Belichick intends to be back with Patriots

Bill Belichick said he “absolutely” intends to be coaching the Patriots during the 2018 season, further dousing any embers that suggest he could become the head coach of the Giants. That possibility glowed brightly late last week when an ESPN report suggested a power struggle and dysfunction within the Patriots’ hierarchy of Belichick, owner Robert Kraft and quarterback Tom Brady. But Kraft put the kibosh on the idea over the weekend, and Belichick did the same in a conference call on Monday.

Asked if he had any interest in the Giants’ vacancy, Belichick said: “Right now my interest is trying to do the best I can for our football team to get ready for Saturday night against Tennessee.”

The Patriots host the Titans in an AFC divisional playoff game.

“That’s where my total focus is,” he said.

Belichick then was asked if his intention is to be back with the Patriots next season, to which he gave his one-word answer. “Absolutely.” The Giants may have gotten an advantage if they want to hire another Patriots coach. The Bears hired Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy as their head coach, a job for which Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was a candidate. That leaves McDaniels with only two suitors, the Colts and the Giants.

The Giants also will dive back into the interview process after two days without speaking to any candidates. Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is scheduled to meet Tuesday with the team’s decision-makers at their facility in New Jersey, and former Broncos associate head coach Eric Studesville is scheduled for Wednesday.

Wilks reportedly will interview with the Cardinals on Wednesday, which left the Panthers players and coaches fresh off their playoff loss to the Saints bracing for his departure.