Bill Belichick’s notable absence from the Madden franchise is widely recognized. This absence stems from the licensing agreement that EA has with the National Football League Coaches Association, which covers the likeness rights of coaches. Bill Belichick is not affiliated with the NFLCA and has not independently granted EA permission to use his likeness in the game. However, the New England Patriots still require coaching, especially if you, as the player, choose not to take on that role.

Consequently, the game developers have consistently introduced an annual stand-in for the experienced head coach. Past iterations of the game have featured stand-ins like Chad Masters, Griffin Murphy, and Josh Moore.

In the forthcoming Madden 24, slated for release on August 18, a fresh representation of the fictitious Belichick is introduced. Meet Peter Gaffney, portrayed as a balding man with rugged facial hair and glasses. Within the Madden universe, there is solely Peter Gaffney, not a hint of Bill Belichick.