According to multiple sources, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots have reached an agreement to end their 24-year relationship.
According to ESPN, a series of meetings between the legendary head coach and Patriots owner Robert Kraft resulted in a mutual agreement. Apparently the two came to the conclusion that it would be better to take different paths and do so without conflict. The conversations would have been productive and positive. Belichick and Kraft will make their comments at a midday news conference live from Patriots headquarters in Foxborough.
Belichick took the helm of the Patriots in 2000 and led the team to six Super Bowl titles, a record for a coach. He also led the team to 18 playoff appearances and three additional Super Bowl appearances. With 333 wins (including playoffs), Belichick is the second winningest coach of all time behind Don Shula (347).
However, things have become difficult for Belichick in New England since the departure of quarterback Tom Brady at the end of the 2019 season. The team only made the playoffs once and lost three out of four seasons. The season that just ended was the team's worst since 1992 with just four wins.
In recent weeks, Belichick has mentioned that he still has the passion to lead. Excluding the Patriots position, there are currently seven open spots with the Chargers, Raiders, Titans, Seahawks, Panthers, Commanders and Falcons.
According to various sources close to the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons have been interested in Belichick for several weeks and now that he is free, they could try to pull out all the stops to tempt him. Other teams could also get in touch, because even at the age of 71, the coach doesn't seem to be talking about retiring for the time being.
Before his successful run with the Patriots, Belichick was head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 1991 to 1995. For many years he held various positions with the Baltimore Colts, Detroit Lions, Broncos of Denver, as well as the New York Giants and Jets. Next season will be his 50th in the NFL if he gets a job somewhere.
More details to follow…