After a nightmare 4-13 season, the New England Patriots (fired) mutually agreed to part ways with the greatest coach in NFL history.
The 71-year-old Belichick spent nearly a quarter century in New England, but come next season, he will be coaching elsewhere.
We all saw this coming – but it will still take a while to fully process it.
The Bill Belichick/Tom Brady era in a graphic.
You’ll never see anything like it again. 🐐🐐🏆 pic.twitter.com/sgjkjFNAB9
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) January 11, 2024
“We’re going to move on,” Belichick said, signaling the end of an era for himself and the Patriots.
He thanked owner Robert Kraft and his family for their support, as he reminisced about their unprecedented dynasty.
“I’m very proud of that. I’ll always have those great memories, will carry those with me the rest of my life,” Belichick added.
Bill Belichick will ALWAYS be a Patriot.#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/rD8YW2beVm
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 11, 2024
The move will officially go down as a “mutual parting of ways” – but we all know what really happened.
Kraft wanted to move on from Belichick, which is 100% his right – but he didn’t want the relationship to end ugly … He wanted a classy press conference to put a bow on their 24-year partnership.
If Belichick truly had his way, he would stay in New England, with his two sons on the coaching staff and continue to do what he loves in the place that’s been his home for nearly three decades.
But Kraft decided a change was needed and it took a few days to hash out the details to make the divorce look amicable and painless.
“What Bill accomplished, in my opinion, will never be duplicated,” Kraft stated.
He’s right about that … But he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to put himself on a pedestal and fire a shot at old Bill.
“What’s gone on here the last 3-4 years isn’t what we want. Our job to fix it,” he said.
Robert Kraft on why he believes it is the right decision to part ways: What’s gone on here the last 3-4 years isn’t what we want. Our job to fix it.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) January 11, 2024
In fairness, he’s 100% right about that and it’s his job as an owner to deliver the best possible product to his fans.
Still, kicking Belichick out the door is a risky move to say the least…
“It’ll be difficult to see him in a cutoff hoodie on the sideline, but I’ll always wish him continued success, except when it’s against the Patriots,” he said.
Kraft is now tasked with finding both a new head coach and general manager.
Jerod Mayo, the current Patriots inside linebackers coach, has been identified as a leading candidate for the position.
Mayo, who played for the Patriots from 2008 to 2014, signed a contract extension in the offseason and has been an assistant under Belichick since 2019 … Kraft has previously indicated that Mayo is virtually the coach-in-waiting.
“We’re looking for someone who can help us get back to the playoffs and win,” Kraft emphasized.
Meanwhile, Tom Brady let it be known just how much Belichick meant to him and his career.
“He worked every day to help us achieve the ultimate goal, in the ultimate team sport. … I could never have been the player I was without you Coach Belichick. I am forever grateful,” Brady wrote on social media.
Tom Brady on what Bill Belichick did for him. pic.twitter.com/5ZV9LKJwvh
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) January 11, 2024
Belichick’s departure comes less than 24 hours after his close friend and fellow coaching legend, Nick Saban, retired from Alabama.
The parallel exits of two coaching giants, both considered the best in their respective worlds, add a unique chapter to football history.
Look how much Bill Belichick has meant to his players.
A New England legend forever 🥹 pic.twitter.com/5fOQZcD8Mc
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 11, 2024
Belichick leaves New England with an unmatched legacy, boasting 333 career victories (including playoffs), ranking second all-time behind Don Shula.
His 24-year tenure with the Patriots is the fifth-longest of any head coach with one team, completing his 49th consecutive NFL season in 2023, the most in league history.
Now, he sets his sights on a milestone 50th season with another NFL franchise beginning next season.
“Dad, what was it like having Tom Brady as your quarterback and Bill Belichick as your coach?” pic.twitter.com/4kD7tkZ6bf
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) January 11, 2024
What are your thoughts on Kraft forcing Belichick out?
Where do you think Belichick’s next stop will be?
Regarding the Patriots, do you think Mayo is the right choice to replace Belichick? … Or should Kraft go after the much-more-proven Mike Vrabel instead?
Will we ever see another “Belichick-type-run” again???