(Foxborough) Bill Belichick is willing to let someone else manage the sports staff, as long as he remains within the New England Patriots organization.
The Pats head coach also confirmed Monday during his post-season press conference that he is still under contract with the organization, although he did not specify the details of this agreement.
The Patriots suffered a 17-3 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday, meaning they have compiled a 4-13 record this season – the worst of Belichick’s 29-season coaching career -leader in the NFL.
As a result, it is still unclear what the future holds for him, as he is expected to meet with team owner Robert Kraft soon. This meeting should take place this week, perhaps even later today.
“I will agree with what the organization decides collectively in the best interests of our football team,” Belichick said during his videoconference Monday. I am under contract. I’m going to do what I’ve always done, which is come into the office, work as hard as I can to help this team as best I can. It is what I am going to do. »
Details of Belichick’s contract have never been publicly revealed.
Belichick, who is 71 and serves as the organization’s de facto general manager, has indicated he is willing to make concessions if it is in the Patriots’ best interests.
“I play many roles. I rely on many people to fulfill these responsibilities, he explained. If someone is going to have the final say, then I have to rely on many people for help. And, no matter the process, I’m just one of the gears. »
However, the final word on what is likely to be a major rebuilding process this winter for the Patriots may fall to Kraft and his son, team president Jonathan Kraft.
The Patriots nailed down their 2021 NFL Draft top pick, Mac Jones, for the final six games of the campaign. This decision suggests that he could be traded during the off-season, and that the team could be inclined to select a quarterback with their third pick in next spring’s draft.