Bill Belichick in the Hall of Fame as early as 2026? A new regulation will ensure that players and coaches will be inducted into the illustrious circle much faster in the future

While the waiting period for induction into the Hall of Fame was previously five years after the end of a career, this will now be reduced to just one, the organization announced on Friday afternoon.

Although the new rule was not introduced specifically for him, this means that legendary Patriots coach Bill Belichick could also be inducted after the upcoming season. Former Seahawks HC Pete Carroll would also be a candidate.

“The first pillar of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s mission statement says that we will ‘honor the game’s greatest’. An important way to accomplish this is through an annual review of the selection process and the individuals involved. By forming two selection committees, the discussion about the candidates will be intensified and more Hall of Famers will have their say,” Jim Porter, President and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, explained the changes.

He continued, “The division into the coaches and contributors categories allows for the inclusion of a finalist from each category. Most importantly, we continue to elect great classes of honorees, and these measures help ensure the desired outcome,” Porter emphasized.