Foxborough, Massachusetts – The New England Patriots will be bidding farewell to their iconic head coach, Bill Belichick, after a remarkable 24-season tenure, according to ESPN. Belichick, 71, who led the Patriots to a record six Super Bowl titles, will be leaving the team following their disappointing 4-13 season in 2023. The news of his departure comes amidst speculation about his future with the team.
Belichick’s discussions with Patriots owner Robert Kraft this week reportedly concluded with a mutual understanding that it was time to part ways. A news conference has been scheduled for Thursday at 12pm ET, where the team is expected to confirm the news.
The departure of Belichick marks the end of an era for the Patriots. Under his leadership, the team achieved unparalleled success, with 17 AFC East titles and 6 Super Bowl victories. However, since the departure of legendary quarterback Tom Brady in 2020, the Patriots have struggled to maintain their winning record, reaching the playoffs only once in that time.
Despite his departure from the Patriots, Belichick has not expressed any intention to retire. It has been reported that he is being considered for head coaching positions with the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers.
As the Patriots prepare for a new chapter, two former Patriots linebackers, Jerod Mayo and Mike Vrabel, are the leading candidates to replace Belichick. Mayo, who has been a part of Belichick’s coaching staff for some time, and Vrabel, who recently left his role as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, are both poised to take over the team.
News of Belichick’s departure comes on the heels of the exits of two other prominent head coaches, Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks and Nick Saban of the Alabama college football program.
Bill Belichick’s departure marks the end of a legendary coaching career with the New England Patriots. With 24 seasons under his belt and six Super Bowl titles to his name, Belichick leaves behind a legacy of success. The Patriots will now have to navigate a new era as they search for the next head coach to lead the team to victory.