Gronk Reveals ‘Hot’ Team Pursuing Patriots Coaching Legend
Gronk Reveals ‘Hot’ Team Pursuing Patriots Coaching Legend
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With records of 31 playoff wins and six Super Bowls, along with 333 overall victories and three Coach of the Year awards over 29 seasons, Bill Belichick is one of the greatest head coaches in the history of the NFL and American sports.
As of last week, he is also the former coach of the New England Patriots and a coveted free agent.

While the Pats move on with new coach Jerod Mayo, Belichick seeks to land with another team next season.
The latest breaking news, juicy rumors and assorted tidbits …
JAN. 14 GRONK SAYS BILL TO FALCONS – AFC South? Cowboys? And now, in the latest spin of the Belichick coaching carousel, the Falcons are the hottest destination. That was the “news” broken by former Patriots’ star tight end Rob Gronkowski Sunday on Fox’s NFL pregame show before the Cowboys-Packers Wild Card game.
“Don’t expect Bill to be done,” Gronk said. “He’s coming back with a vengeance. And the the word I’m hearing on the streets is that the Falcons are coming in hot for coach Belichick.”
JAN. 14 AIKMAN NOT BUYING BELICHICK, COWBOYS RUMOR – It might be the hottest rumor on the NFL coaching carousel, but Troy Aikman isn’t buying it. Despite countless stories connecting Belichick to the Cowboys should Dallas suffer an early playoff exit Sunday in its Wild Card game against the Packers, the ESPN analyst remains convinced that Mike McCarthy’s job is safe.
“I don’t know if Bill Belichick’s availability impacts anything on the front with Mike McCarthy,” Aikman told the New York Post. “Mike took this job as every head coach that’s taken the Cowboys job: They understand what the expectations are. There would be disappointment if they’re not able to get to the Super Bowl and win it this year. But I think Mike McCarthy’s job’s safe.”
JAN. 13 BAILEY THANKS BILL – Though the legendary coach cut him – exposing him to being signed by another team – Patriots’ quarterback Bailey Zappe took to social media to thank Belichick on Saturday.
Zappe shared a photo of himself and Belichick on Instagram and wrote a goodbye salute to his former coach.
Wrote Zappe: “Thank you, coach! Because of you, my life long dream of playing in the NFL became a reality. You believed in me and pushed me to become better and wiser each and everyday. I’ve learned so much under your leadership and will carry your teachings with me for the rest of my career.”
With starting quarterback Mac Jones coming off a Pro Bowl season in 2021, Belichick raised eyebrows when he drafted Zappe in the fourth round in 2022. He also surprised everyone by cutting Zappe before the season last August, exposing him to waivers.
Zappe was signed to the practice squad, moved back to the active roster, replaced Jones in four games during the regular season and ultimately took the starting job for the final six.
While Jones’ future in Foxboro is uncertain under new head coach Jerod Mayo, Zappe believes he has done enough to compete for the starting job in 2024. The Patriots, however, own the No. 3 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft and are widely predicted to select a quarterback.
JAN. 13 RUMOR THAT WON’T DIE: BELICHICK TO COWBOYS – On his first weekend as a coaching free agent since 2000, Belichick is rumored to go, well, everywhere. Except the Chargers, that is (see below).
NFC South teams Carolina and Atlanta are said to have interest in the Patriots legend, and now two NFC East teams have gained momentum. At least in the rumor mill.
NFL Network host Rich Eisen says the NFL should want Belichick to coach the Commanders.
“Put him in the money division,” Eisen said on The Dan Patrick Show. “Have him take on the Giants, his old team, twice a year. Let him go against Dallas twice a year, on Thanksgiving once in a while. Let him go into Philadelphia, and try and bring the Commanders back to prominence in late windows on Fox as much as possible. If you’re the league, I think that’s where you would pinpoint his location.”
But the juiciest narrative that will not die remains … Belichick to the Cowboys.
Despite three consecutive 12-win seasons, two division titles, a playoff win and this year’s No. 2 seed in the NFC Playoffs, Mike McCarthy might be on thin ice. Given multiple opportunities to say that his coach is safe for next season, Cowboys owner will only offer that McCarthy is “under contract.“
So away we go …
In a sentiment endorsed by Patriots Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman last week (see below), Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported on NBC’s Browns-Texans pre-game show Saturday that Belichick is “in play” in Dallas.
