According to several sources, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have reached an agreement to end their long 24-year association.
According to ESPN, a series of meetings between the legendary head coach and Patriots owner Robert Kraft led to a mutual agreement. Apparently, the two came to the conclusion that it was better to take different routes and do so without conflict. The discussions would have been productive and positive. Belichick and Kraft will make their comments at a noon news conference live from Patriots headquarters in Foxborough.
Belichick took the helm of the Patriots in 2000 and led the team to six Super Bowl titles, a record for a coach. He also led the team to 18 playoff appearances, plus three other Super Bowl appearances. With 333 victories (including playoffs), Belichick is the second winningest coach of all time, behind Don Shula (347).
Since the departure of quarterback Tom Brady at the end of the 2019 season, however, things have gotten tough for Belichick in New England. The team only made the playoffs once and had three losing seasons out of four. The campaign that just ended, with just four wins, was the team’s worst since 1992.
In recent weeks, Belichick has mentioned that he still has the passion to lead. Excluding the Patriots position, there are currently seven openings, including the Chargers, Raiders, Titans, Seahawks, Panthers, Commanders and Falcons.
According to various informants who revolve around the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons have been interested in Belichick for several weeks and now that he is free, they could try to pull out all the stops to seduce him. Other teams could also come forward, because even at 71 years old, the coach does not seem to be talking about retirement for the moment.
Prior to his successful run with the Patriots, Belichick was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 1991 to 1995. For many years, he held various positions with the Baltimore Colts, Detroit Lions, Broncos of Denver, as well as the New York Giants and Jets. Next season will be his 50th in the NFL, if he lands a job anywhere.
More details will follow…