting but Belichick despite being 71 years of age, continued to actively speak about the game and was so engaged that he neither had a sip of water nor a coffee even after the Cornhuskers HC offered him some. Rhule ogled at Belichick’s ability to recall plays and situations from over a decade ago.

Sitting there and talking, his recall from 15-years ago...the only reason why we don't get through more information is because he's having to slow down to make sure you understand what he's saying...you have this man who is a savant...and he's talking about football in a way that just like illuminates things and makes things so simple....

Rhule concluded

It comes as no surprise that his acumen left Rhule amazed. Bill Belichick, as a defensive coordinator, was always a mastermind.

The man predicted and prepared the Patriots on the final play of Super Bowl 2015 where Malcolm Butler swooped in and made the most important defensive play in SB history.

The HC of the Pats at the time, Belichick had made his players practice that play weeks in advance. He can understand and break down football better than anyone, which is why he can simplify the most complex plays for the layman. It is safe to say that there never will be another Bill Belichick.