“Yes, the Cowboys are believed to be in play (for Belichick),” Florio said. “There’s a long history of respect and admiration between Bill Belichick and Jerry Jones. They have a great team there. Belichick could just go in and coach it to places they haven’t been in a very long time.”
JAN. 12 CHARGERS NOT INTERESTED IN BELICHICK? – Thought to be a likely landing spot and even the betting favorite at one point, the Chargers might not be a coaching option for Belichick after all.
In an appearance on Boston radio Friday morning, The Athletic Patriots insider Jeff Howe said the Chargers won’t consider Belichick for their opening because they “are going to want a younger offensive minded head coach.”
For all his Hall-of-Fame credentials, Belichick is neither young nor offensive minded.
Rumors on Friday began getting stronger that the Patriots legend might wind up in the AFC South, with either the Panthers or the Falcons.
On FS1 earlier this week, Patriots Super Bowl hero Julian Edelman quickly dismissed the possibility of Bill heading to Carolina.
“No,” he said emphatically, like a man who had more than a hunch.
As for Atlanta, could Falcons fans really take all the “28 to 3” heat that would come equipped with a Belichick hire?
JAN. 12 PLAYERS SUPPORTING MAYO AFTER BELICHICK DEPARTURE – After a day of reflection and appreciation for Belichick on Thursday, the mood around the Patriots transformed into enthusiasm for the hiring of Mayo on Friday. Players past and present saluted the team’s in-house promotion, including 2022 Pro Bowl pass-rusher Matthew Judon.
“There’s a lot of excitement for him running his own ship,” Judon said on ESPN’s NFL Live. “He was a player and a coach here, so he’s a home-grown talent. The success he had on the field definitely translates to his coaching style. We’re excited.”
Getting Judon and and cornerback Christian Gonzalez back on the field will be a big plus as Mayo attempts to keep the Patriots’ defense playing at a high level.
Mayo will be formally introduced at a Noon press conference next Wednesday.
JAN. 11 BRADY SALUTES BELICHICK – Though Belichick failed to mention him by name in his final press conference as coach of the Patriots, it didn’t stop Tom Brady from showering his former coach with praise.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have played for the best coach in the history of the NFL,” Brady said in a long Instagram post. “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.”
JAN. 11 KRAFT DETAILS END OF ‘MARRIAGE’ FROM BELICHICK – A couple of hours after Belichick stood at a podium for the final time as coach of the Patriots, Kraft addressed the media and touched on all the important topics regarding the momentous parting of ways with the legendary coach.
Kraft on …
*Potentially trading Belichick for a possible draft pick: “I didn’t think that was right for Tom and I don’t think it’s right for Bill. Each earned the position to do what is right for them. Some people may criticize me for not getting as much value as possible and I understand that. But I think they deserve to be treated fairly.”
*Option of Bill staying with a reduced role: “We’ve thought about that. But you have someone like Bill that had control over every decision … then take some of that power away and give it to someone else. It sets you up for confusion. It wouldn’t work, in my opinion.”
*Belichick or Brady deserving more credit for the six Super Bowls: “They needed each other. They were both the best of their professions and we were fortunate to have them both together for two decades. They would not have had the success without each other.”
*Reasons for splitting: “The last three years have been pretty tough. In life, things happen. What’s gone on isn’t what we want. This is a results business … something isn’t quite right from where it was.”
*Difficulty of the decision to part ways: “When I’m making a serious decision, I measure nine times and cut once. This was like a marriage … it’s very hard. Both of us felt a mutual interest to each go our own way.”
*Closure in the form of Belichick Appreciation Day: “It would be awkward while he’s still coaching. Everything in life is timing … so we’ll have to wait for that.”
*Next Patriots coach: “I’m looking for someone who can help us get back to the playoffs and win.”
JAN. 11 BELICHICK GIVES THANKS AT FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE – Exchanging his trademark hoodie for a suit and tie, Belichick stood at a podium Thursday at Gillette Stadium and reflected on his unprecedented 24-year career with the Patriots.
“My career here exceeded my wildest dreams and expectations,” Belichick said. “Great memories that I’ll carry with me the rest of my life.”
