The Bill Belichick era is coming to an end for the New England Patriots.
On Thursday, news broke that the Patriots and Belichick had decided to part ways, bringing an end to one of the greatest coaching tenures in the history of football. There had long been rumblings that a split was possible. But to see a franchise willingly cut loose a coach that brought them unprecedented success is still staggering.
The news came as the latest domino to fall in what’s already been a chaotic cycle of coach moves. Here’s some of the reaction nationally to the news that Belichick is out in New England:
“Bill Belichick just had greatest run for any head coach in NFL History. In a total of 24 seasons, the Patriots won 17 AFC East titles, reached 9 Super Bowls and won 6 of them. All during an era in which the league was set up for turnover and parity, as was the case for nearly every other team during that same stretch.”
“Even though this news doesn’t come as a surprise given it’s been a hot topic for months, with one report suggesting the decision was made after the early November loss in Germany, it still seems a bit surreal. And sadly bittersweet.”
“Sources close to Belichick have said this week they believe he still wants to chase down this record. With other openings around the league, he may have a chance to continue coaching if that’s the case.”
“Bill Belichick will have to do his best Tom Brady impression in this next phase. If Belichick wants to win a Super Bowl, he must choose his next team wisely. But who will want him?”
“The conversations between Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick were all kept very professional and also very quiet after 24 years together, per sources. While it wasn’t the perfect ending, they decided it was best to go in different directions.”
“Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick met multiple times and it was all very cordial and professional. They chose to go in different directions. Belichick can seek another job now. Kraft can bring in a new voice, one likely to modernize the Patriots and be more open to collaboration.”
“Belichick the coach was fired because of Belichick the GM. It’s that simple. The job is too big for one man.”
Alex Barth, 98.5 The Sports Hub
“End of an era doesn’t even begin to describe it. What Bill Belichick did in New England will never be replicated. Even if the timing is right to move on, it doesn’t take away an unbelievable career.”
“There have been meetings the last three days. In the end, the two sides could not come together for Bill Belichick to return. He is now out.”
“Nick Saban and Bill Belichick end their tenures on back to back days.”
“Belichick, Carroll and Saban all within a half day. Guess it is becoming a younger man’s game. the options for BB will be pretty limited in the NFL coaching ranks. Tricky fit in most places despite his unicorn resume”
“Rumors had swirled around Belichick’s future all season as the Patriots finished with a 4-13 record and missed the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. He’s enjoyed little success without Tom Brady, and is now without a job.”
“Belichick will have a bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame some day, but when that day comes remains to be seen, as we don’t know whether his coaching career is over. He instantly becomes a strong candidate for some of the NFL’s other seven head-coaching job openings, as multiple owners will surely be interested in the possibility that Belichick could bring their teams instant credibility.”
