Rumors have been swirling that the New England Patriots are set to make a major change this upcoming offseason. The team is expected to part ways with head coach Bill Belichick, a decision that was made following their loss in Germany to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10.
If those rumors are true, that decision will change the landscape of the NFL as we know it. The Patriots have been the gold standard for many franchises to achieve with Belichick in charge as an extended dynasty. However, in recent seasons without Tom Brady, the team has crashed and burned.
Already eliminated from playoff contention with a record of 3-11, the Patriots are set to miss the postseason for the third time in four seasons. They have failed to fill the void at quarterback since Brady left, getting inconsistent production under center.
It hasn’t been from a lack of trying, as New England spent a first-round pick on Mac Jones in the 2021 NFL Draft but things haven’t panned out. That miss has played a big part in the lack of success in recent seasons as Jones hasn’t developed. Some of the blame can be placed on him, but there has also been some franchise incompetence that played a part.
It would certainly be a big move to part ways with Belichick, and some analysts believe it would be the wrong decision. One of those analysts is former Patriots tight end, Christian Fauria. During a recent appearance on MQBBF on CBS Sports, Fauria revealed his take on the situation in New England, as he doesn’t believe it is a coaching issue.
“It is not a coaching issue, it is a personnel issue… This is still the best coach in the NFL,” Fauria said of Belichick.
While that could certainly be true, as the Patriots’ defense has still performed at a high level, Belichick isn’t only the head coach of the team. He is also the general manager, so the personnel issues that Fauria cites also fall on his shoulders.
If Belichick were willing to cede general manager duties, the Patriots would likely strongly consider keeping him as head coach. However, it is extremely unlikely he would accept such a role, which is why parting ways at some point after the season seems inevitable.
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