Belichick gave thanks to everyone from team owner Robert Kraft, to the fans, to the lunchroom staff, and to the players, though he singled out none – not even Tom Brady – by name.
“I’ll always be a Patriot, and I’ll look forward to coming back here,” Belichick said. “But at this time, we’re going to move on and I look forward … excited for the future.”
Kraft echoed that the decision was a mutual agreement.
“In my opinion,” the owner said, “our success will never be replicated.”
In the lone tease of emotion, Kraft hugged Belichick at the end before joking, “He has a cold, so I’m not going to kiss him.”
Belichick also showed a rare sense of humor, joking of the large media gathering that “I haven’t seen this many cameras since we signed Tim Tebow.”
Typical of Belichick’s tenure, the press conference was short – if not sweet – lasting less than 10 minutes.
And with that, Belichick walked out a side door and presumably toward another NFL team, while the Patriots peer into the unknown of life without the most successful coach in the history of professional football.
JAN. 11 BELICHICK, BRADY SAD LAST SCENES – Exits are never easy. Just ask Belichick and Tom Brady.
Though they won six Super Bowls together in New England, their last gasps with the Patriots at Gillette Stadium were separately sad.
Jan. 4, 2020: Trailing the Titans by one point in the final seconds of a Wild Card playoff game, Brady dropped back into his own end zone and threw a deflected, 9-yard Pick 6 to former teammate Logan Ryan to cap a stunning 20-13 loss. The interception was Brady’s final pass as a Patriot.
Jan. 7, 2024: Hidden beneath a parka and balaclava in a snowstorm, Belichick’s team capped a 4-13 season by not scoring a touchdown in a 17-3 loss that broke a 9-year winning streak against the New York Jets.
Historic careers. Horrible climaxes.
A sign that Belichick isn’t done coaching – and, as a “lifer”, likely never will be – occurred in the finale’s final minutes:
The Jets had just scored a touchdown to take a commanding 14-point lead with 1:47 remaining. Bitter cold and a bitter loss to a bitter rival, with an uncertain future awaiting afterward. It was snowing. It was a miserable. It was all but over.
Yet on the sideline in advance of the ensuing kickoff, Belichick wildly windmilled his arms at his return team. Why?
Because he knew the ball wasn’t traveling nearly as far as usual because of the inclement weather, so he was frantically motioning return man Jalen Reagor to move up from his position on the goal line to receive the expected short kick. The ball hitting the ground – Belichick knew from 49 years on the job as a coach in the NFL – might result in a tricky bounce off the frozen field.
Sure enough, Reagor didn’t move up enough and had to negotiate a wonky pick-up. He fumbled, fortunate to recover the ball. Another teaching moment, the last of Belichick’s career with the Patriots.
He was a football savant … until the bitter end.
JAN. 10 BELICHICK, SABAN SHARE HAPPY 1990s HUG – Just because, let’s watch a rare, vintage moment when Belichick and Nick Saban – two of the greatest coaches in American sports – not only shared a sideline but also a jubilant hug.
The two served on the same Cleveland Browns’ staff 1991-94: Belichick as head coach; Saban his defensive coordinator. In their four seasons together the Browns went 31-33 with one playoff win … which just happened to be over a coach named Bill Parcells and the New England Patriots.
JAN. 10 ODDS SAY BELICHICK HEADS WEST TO CHARGERS – While his coaching contemporaries (Pete Carroll, Nick Saban, Mike Vrabel, etc.) are falling likes flies around him, Belichick is apparently still hunkered down in discussions about his Patriots future with Kraft.
But with more jobs opening up by the day, oddsmakers are beginning to speculate on where Belichick finally winds up. Will he stay in Foxboro, move to another NFL team or take an unlikely step down to the college game and take over Saban’s team at Alabama?
The latest DraftKings odds say Belichick will ultimately wind up coaching the Chargers, with essentially a turnkey organization and foundational players (quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Austin Ekeler, receiver Keenan Allen and pass-rusher Joey Bosa) on both sides of the ball. Second favorite? Staying home with the Pats.
The NFL currently has seven coaching vacancies including the Chargers, Commanders, Panthers, Titans, Raiders, Falcons and Seahawks.
