One of the greatest dynasties in the history of American sports is finally entering its final chapter. Per NBC Sports Boston's Tom Curran, the New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick have already decided to "part ways" following the 2024 season.
Is Bill Belichick's fate sealed or is there a way he could be back in New England next season? @tomecurran offers insight into Belichick's future with the Patriots on Arbella Early Edition pic.twitter.com/dBF1SWfR56
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) December 12, 2023
According to Curran, Patriots ownership made the decision following Week 10's 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany. Things have only gotten worse: the Patriots have scored a pathetic 9.33 points per game over two losses and one win since the bye. Overall, they rank 32nd overall in points scored this season with 13.0 points per game.
Belichick had reportedly signed an extension with the Patriots earlier in the year, but that apparently won't deter the Kraft family. Per Curran, the extension only runs through the 2024 season, so the financial aspect of firing Belichick shouldn't be an impediment.
That's assuming the Patriots actually intend to fire Belichick. Trades for coaches are rare but not unprecedented. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers famously traded for Oakland Raiders head coach John Gruden ahead of their Super Bowl-winning 2002 season. Given Belichick's incredibly high profile (he's only 27 wins short of Don Shula's all-time record of 328 for a head coach), it may behoove the Patriots to attempt to strike a similar deal.
That's assuming other teams would be willing to play ball, which is no guarantee. It's been a rough four years for the Belichick brand. After posting 19 straight winning seasons from 2001 to 2019, the Patriots have crashlanded back to earth in the post-Tom Brady era. They've posted a 27-35 record since 2020 thanks largely to a precipitous decline in their offensive output: after scoring a colossal 27.8 points per game from 2001 to 2019, they're down to 21.0 in the four years since.
Ultimately, Belichick's resume as a head coach is unassailable: his six Super Bowl wins and nine conference championships may never be approached. But perhaps no coach in NFL history has a legacy so defined by a single transcendent player. Belichick is wrapping up his 11th season as a head coach without Brady as his leading passer; he has one postseason win and a sub .500 winning percentage to show for it.
Still, Belichick remains as accomplished a defensive mind as there is in the league. Even now, the Patriots rank a respectable eighth in yards allowed through 13 games. He could still be an asset to a team with a strong offense already in place and a front office that can take some personnel decisions off his plate. The Los Angeles Chargers could make some sense if they decide to fire head coach Brandon Staley.
Photo Credit: © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.jpg)
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