Invoice Belichick seems on the sideline throughout his final recreation as head coach of the New England Patriots on Jan. 7, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass.
Michael Dwyer/AP
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Michael Dwyer/AP
Invoice Belichick seems on the sideline throughout his final recreation as head coach of the New England Patriots on Jan. 7, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass.
Michael Dwyer/AP
The New England Patriots and coach Invoice Belichick will probably be parting methods, the 2 sides introduced on Thursday, ending a legendary run that resulted in six Tremendous Bowl titles and remodeled the crew into one of the vital profitable dynasties in NFL historical past.
Belichick’s departure from the Patriots after 24 years caps a exceptional run that was outlined by dominant season after dominant season. The Patriots posted successful data in all however 4 years below Belichick, who leaves the franchise with 333 wins, second solely to former Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula (347).
Belichick made the announcement standing alongside Patriots proprietor Robert Kraft from the crew’s headquarters in Foxborough, Mass.
“We had a imaginative and prescient of constructing a winner, constructing a championship soccer crew right here, and that is exceeded my wildest desires and expectations, the quantity of success that we had been capable of obtain collectively by way of a number of arduous work and contributions of so many individuals,” Belichick mentioned.
A gruff, no-nonsense character, Belichick was recognized for preaching what got here to be often known as the “Patriot Means” — a philosophy outlined by accountability, preparation, excellence and above all, successful. Along with quarterback Tom Brady, Belichick led the Patriots to 19 consecutive successful seasons, 17 division titles and 9 Tremendous Bowl appearances in all.
The Brady/Belichick connection grew into one of the vital profitable coach/quarterback tandems skilled soccer has ever seen. However when Brady left the Patriots in March 2020, the crew struggled to copy its previous success. The Patriots have posted a 29-38 report since Brady left, lacking the playoffs in three of 4 seasons.
Belichick leaves the crew after a forgettable 4-13 season that noticed the Patriots end final of their division.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with head coach Invoice Belichick after successful Tremendous Bowl XLIX towards the Seattle Seahawks in 2015.
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New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with head coach Invoice Belichick after successful Tremendous Bowl XLIX towards the Seattle Seahawks in 2015.
Matt Slocum/AP
The way it started
His profession in New England started in 2000, after Belichick was lured to the Patriots from the rival New York Jets by Kraft. It was a wedding that just about did not happen in any respect. On the time, Belichick was set to take over as coach of the Jets, however simply hours earlier than his introductory press convention he modified his thoughts and famously scribbled on a sheet of pocket book paper, “I resign as HC of the NYJ.”
In his first yr with the crew the Patriots went 5-11, however their fortunes dramatically modified the next yr when Belichick made the choice to raise Brady — on the time a backup in simply his second season — to the beginning job. Brady would lead the crew to its first ever Tremendous Bowl title that yr, a 20-17 win over the closely favored St. Louis Rams.
It was the beginning of a memorable run that noticed the Patriots win back-to-back championships in 2003 and 2004, after which once more in 2014, 2016 and 2018.
“Like marriage, a profitable head coach/proprietor relationship requires a number of arduous work, and I am very proud that our partnership lasted for twenty-four years. I do not assume within the NFL there’s been every other partnership that lasted longer and has been as productive as ours,” Kraft instructed reporters on Thursday.
The crew’s success was not with out controversy, although. In 2007, the Patriots had been discovered videotaping opposing groups’ indicators throughout video games, a scandal that got here to be often known as “Spygate.” The NFL fined Belichick $500,000 and the Patriots $250,000. The crew was additionally pressured to forfeit their first-round decide within the following yr’s NFL draft.
In 2015 got here the “Deflategate” controversy, when the crew was accused of underinflating footballs to assist in giving Brady an edge. The crew strenuously denied the allegations, however nonetheless misplaced Brady to a four-game suspension.
His subsequent cease just isn’t clear
These scandals apart, the consistency with which Belichick discovered success in New England is unmatched, and he leaves the crew broadly thought to be the best coach in NFL historical past.
Belichick has not mentioned what his subsequent step will probably be, however he’s anticipated to be a prime candidate for both of the eight different NFL groups presently trying to find a brand new head coach. It’s believed {that a} prime consideration for him would be the skill to have remaining say over roster development — a luxurious he loved in New England, however one not often afforded to different NFL coaches.
At 71 years previous, Belichick’s subsequent cease is more likely to be his final. However it is usually the place with simply 15 extra victories, he would take his place as probably the most successful coach in league historical past.