The latest odds on Belichick’s destination:Los Angeles Chargers +200
New England Patriots: +300
Atlanta Falcons: +500
Washington Commanders: +600
Not the head coach of an NFL team: +700
JAN. 10 PATS INSIDER REMAINS CONVINCED BELICHICK LEAVING – Despite Belichick still being in Foxboro and employed by the Patriots as NFL head coaches are being fired on a daily basis, a team insider remains convinced he will part ways with the organization sooner rather than later.
Former Patriots Rob Ninkovich and Rob Gronkowski believe Bill is staying, but NBC Boston’s Tom E. Curran said the momentous divorce is just a matter of time.
“Ownership’s decision was made weeks ago,” Curran said Tuesday night. “The decision is the decision … the parting of the ways will happen.”
Said Curran of the delay: “I think it has a lot to do with the untangling of a 24-year union with an individual. That untangling is going to take some time, especially if you want to keep the relationship intact going forward.”
Curran still believes the Patriots will hire Jerod Mayo as Belichick’s successor.
JAN. 10 FORMER PLAYERS PREDICTING BILL STAYS – The longer the will-he-or-won’t-he drama drags on this week, the more it feels like Belichick is on the verge of convincing Kraft to keep him as coach of the Patriots. A couple of his former players, in fact, are already convinced Bill isn’t going anywhere.
“I think he will be staying as head coach of the New England Patriots,” Rob Gronkowski said on a TV appearance with CBS Boston. “I’ll be very shocked if that’s not the case, and I won’t believe it until I see he’s not the head coach.”
Ditto with former Pats linebacker Rob Ninkovich, who cautions Kraft not to make the same mistake with Belichick that he made with Tom Brady.
“If you let Bill out the door and he goes and wins another Super Bowl like Tom did … ,” Ninkovich said on an episode of the Up & Adams show this week. “I’d keep Bill.”
Belichick just endured his worst season in his 29 years as a head coach in the NFL. The Pats went 4-13 and over their last 25 games they are 7-18. Only the Arizona Cardinals (5-20) have been worse over the same period.
Both players believe Belichick remains a defensive mastermind, but needs a fresh voice in the personnel department and on the offensive side of the football.
“The thing I look at is that there are a lot of bad coaches and mediocre coaches just hanging on by the skin of their teeth,” said Ninkovich. “Put Bill Belichick with a good roster and he still wins. If he goes to the Chargers they’re a Super Bowl-contending team immediately.”
Added Gronkowski, “I know coach Belichick wants to be with the Patriots next year. Unfortunately, I don’t think he had the firepower that he needed on offense this year to win the games that he needed. Once he is the coach for next year, they need to add something something to their team.”
JAN. 9 NO CASERIO REUNION IN FOXBORO – As a second day passes without a decision on Belichick’s future with – or without – the Patriots, speculation is beginning to lean toward him staying in Foxboro. And who might join him in attempting to rebuild and restore New England: Josh McDaniels? Maybe. Scott Pioli? Perhaps. Nick Caserio?
No way.
In a defiant response to rumors that he might return to Foxboro as general manager, Caserio went on Houston radio Tuesday afternoon to announce he has no intentions of leaving a Texans’ teams he’s built into a playoff squad in three years.
“I’m going to try to hold my tongue here a little bit,” Caserio said, “but I would just say: This time of year there are a lot of things that are said, and anybody that makes a (bleep) statement – that they either know me or ‘trust me, you can rely on this information,’ – honestly is totally off-base. I focus on the things I can control, not worry about some offhanded statements made out of left field that quite frankly have zero validity. Whoever these reporters are that make these ridiculous statements, maybe you want to talk to me about it first before putting information out there that has zero basis.”
Pretty clear Caserio is happy in Houston with no intention of joining any sort of reunion in Foxboro.
JAN. 9 BELICHICK SNUB, REDEMPTION GO VIRAL – In 2018 the Patriots’ coach created a viral meme by snubbing two kids looking for a high-five before a Lions game in Detroit. So was born “Belichick walking in … “
With everyone dusting off their Belichick memories while we await his fate in Foxboro, we found a happy ending to the Detroit disrespect. Belichick apparently identified the kids – who were actually Patriots fans – and invited them to a game later that season in Gillette Stadium.
He even posed for a photo with them and signed their original picture of the moment at Ford Field.
