Bill Belichick shouldn't stay away from coaching in the NFL too long if he desires a return.
Otherwise, he might find himself being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
On Friday, the Hall revealed a number of changes to its selection process, voting criteria and additional matters -- but none more significant perhaps than the reduction in time a coach might be away from the game for Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration.
Per the release:
"The waiting period for Coach candidates has been reduced from five seasons out of the game to one season."
The Modern-Era player format largely is unchanged, with the selection committee determining 50 finalists, whittling that done to 25 semifinalists in November and then 15 finalists in December for Pro Football Hall of Fame 2025 consideration.
In total, 20 individuals will receive consideration: 15 Modern-era players, three seniors, one coach and one contributor.
The Hall has said no fewer than three and no more than five players can be elected in any given class; "Approval from 80% of the Selectors is required for election."
The Pro Football Hall of Fame's full release can be read here: Pro Football Makes Changes For Induction.