NFL: Bill Belichick Out as Patriots Coach
Photo credit: The New York Times
NEW ENGLAND, MA — It just got colder in New England; after 24 seasons with the Patriots franchise, Bill Belichick announces his departure from the six-time Superbowl team. The 71-year-old coach is unarguably one of those most successful in NFL history, leaving with six Super Bowl victories and ranking second all-time in wins (including playoffs) among head coaches with 333. During Belichick’s leadership, New England posted a winning record in 20 of his 24 seasons with the team.
However, in the four years since superstar quarterback Tom Brady departed, the Patriots fell to 29-8 with one playoff appearance and zero postseason wins. Despite a historical run with the Pats, Belichick will finish his season with a 4-13 record, their worst season since 1992, and the third time in four years they finished with a losing record. But Belichick’s achievements greatly outshine his final years in the NFL. Owner Robert Kraft and Belichick met multiple times since the season ended, ultimately coming to a conclusion to move on in different directions. The Kraft and Belichick duo began back in 2000 as Kraft hired him to rebuild the Pats. Belichick did exactly that, as he led New England to 19 consecutive winning seasons, 17 division titles, nine AFC titles, and six Super Bowl titles (2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, and 2018). Belichick’s 31 postseason wins are the most by a head coach in NFL history, with 30 of those coming with the Patriots.
While this isn’t the end just yet, as Belichick has not announced retirement, he may continue his success elsewhere.
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