“When they met him, the first thing he said was, ‘Sorry I missed you in Detroit’,” the kids’ father posted this week on social media. “I also made copies of the pic and he was nice enough to sign them. He couldn’t have been nicer. It’s a side most don’t see but should. The snub was never a big deal to the kids and BB more than made up for it, which wasn’t necessary at all, but was a thrill for the kids. Guy is a legend.”
JAN. 9 TOPIC OF RODGERS-BELICHICK PRE-GAME CHAT? – Among the indelible images from last Sunday’s finale at Gillette Stadium was the sight of future Hall of Famers Belichick and Aaron Rodgers having a pre-game conversation amidst the snowflakes.
So what was the top of that discussion? The Jets’ quarterback shed some light on Tuesday’s Pat McAfee Show:
“I’ve always had great respect for Bill Belichick,” Rodgers said. “We were talking about a snow game in 2019. I think it’d be so fun to have a scotch with Bill and just talk about football.”
The Patriots didn’t play Green Bay in 2019, so they were talking about the Packers’ visit to MetLife Stadium against the New York Giants. Belichick went 1-2 against the Packers with Rodgers in uniform, losing the last meeting in overtime at Lambeau Field in 2022.
“Bill Belichick will always find little advantages that he’s been able to utilize,” Rodgers said. “He’s a football savant and everybody that has played a long time has a lot of respect for him. I just love his knowledge of the game, and I don’t think he’s done coaching. The NFL’s better with him in it.”
JAN. 9 VRABEL FIRED BY TITANS; IN PLAY FOR PATRIOTS? – A report in November called Mike Vrabel a “home run hire” for the Patriots if Kraft ever parted ways with Belichick.
JAN. 9 PATRIOTS GETTING “BAND’ BACK TOGETHER? – First we all thought Belichick was gone and the Patriots were staring a complete tear down of the organization, down to the studs of the foundation. But now, as more information trickles in, one of the options this offseason is apparently just a tweaked remodel featuring bringing back the old as new.
In an initial discussion with Kraft Monday, Belichick reportedly floated the idea of bringing back offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Now comes word that former personnel director Scott Pioli has also been sniffing around a return to Foxboro.
McDaniels has six Super Bowl rings; Pioli three.
So Kraft is apparently a foundational fork in the road: Fire Mick Jagger, or bring back the entire Rolling Stones for a reunion tour.
JAN. 9 BELICHICK STILL IN GOOD COMPANY – Despite going a career-worst 4-13 in 2023 and just 12-22 over the last two seasons, Belichick’s recent “body of work” is still comparable to the best coaches in the NFL.
Consider his numbers, compared to one of the coaches considered to be at the top of his profession: Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers. Their production since 2017:
Kyle Shanahan – 70-52 (Regular season), 6-3 (Playoffs), 0-1 (Super Bowl)
Bill Belichick – 70-52 (Regular season), 5-3 (Playoffs), 1-1 (Super Bowl)
JAN. 8 BELICHICK, KRAFT MEET ON COACH’S FUTURE – According to a new report in The Athletic, Belichick had an “initial discussion” about his future as Patriots head coach Monday with Kraft and part of those talks involved the potential return of Josh McDaniels to Foxboro.
Writes The Athletic, “Kraft and Belichick had an initial discussion Monday, and the expectation is they’ll meet at least once more, league sources said. Kraft was not expected to reach a decision Monday.”
The future remains unsettled, but …
If Belichick and Kraft talked – and a rebuilding plan was discussed that involved McDaniels – and the owner plans to meet again with the coach, it lends credence to Belichick returning to Foxboro after all. Kraft, who reportedly has had his mind made up to part ways with Belichick since the team’s ugly loss in Germany in October, is apparently at least open to hearing Belichick’s strategy for improvement.
McDaniels was the Pats’ offensive coordinator from 2001-08 and from 2012-21, winning six Super Bowl rings along the way. His return for a third stint would follow Belichick’s preference to side with familiarity, hence his two sons on staff and the hiring last offseason of Bill O’Brien.
McDaniels was spotted at Gillette Stadium Sunday, though it was reportedly merely to attend the final game of long-time captain Matthew Slater’s career.
Fired by the Raiders amid turmoil this season, his return would create many questions: Since he coached quarterback Mac Jones to a Pro Bowl in 2021, might the former first-round pick get another shot at starting? And what of O’Brien, who oversaw a historically horrible offense in 2023?
JAN. 8 JIMMY JOHNSON SETS BELICHICK “PRICE” – Curious how forthcoming Belichick has been the last couple of days. Monday morning he talked in detail about how the Pats needed fixing and how was he even – gasp! – open to accepting a reduced role (see: GM) if Kraft deemed it necessary to move the Patriots forward.
During his uncharacteristically openness, Belichick did slip in a couple times that he is “under contract.” For a tight-lipped guy who would never normally divulge such info, it borders on bizarre. Or … merely calculating?
The advantage to reminding everyone – Kraft, potential suitors, etc. – is that he has leverage in that if he’s fired he gets paid the remainder of his deal and if another team comes calling they’ll have to part with assets in a trade.
And now we know what the going rate is to trade for a coach of Belichick’s pedigree, courtesy of Hall-of-Fame coach and Fox analyst Jimmy Johnson. A first-round draft pick.
“Even though he’s my friend, i don’t know what’s going to happen,” Johnson said Sunday on Fox’s pre-game show. “But i do know this … he loves coaching, he loves to compete and with the right personnel he can win a championship. I think if he’s out there, there will be opportunities for him. And the Patriots would want a first-round pick.”
JAN. 8 VRABEL MEETING WITH TITANS OWNERSHIP – We’re starting to learn the teams (Commanders, Panthers, Falcons, etc.) that might be interested in Belichick should he part ways with the Patriots. But what about whom New England might covet as his successor?
Titans coach Mike Vrabel has long been thought to be at the top of Kraft’s wish list. A report in November called Vrabel, in fact, the “home run hire” as Belichick’s replacement. He spent Tennessee’s Bye week in Foxboro entering the Pats’ Hall of Fame, wearing a New England jacket and sitting in Kraft’s suite. Vrabel, for crying out loud, even referred to the Patriots as “we” during his induction speech.
He’s under contract with the Titans for two years, but also is reportedly frustrated with team ownership. Those concerns will be addressed in a meeting with the front office this week, according to ESPN. Adam Schefter reports that “there are people around the league” who believe Vrabel would be open to coaching another team, or that the Titans would be willing to trade Vrabel to another organization.
Wrote Schefter last week, “Meetings that likely will happen will help determine the direction that Vrabel and the Titans go, but the situation in Tennessee currently is not settled, according to sources.”
Vrabel is 6-18 in his last 24 games with the Titans and they missed the playoffs with a 6-11 record this year.
“Of course, I want to be here. Be here as long as we can win. As long as we can do this thing, and it’s been great,” Vrabel told reporters in Nashville last week. “But it also has been just frustrating this year. And nobody wants to be where we’re at. You feel for the players. Having been in that situation, those guys are out there selling out, and you feel for them when you look out there on the field, and we’re not winning, or it’s pretty obvious.”
JAN. 8 TEAMS ALREADY INTERESTED IN BELICHCK – As of late Monday morning, Belichick was still the coach of the Patriots. But if and when he becomes a coaching free agent, teams are lining up to talk to him.
Both the Commanders (Ron Rivera) and Falcons (Arthur Smith) fired their head coaches on “Black Monday.” And both, according to new reporting, have an interest in hiring Belichick.
Commanders owner Josh Harris is said to be “enamored” with Belichick. And The Athletic wrote today that the Falcons are “very interested” in the Patriots’ legend.
In addition, the Panthers – who fired Frank Reich during the season – have made “informal inquiries” into Belichick’s availability.
From his recent press conferences, it sure seems like we can erase “retire” from the list of possibilities concerning Belichick. Even though he’ll be 72 next season, he wants to keep coaching. And already he has suitors lining up for his services.
JAN. 8 REDUCED ROLE FOR BELICHICK TO STAY WITH PATRIOTS? – Belichick addressed his future the morning after their 17-3 loss to the Jets, saying he has yet to meet with Kraft and that he would be – surprisingly – open to relinquishing GM duties in order to keep his job.
But the Patriots were the worst team in the AFC this season and over the last two years they are 12-22 with the 30th-ranked offense. Something’s got to change, right?
