Legendary Bill Belichick steps down as Patriots head coach after six Super Bowls in 24 seasons
The historic reign of Bill Belichick is finally over, New England Patriots have confirmed.
After facing mounting speculation all season that 2024 would be his last year with New England, Belichick has parted ways with the Patriots.
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Bill Belichick is finally leaving the New England Patriots dynasty that he builtCredit: Getty
The 71-year-old won six Super Bowls while building a modern dynasty in New England.
Long paired with quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots’ team-first mentality separated Belichick during an era filled with player movement, free agency and rapid change.
Belichick’s team adapted to the NFL’s new world but he was also an old-school, throwback coach who understood how to maximize talent and unite locker rooms for the greater good.
Hired in 2000 after a brief job with the New York Jets, Belichick proceeded to rewrite the NFL record book while going 266-121 during 24 seasons with the Pats.
Drafting Brady at No. 199 overall in 2000 changed everything for the former Cleveland head coach and New York Giants defensive coordinator.
But Belichick was also an avid student of the game who thrived in tough situations and also produced one of the most powerful offenses the NFL has ever seen.
Life without Brady — who moved on to win another Super Bowl with Tampa Bay — proved much more difficult.
Belichick struggled to find a replacement at quarterback and his 2023 season was the worst of his coaching career.
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Tom Brady and Belichick were a special combination for winning Super BowlsCredit: Getty Images
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The Patriots went 4-13 and were engulfed by controversy all season, from the failure of QB Mac Jones to a weak roster managed by the greatest head coach of all time.
Now that he’s reportedly set to walk away from the Patriots, Belichick will wait for an eventual place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame while deciding his football future.
Three football coaching legends stepped down within 24 hours, with Belichick joining Nick Saban and Pete Carroll.
Mike Vrabel, recently fired by the Tennessee Titans, has been viewed as a potential replacement for Belichick in New England.
ESPN reported that Belichick spent the week in talks with New England owner Robert Kraft and the two parted on good terms.
Belichick said on Black Monday that he remained committed to the Patriots.
He is expected to continue coaching but some have theorized that he could walk away from the NFL for good and pursue a different career.
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Belichick was regularly ahead of the game in the NFL and forever changed how defense is playedCredit: Getty
The Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, Titans, Patriots and Falcons all had coaching vacancies as of Thursday afternoon.
