How are the inductees selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

"While the specific reasons that Belichick didn't get into the Hall in his first year of eligibility are unknown, there are some possible explanations why at least 11 of the 50 voters didn't vote for one of the sport's most accomplished coaches. Belichick's role in the "Spygate" scandal in 2007 could have had a similar impact on his candidacy that steroids have had in the baseball Hall of Fame at keeping stars such as Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens out of Cooperstown."

"The changes also made it more difficult for anyone - Belichick included - to get into the Hall as evidenced by only four people getting voted in last year for the smallest class in 20 years. Coaches are now competing directly with players in the seniors category instead of being judged on their own."

Bill Belichick did not get elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. At least 11 of 50 voters did not select him despite six Super Bowl titles as a head coach. Belichick's involvement in the 2007 "Spygate" scandal is cited as a potential factor, compared to steroid-era impacts in baseball. Recent Hall rule changes eliminated the five-year waiting period for coaches and made coaches compete directly with players in the seniors category. A blue-ribbon committee now selects one coach finalist, and last year produced the smallest class in 20 years.

Read at Boston.com