“Bill Belichick Reveals Shocking Regret Over Lamar Jackson Decision: What Went Wrong?”

As Bill Belichick prepares to release his upcoming book, The Art of Winning: Lessons from My Life in Football, the question on many fans’ minds is, what secrets will the legendary coach reveal? Known for his stoic demeanor and strategic brilliance, Belichick’s latest venture offers a glimpse into the mind of one of football’s most enigmatic figures. Among the candid reflections, he admits to a significant misstep—the decision not to draft Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson back in 2018. With the Patriots holding the 31st pick, they opted for running back Sony Michel instead, just one spot before Jackson was snatched away by the Ravens. It’s a fascinating admission from a man who has made a career out of calculated risks. As Belichick embarks on this new chapter at North Carolina, fans can look forward to insights from his storied past while contemplating the “what ifs” that haunt even the greatest coaches. Mark your calendars for May 6, when the book hits the shelves.  LEARN MORE.

North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick has a new book coming out soon.

The book, titled “The Art of Winning: Lessons from My Life in Football,” explores his life as a football coach and a lot of his time with the New England Patriots. 

Some reviews have already come out about the book and while Belichick doesn’t get into some juicy stuff, he writes that he made a mistake relating to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. He admitted that the Patriots should’ve drafted Jackson when they had the chance to in 2018. 

Bill Belichick is opening up about some of his mistakes in his new book, including passing up on Lamar Jackson pic.twitter.com/KTobXnOqhr

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 11, 2025

The Patriots had the No. 31 overall pick in the draft, one ahead of the Ravens. They had a chance to select Jackson but instead opted for running back Sony Michel. 

The Ravens picked Jackson with the No. 32 pick, giving them their next franchise quarterback. Jackson played in every game as a rookie but didn’t become a full-time starter until the 2019 season. 

The Patriots still had Tom Brady at the time but he only played two more seasons for them before spending his last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Patriots won the Super Bowl during the 2018 season, their sixth of the Belichick/Brady era. 

Still, Belichick wishes he would’ve drafted Jackson when he had the chance since he has gone on to become one of the best quarterbacks in the league. 

Belichick was the head coach of the Patriots until the end of the 2023 season when he and the team agreed to part ways. He took 2024 off until North Carolina hired him to be the school’s head football coach after the school’s 2024 college football season ended. 

You can purchase Belichick’s book on May 6.

Related: Report: Bill Belichick Writing Book About His Time With New England Patriots