The New England Patriots are playing out the string in what has been the worst season of the Bill Belichick era. Even with an upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football in Week 14, the team is 3-10 on the season.
No matter how the team finishes out the season, one major decision about the future of the franchise has already been made. According to Tim Curran, via MLFootball on X, the Patriots have decided that they are going to part ways with Belichick after the season.
The decision to do so was reportedly made after the team’s game in Germany against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10. New England lost that game 10-6, which was part of a five-game losing streak, their second losing streak of at least three games in the season.
While an argument could be made that Belichick is the greatest head coach in the history of the NFL, this day was eventually going to come. Missing the playoffs in three out of four seasons is something most coaches would be fired for. On top of that, having one of the worst campaigns in franchise history in 2023, there is more than enough reason for ownership to make such a move.
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But, don’t expect any talk about it to come from Belichick. On Wednesday morning during his press conference, he was asked about the rumors floating around of his eventual dismissal. To the surprise of no one, he deflected answering the questions.
“I’m getting ready for Kansas City,” was Belichick’s answer to every question, per Ian Steele of ABC6 in Providence, Rhode Island.
Belichick’s response to the rumors that the Patriots are moving on from him isn’t surprising. He plays everything close to the vest, evident from how he handled everyone asking about the starting quarterback situation the last few weeks.
If the Patriots are going to move on from him this offseason, it will be the end of arguably the greatest era in NFL history. There will be a few job openings this offseason as well, as Belichick would have his choice of a few spots should he wish to continue his coaching career.
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