Foxborough, MA – The New England Patriots are parting ways with long-time head coach Bill Belichick after 24 seasons, according to sources within the franchise. This marks a significant shakeup for a team that has been synonymous with success for so long.
The decision comes on the heels of a disappointing 4-13 season for the Patriots in 2023, their worst since 1992. It also marks the third time in four years that the team has finished with a losing record. ESPN initially reported the news.
Owner Robert Kraft and Belichick met multiple times after the season concluded. While their meetings were cordial and professional, they ultimately decided to go in different directions. Belichick is now free to pursue another coaching job, while Kraft looks to bring in a new voice that can potentially modernize the team and be more open to collaboration.
Belichick is undeniably one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. He led the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories and ranks second all-time in wins among head coaches, with 333 victories (including playoffs). Throughout his tenure, the Patriots had a winning record in 20 out of 24 seasons.
However, since the departure of quarterback Tom Brady four years ago, the Patriots have struggled. They have gone 29-38 with only one playoff appearance and no playoff wins during that time. This season, they started with a dismal 2-10 record and finished with an average of just 13.9 points per game, tied for the fewest in the league.
Belichick was hired by Robert Kraft in 2000 after leaving the New York Jets. Together with Brady, he helped build the Patriots into one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties, achieving 19 consecutive winning seasons, 17 division titles, nine AFC championships, and six Super Bowl titles.
Since Brady’s departure, the team has faced challenges. Belichick, known for his gruff demeanor, had complete control over the roster without a general manager working alongside him. As a result, the roster began to weaken in recent years, leading to a decline in performance.
Belichick’s tenure was not without controversy either. The coach faced the “Spygate” controversy in 2007, resulting in a fine and docked draft picks, as well as the “Deflategate” scandal in 2015, which led to a four-game suspension for Brady.
Despite any flaws, Belichick’s success is unparalleled. His six Super Bowl victories are the most by any head coach, and he leaves with a remarkable regular-season record of 266-121 with the Patriots.
Now, the Patriots will begin the search for a new coach. Jerod Mayo, the current linebackers coach, and former Titans coach Mike Vrabel are among the frontrunners for the position. The Krafts have been impressed with Mayo’s performance and leadership, while Vrabel has brought stability to the Titans and demonstrated success in challenging circumstances.
While it remains uncertain what the future holds for Belichick, it is likely that he will pursue another coaching job. However, he will be searching for a situation where he can have the final say in roster construction and be compensated accordingly. Belichick remains just 14 wins shy of surpassing Don Shula’s all-time victories record.
As the Patriots move forward without Belichick, it is clear that a fresh start is desired. Kraft made it clear before the season that he expected the team to return to the playoffs, but instead, they finished last in their division for the first time since Belichick’s inaugural season in New England. The franchise seeks to regain its winning ways and put the struggles of the past four years behind them.