Patriots make decision on Bill Belichick’s future

Oct 10, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

For the second time in four years, it is the end of a historic era in New England.

The Patriots have decided to part ways with Bill Belichick, according to multiple reports. An official announcement is expected at some point on Thursday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Mike Reiss report that Belichick met multiple times with Patriots owner Robert Kraft this week. There was said to be “no disagreement” and the two sides were able to reach “a mutual decision that left both sides comfortable and at ease.” Belichick had one year remaining on his contract, but the Patriots will not look to trade him.

The Patriots finished 4-13 this season, which was their worst record since they hired Belichick in 2000. They have made the playoffs just once in four seasons since Tom Brady left in 2020. New England finished with a losing record in three of those seasons.

Belichick finishes with a regular-season record of 266-121 in 24 years with the Patriots. The team went 30-12 in the playoffs under him and won six Super Bowls.

The 71-year-old Belichick reportedly plans to keep coaching next season. He is currently 15 wins shy of breaking Don Shula’s record of 347 combined regular-season and playoff victories for an NFL coach.

There are now seven teams outside of New England with head coach vacancies, and Belichick has already been linked to some of them. The Patriots may turn their attention toward an obvious candidate now that Belichick is out.