What an exciting possibility: Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft may reunite as inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

It would be quite fitting and intriguing.

Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl victories, establishing one of the most remarkable dynasties in NFL history. However, his unexpected parting with Kraft, a leading figure among NFL owners, stands out as one of the most fascinating separations in league history.

There’s a strong chance that both will have their likenesses immortalized in Canton in August 2026.

Belichick, who officially left the NFL on Wednesday to take on the coaching role at the University of North Carolina, is almost certain to be inducted in his first year of eligibility for coaches.

This scenario suggests the new Tar Heels coach would jump ahead in line, overshadowing other qualified candidates like Mike Shanahan and Tom Coughlin, with only one coach being selected in each class.

(As a side note, I have been part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s selection committee since 1998, and currently serve on the revised nine-member coaches sub-committee.)

Belichick, now 72, wasn’t eligible for the Class of 2025, which will likely see Mike Holmgren included as the only coaching finalist. The Hall of Fame’s rules require a one-year waiting period for coaches, though previously there was a five-year wait, matching that of modern-era players.

This longer waiting period was established a few years back in response to Bill Parcells’ nomination (inducted in 2013), prompting voters to think about his potential return to coaching after he had previously made a comeback. Another coach, Joe Gibbs, returned to coach the Washington team again (2004-2007) after his induction in 1996.

Regardless, Belichick’s accolades speak for themselves, even with the controversy surrounding “Spygate.” He ranks second in NFL history for total career coaching victories (333), which includes his six Super Bowl wins with the Patriots. Additionally, he earned two Super Bowl rings as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. He also holds the record for the most postseason wins (31) by any coach in NFL history.

Now that he’s eligible for Canton in the Class of 2026, Hall of Fame representative Rich Desrosiers confirmed to YSL News Sports. Desrosiers stated, “Our bylaws require a retirement from professional football for one full season.”

This means that even if Belichick struggles in the ACC, it would not impact his Hall of Fame candidacy.

On the other hand, Kraft, who is 83, has been overlooked for the last 13 years as a finalist in the contributor category, despite having an outstanding record himself.

Kraft hired Belichick in 2000, despite advice from several influential figures in the NFL (like Paul Tagliabue and Carmen Policy), and he deserves credit for those Super Bowl wins for the Patriots as well. His influence extends to the league level—he chairs the NFL’s media committee responsible for negotiating major TV deals and played a key role in labor discussions that resolved the 2011 lockout, which further strengthens his case for a Hall of Fame induction.

Given that contemporary NFL owners like Jerry Jones, Eddie DeBartolo, and the late Pat Bowlen are already in the Hall of Fame, it seems to be only a matter of time before Kraft receives his call to the Hall.

If Belichick and Kraft do end up sharing the spotlight during their Hall of Fame induction, it would create a fascinating narrative that highlights their roles in establishing one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties.