What had long been considered to be the definition of craziness now seems to be an inevitability … Bill Belichick will be gone at season’s end.
This is according to a report by Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston.
It doesn’t matter if you call it a firing or a mutual parting of ways (or if it ends up being a trade) – if Curran’s report is true, and he’s as well-connected as any Patriots reporter, Belichick will soon be a goner in New England.
According to his report, Patriots owner Robert Kraft made the decision all the way back in Week 10 following New England’s ugly loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany.
“When they came out of Germany, conversations I had that week made it very clear that a decision was made. They were going to play out the string, and at the end of the year, there would be a parting of the ways for a variety of reasons,” Curran reported.
The Patriots have reportedly decided to part ways with Bill Belichick following this season. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/nLKuG4RVmo
— theScore (@theScore) December 12, 2023
The speculation further suggests that the separation could involve a de facto trade of Belichick to a new team, potentially explaining the decision not to terminate Belichick’s contract during the season.
Also, Kraft knows how bad of a look it would be to fire the man who has done such much for the franchise in the middle of the season.
In case you were wondering, the Patriots surprising win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last week is expected to have little-to-no impact on Kraft’s decision.
“Just because they won last week in Pittsburgh in primetime, I don’t think it quells anything,” Curran stated.
Tom E. Curran reported that the New England Patriots are moving on from Bill Belichick after the season..
After the Colts game in Germany his sources told him that the decision had been made..
He also added that things could still change #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/n5eepMdpCs
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 13, 2023
At 3-10, the season has been a total and complete disaster for Belichick and everyone involved.
The loss to the Colts in Germany was apparently the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Prior to that game, Kraft expressed his clear disappointment with the season and how quickly things have fallen apart.
“This is our thirtieth year that I’ve had the privilege of owning this team, and I’ve never been 2-7. So it’s really disappointing and I hoped that things would be a lot better, as I know our fan base did,” he said at the time.
"Bill Belichick is the greatest coach in the history of the NFL. The dynasty in New England. The greatest dynasty in the history of professional sports. Next sentence: it's over for Bill Belichick, as it should be, in New England."
—@AdamSchein pic.twitter.com/P1gzHwSxBg
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) December 13, 2023
For what it’s worth, New England media tried their best to get Belichick’s reaction to the report … But that went just as you’d expect.
“I’m getting ready for Kansas City,” he said each and every time he was asked…
Bill Belichick when asked multiple times about his coaching future with the #Patriots:
“Getting ready for Kansas City.” pic.twitter.com/fpWUoXBzsI
— Casey Baker (@_CaseyBaker) December 13, 2023
By all accounts, Belichick wants to continue coaching. People close to him, such as Michael Lombardi, have made that very clear.
Despite a rough few years, you’d be foolish to think that there won’t be multiple teams interested in handing the keys to their franchise to the man who’s considered to be the greatest coach in NFL history.
The Commanders, Bears, Chargers are all possibilities … Hell, would you put it past Jerry Jones to go after Belichick no matter how Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys finish up this season???
(How about the Bucs?!?)
Bill Belichick to the Bucs?!
— @getnickwright explores: pic.twitter.com/HAmdCBQpqA
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) December 14, 2023
What do you think will end up happening with Belichick?
Do you believe Curran’s report that he’s a goner, no matter how the Patriots finish up the season?
Would a fresh start be best for both sides?
Being that he’s still under contract, if Belichick ends up being traded, what do you think Kraft and New England will receive in return?
Is Belichick indeed the greatest coach in NFL history? … Will he end up winning another Super Bowl???