FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – After an unprecedented 24-year dynasty, the New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick are set to part ways, sources disclosed. This separation ends a historic era in the NFL, highlighted by six Super Bowl victories. Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft engaged in amicable discussions this week and reached a mutual decision, with no conflict or disagreement involved.
Both Belichick and Kraft handled the situation in a dignified manner, reflecting the legacy they leave behind as one of the greatest owner-coach partnerships in NFL history. Belichick, with one year remaining on his contract, will depart the team without any compensation being sought by the Patriots. It is anticipated that he will attract interest from other NFL teams with head-coaching vacancies, potentially including the Atlanta Falcons.
Meanwhile, the Patriots face their first head-coaching search in 25 years. Sources indicate that Jerod Mayo, the team’s linebackers coach and a rising coaching candidate, is expected to be a top contender for the position. Mayo, who played for the Patriots from 2008 to 2014, has been an assistant under Belichick since 2019.
Belichick’s exit from New England coincides with the recent retirement of his close friend, Alabama head coach Nick Saban. The departure of these two legendary figures in both professional and college football draws attention to their notable achievements. Belichick guided the Patriots to nine Super Bowl appearances and six championships, while Saban led Alabama to six national championships and nine SEC titles.
The decision to part ways between Belichick and Kraft is not surprising given the Patriots’ failure to make the playoffs this season. Kraft had expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance and the trajectory of the franchise since quarterback Tom Brady’s departure in 2019. The Patriots have posted losing records in three of the four seasons following Brady’s exit and have not won a playoff game since their Super Bowl victory in February 2019.
With 333 career victories, Belichick leaves New England as the second-winningest coach of all time, just 14 wins behind Hall of Famer Don Shula. His illustrious tenure also includes 17 division titles, the most in NFL history, and nine conference championships, the most in the Super Bowl era. Belichick’s departure marks the end of an era in Patriots and football history, leaving behind an unmatched legacy built on excellence and dominance.
The Patriots are expected to hold a news conference to address the situation, as the team transitions into a new era without their legendary head coach at the helm.