After 24 seasons, Bill Belichick is no longer the New England Patriots. The NFL team said on Thursday that “we’re going to move on” from one another. After six Super Bowl titles with the team, Belichick solidified himself with his unmatched run in the league.
According to ESPN, Patriots owner Robert Kraft spent a major part of this week meeting with Belichick to see how each side wanted to proceed. In the end, there were no disagreements nor conflicts, but rather, productive talks and a mutual decision from both sides. Kraft called Belichick the greatest coach of all time and is deserving of a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction. He said, “This is a move that we mutually agreed that is needed at this time. What Bill accomplished, in my opinion, will never be duplicated.”
Belichick responded saying he will “always be a Patriot,” thanking Kraft and his family for the support and opportunity, “We had a vision of building a championship football team that has exceeded my wildest dreams and expectations. I’m very proud of that. I’ll always have those great memories, will carry those with me the rest of my life.” Belichick hopes to continue coaching with one more year remaining on his contract. He is expected to draw interest in at least seven other NFL teams, including the Atlanta Falcons. Kraft said that at the moment, “We’re looking for someone who can help us get back to the playoffs and win.”
Tom Brady, who won nine AFCs and six Super Bowls with Belichick paid tribute to Belichick on Instagram calling him “the best coach in the history of the NFL.” He wrote, “We accomplished some amazing things over a long period of time, many of which will be hard to replicate. He worked every day to help us achieve the ultimate goal, in the ultimate team sport…I could never have been the player I was without you Coach Belichick. I am forever grateful. And I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose next.”