JAN. 7 FINAL FAREWELL FOR BELICHICK AROUND GILLTTE STADIUM? – After another ugly, low-scoring loss – this time to the Jets, of all teams – was this Belichick’s last exit from Gillette Stadium as head coach of the Patriots? If so, it’s not what we envisioned: Engulfed in a parka, trudging out and down the steps in a snowstorm.
Let’s be honest, he looked more like a Sith Lord from Star Wars than the greatest coach in the history of American team sports.
JAN 7: BILL BELICHICK SPEAKS TO MEDIA AFTER WEEK 18 LOSS TO NEW YORK JETS – The New England Patriots brought the curtain down on a dismal 2023 NFL season with a 17-3 loss to the New York Jets at snow-covered Gillette Stadium. The Pats finish the season at 4-13, and their third postseason miss in the past four seasons.
With rumors surrounding the future of Bill Belichick as a part of the Pats franchise swirling more abundantly than the falling snowflakes in the skies of Foxboro, Belichick took the postgame podium to address the media to put a cap on his statistically-worst season as an NFL head coach.
While the question on everyone’s mind was bound to be asked, Belichick tried to keep the focus on the Pats loss to the Jets, while deferring all other musings of inquiring minds.
“Just taking questions on the Jets right now,” Belichick said. “As far as the future goes, I will be sitting down with Robert at some point to discuss things, as we always do every season. That’s really all there is to say right now.”
When asked a follow up on whether he would be coaching the Patriots next season, Belichick responded:
“Disappointed in the way the game finished. We put everything we had into the game and trying to win it. I enjoyed all the preparation this season, all the effort we put into games. Just didn’t win enough games.”
Could this be the final image of Bill Belichick wearing Patriots gear leaving Gillette Stadium as ‘HC of the NEP?’
JAN. 7: BILL’S DONE, SAYS GLAZER – Unlike too many in the national media, FOX’s Jay Glazer does not throw crap against the wall to see if it sticks. And Glazer on Sunday morning is reporting that Belichick is done in New England.
“As far as who’s gone … it’s a matter of whether they fire him … or trade him,” Glazer said.
On the same panel, Belichick pupil Rob Gronkowski said “I’d be shocked” by Belchick’s departure. But given that Gronk is speaking emotionally while Glazer is a reporter … the ol’ tight end had better prepare to be “shocked.”
JAN. 7 HAY, SNOW ON TAP FOR BELICHICK’S LAST DANCE? – Snow is falling in Gillette Stadium and, according to an NFL insider, the hay is also already in the barn.
As Belichick prepares for what could be his final game in Foxboro this Sunday morning, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer is reporting that his fate is already sealed.
Writes Breer, “Some within the team feel like the hay has been in the barn for a while with this one, going back to the team’s trip to Germany in early November.”
If Breer is correct, Belichick will be fired, Jerod Mayo will be hired as his successor and Sunday’s game will the last of the Hall-of-Fame coach’s legendary career with the Patriots.
JAN. 6 COMMANDERS, RAIDERS WANT TO INTERVIEW BELICHICK – For now, Bill Belichick is still the coach of the Patriots. And that may be the case after his Monday meeting with owner Robert Kraft.
Per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the Commanders (along with the Las Vegas Raiders) are hoping to meet with Belichick – assuming he become available.
The Raiders are already offering up a vacancy to be filled by a new full-time head coach after firing Josh McDaniels, though there is obvious locker room support there for interim boss Antonio Pierce.
But in Washington? The 4-12 Commanders have yet to make their move regarding the incumbent Ron Rivera. It is expected, however, that after Rivera coaches on Sunday against the hated Dallas Cowboys that new owner Josh Harris will put into place a plan to rejuvenate the long-moribund Washington franchise.
JAN. 6 RADICAL RUMOR HAS BELICHICK GOING TO EAGLES – We have to seriously consider the source on this one, because Craig Carton has a history littered with wild, unsourced and ultimately swing-and-miss opinions. The FS1 host’s latest zany take has the Patriots firing Belichick and the coach being hired by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Many dominoes would have to fall to make this happen. First and foremost, Kraft’s unlikely, outright firing of Belichick. Secondly, entering the final Sunday of the season the 11-5 Eagles still have a shot at the NFC East title and the No. 2 seed in the NFC Playoffs. So they’d have to fire with a coach in the postseason that’s only a year removed from almost winning the Super Bowl in Nick Sirianni.
