Pro Football Hall of Fame Makes Major Announcement for Coaches

The Pro Football Hall of Fame typically makes candidates wait five years from their last season before considering them for induction into their exclusive club.

However, the PFHOF announced "several significant changes" to its bylaws on Friday, August 23. Most notably, the institution has reduced its five-year requirement down to one year for coaches, effective starting in 2025.

Additionally, the Hall of Fame has separated coaches and contributors into two separate categories. One of each may be inducted every year.

While the rule change seems to be made with no one in mind, it's difficult to not immediately think that Bill Belichick is now eligible for the Class of 2026, provided he doesn't coach in the NFL next season.

If he remains out of coaching, Belichick will be a shoo-in in his first year of eligibility. His accolades speak for themselves.

Belichick is a six-time Super Bowl champion as head coach of the New England Patriots and has two additional Super Bowl rings from his time as the New York Giants' defensive coordinator.

His 333 career wins (including playoffs) are second most all-time behind only Don Shula.

The shortened waiting period should also help Pete Carroll get into the Hall of Fame earlier than expected.

The former Seattle Seahawks coach might not be as automatic as Belichick, but he certainly has the makings of a future Hall of Famer. The 72-year-old has spent 30 years as a coach in some capacity in the NFL, aided his team to two Super Bowls and won one with the Seahawks in 2014 .