Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are playing their best football of the season … Unfortunately, the sudden turn in performance has come way, way, way too late for them.
Already eliminated from playoff contention, Belichick is putting the final wraps on what has been the worst season of his coaching career.
The biggest storyline of the offseason will be the future of Belichick and what Patriots owner Robert Kraft decides to do with him.
According to reports, Belichick has zero clue what to expect and has made that known to members of his coaching staff.
Boston Sports Journal reported that the 71-year-old head coach has been expressing doubts about his future to his coaching staff over the past few weeks. Notably, Belichick has yet to meet with Kraft and ownership to discuss the uncertainty surrounding his position.
“Speaking of Belichick, he has expressed doubt about his future in New England to the staff at various points over the last few weeks. To the best of my knowledge (and as reported on NFL Network this weekend), he has yet to sit down with ownership. If he won’t survive, I think this is a massive misstep by RKK/JKK.”
Speaking of Belichick, he has expressed doubt about his future in New England to the staff at various points over the last few weeks. To the best of my knowledge (and as reported on NFL Network this weekend), he has yet to sit down with ownership. If he won't survive, I think…
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) December 26, 2023
Kraft has maintained silence on the matter, leaving everyone to wonder and speculate on what the future could hold.
Rumors about Belichick’s fate began swirling earlier this month when NBC Sports Boston’s Tom E. Curran reported that Kraft had all but decided to move on from Belichick following the season – and that the Patriots ugly November loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany was allegedly the final straw.
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
Boston Sports Journal added fuel to the fire, suggesting that the impending separation might not be amicable.
Greg Bedard wrote: “Belichick might agree to nice press release language about parting of the ways, but make no mistake, the odds are strong that this will end up being a firing at the end of the day.”
According to Boston Sports Journal…. “Belichick might agree to a nice press release, but make no mistake: The odds are strong that this will end up being a firing @ the end of the day.” Bedard wrote.
Can’t find the nice press release from the @Lvrj regarding Greg’s departure https://t.co/DHJz8yF9OQ
— SkippySkipSkippington (@SSkippington) December 16, 2023
This past weekend brought further attention to the uncertainty surrounding Belichick’s position, especially after Jets owner Woody Johnson explicitly stated that his general manager (Joe Douglas) and head coach (Robert Saleh) would return next season.
This stark contrast in communication emphasized the lack of public support for Belichick from Kraft and Patriots ownership.
During an appearance on “The Greg Hill Show” on WEEI in Boston, Belichick attempted to sidestep questions about his job security, particularly in comparison to the public backing received by the Jets coaching staff.
“I don’t really know anything about the Jets situation … My job is to get the team ready to play every week. That’s what I do. That’s what I’m going to keep doing. That’s what I’ve always done,” Belichick said.
"Everybody I talk to assumes it."
Scott Zolak is starting to believe Bill Belichick will land with this NFC team. https://t.co/gXFYyE9AH2
— NESN (@NESN) December 19, 2023
What do you think the verdict should be?
Should Kraft keep Belichick? … Should Bill even want to be back?
Would a clean-break for both sides be best?
As far as Belichick, assuming he’s a goner, what team should bring him aboard???