NFL landslide after 24 seasons
Belichick era with the New England Patriots is over
January 11, 2024, 2:48 p.m
The historic NFL marriage between Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots is over. The successful coach is leaving the team by mutual consent after celebrating outstanding triumphs with Tom Brady and Co. in 24 seasons and building a dynasty.
Veteran coach Bill Belichick and his New England Patriots are parting ways after a remarkable 24 seasons together, ending a period of success unprecedented in NFL history that included six Super Bowl titles. This was confirmed by consistent reports from the US media, citing sources from the football league.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft and 71-year-old Belichick came to the joint decision after several conversations this week. The Patriots had previously finished the 2023 season with a record of just four wins and 13 losses, finishing last in the AFC East for the first time since Belichick’s first season in 2000. The 4:13 record was the worst result in Belichick’s 29-year coaching career. New England also missed the playoffs for the third time in the past four seasons.
ESPN reported, citing sources familiar with the talks between Kraft and Belichick, that there were no conflicts or disagreements between the parties and that the productive talks ultimately led to a mutual decision with which both sides were satisfied were.
14 more wins for Belichick to add to the record
The miserable 2023 season proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back and ended the head coach’s historically successful career. The Patriots hadn’t won a single Super Bowl before Belichick’s time. Under the coach, who formed a fearsome duo with superstar quarterback Tom Brady, they won six championships within 18 years. A dynasty the likes of which had never been seen in the NFL. In 2004 and 2005, the Patriots and their star coach became only the seventh team in the entire history of the league to celebrate two titles in a row. However, in the post-Brady era that began with the 2020 season, the franchise went downhill.
The NFL playoff tree.
On the press conference After the latest bankruptcy last Sunday, Belichick spoke of a “disappointing conclusion” and a “disappointing year for all of us”. In his last game, the Patriots lost 3:17 to the New York Jets and didn’t even score a touchdown. The loss was Belichick’s 178th as a coach, including the playoffs. With 333 wins, he is just 14 wins away from matching Hall of Fame coach Don Shula’s record of 347 wins, including the playoffs. In addition, there are 31 playoff wins in 44 playoff games and nine Super Bowl games – the highest numbers for a coach in NFL history.
The historic marriage between the Patriots and Belichick is over. It has not yet been announced whether the successful coach, who is respected and feared by many but not always popular, will join another team. Who New England signs as the successor to the franchise icon will also be watched with excitement.