Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston sent shockwaves through the football world when he reported that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has already decided to get rid of head coach Bill Belichick at season’s end.
“When they came out of Germany (Week 10 against the Colts), 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
One of Belichick’s closest friends, former Patriots executive Michael Lombardi refuted that report to a degree.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Lombardi suggested that while changes might be in the cards, a complete exit for Belichick in New England isn’t a foregone conclusion.
“I don’t see it as a completely done decision. This is really about the future on how (the Patriots) want to run the company,” Lombardi stated during the interview.
"I don't think Tom Curran would have put the story out unless he felt really comfortable with it..
I think the timing tells me that the real message is we're not gonna fire Bill Belichick during the season" ~ @mlombardiNFL #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/llkmFOQOlH
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 14, 2023
The speculation surrounding Belichick’s future revolves around the possibility of a shift in his responsibilities within the organization.
Lombardi hinted that the Patriots could be contemplating a restructuring that involves Belichick relinquishing some of his duties as the team’s de facto general manager while retaining his role as head coach.
“I don’t think a decision has been made yet and the conversation is gonna center on how they envision the Patriots running for the next 10 years … You’re not gonna replace Bill Belichick from a coaching standpoint but perhaps you could have a more collaborative organization,” Lombardi added.
"I don't think a decision has been made yet & the conversation is gonna center on how they envision the Patriots running for the next 10 years..
You're not gonna replace Bill Belichick from a coaching standpoint but perhaps you could have a more collaborative organization"… https://t.co/EpkQS0PcU3 pic.twitter.com/T94b6E9S63
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 14, 2023
Belichick, often criticized for his personnel decisions, has faced scrutiny for the way he’s built the team in the post-Tom Brady era.
A compromise with Belichick staying on as head coach but losing his general manager duties might be enough to save him in New England.
But would Belichick even be interested in that? … It wouldn’t surprise anyone, including Lombardi, if Bill has an “F you” response to such a request.
“People that achieve this level of success fall in love with the work not the result … Bill Belichick loves working and the preparation … If it doesn’t work out in New England someone will be interesting in having him coaching for them,” Lombardi said.
"People that achieve this level of success fall in love with the work not the result..
Bill Belichick loves working and the preparation..
If it doesn't work out in New England someone will be interesting in having him coaching for them" ~ @mlombardiNFL #PMSLive https://t.co/EpkQS0PcU3 pic.twitter.com/ZrEYJTWCC4
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 14, 2023
What do you think will end up happening with Belichick?
By all accounts, he has zero interest in retiring. He will be coaching next season. If not in New England, then somewhere else…
Where will it be? … Washington? Chicago? Los Angeles? Dallas?!?
Or will he end up staying in New England with his GM duties stripped???