Nonetheless, says Carton: “”If I’m Philly and it doesn’t go right, I’ll be the first team to try to beat the (Los Angeles) Chargers to the phone and bring Bill Belichick in. They would love him in Philadelphia.”
Carton goes on to compare Belichick to none other than Pamela Anderson, so – again – grain of salt.
JAN. 6 BULLYCHECK, TO THE BITTER END – According to a stunning, detailed report by the Boston Herald, Belichick oversaw a dysfunctional organization this season which was not only 4-12 on the field but rife with dissension off of it. Among other things, the head coach apparently wouldn’t let new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien have input into new hirings and offensive line coach Adrian Klemm got crossways with player personnel director Matt Groh. Yikes, indeed.
JAN. 6 BELICHICK FINALE: SICK IN A SNOWSTORM? – Sunday’s forecast at Gillette Stadium calls for temperatures in the 30s, 6-8 inches of snow and a 100-percent of tears. The potential Patriots finales for Belichick (and Matthew Slater) should provide for an emotional day in Foxboro. The coach changed formats of his Friday press conference because he’s fighting an illness. The 71-year-old is expected to be on the sideline Sunday, come snow or sickness or both.
JAN. 5 NFL NETWORK LABELS ROBERT KRAFT FIRING BILL BELICHICK ‘HIGHLY UNLIKLEY’ – With rumors abound as to whether New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is about to guide his team for the final time on Sunday versus the New York Jets, one NFL insider suggests that the man responsible for guiding them to six super Bowl championships might not be in line to receive his “pink slip” on “Black Monday.”
With Patriots owner Robert Kraft reportedly set to meet with the 71-year-old coach on Monday morning regarding his future with the franchise, NFL Network has submitted the notion that the chances of Belichick being fired are “highly unlikely.”
“As to whether there might be a point where Robert Kraft says: ‘You know what? I’m just going to move on’ and fires Bill Belichick … That seems to be highly, highly unlikely,” said NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport while guesting on NFL Plus’ The Insiders.
The Patriots are about to drop the curtain on their worst season since 1992. They are 4-12 entering Sunday’s season finale, one which has been defined by offensive futility, in-fighting within the coaching staff and incessant rumors surrounding Belichick’s future with the club.
Still, Rapoport suggests that alternative outcomes — such as Belichick being retained as head coach, while a new general manager is brought aboard — may be more palatable to Kraft, who has already watched legendary quarterback Tom Brady continue his success with another franchise. In spite of Belichick’s struggles, he is able to pair his impressive resume with helping to craft a defense which leads the NFL in yards-per-game allowed via the run (3.2), while being ranked No. 6 overall.
It should be noted that he was not so quick to dismiss the notion that both Belichick and the Patriots would “mutually part ways” next week — adding the caveat that that Pats would receive no compensation in this scenario.
JAN. 5 JULIAN EDELMAN PREDICTS BELICHICK TO … COWBOYS? – Ex Patriots Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman sees a “tough conversation” coming Monday between Belichick and Robert Kraft and a potential new landing spot for the coach. As in, “How ‘Bout Them Cowboys?!”
Asked by FS1’s Colin Cowherd Friday if Belichick would take the Panthers job, Edelman snapped “no way!”
“But,” he continued, “what about Dallas? What if Mike McCarthy gets knocked out of the playoffs early? Bill over there with that Top 10 offensive line and talent … they’d at least be fundamentally sound. McCarthy gets a lot of penalties and that clock management … in the game against the Lions the moment just looked too big.”
Edelman said the irony of Belichick’s situation in Foxboro is that – after years of building rosters on the cheap and cutting players in their prime – he must sell himself to Kraft even though he would have cut himself by now if he was a player.
“It’s an interesting situation,” he said. “Bill’s notorious for cutting guys a year or two before they’re out of their prime. And he’s the first one to tell you that this is a production business. I remember going in to negotiate after I’d won Super Bowl MVP and him telling me ‘Look, you’re 33 years old and coming off an ACL. I can’t give you that.’ That’s the kind of guy he is. So this is going to be a tough conversation.”
JAN. 5 RODNEY HARRISON SUGGESTS END FOR BELICHICK – It was just one week ago that Belichick was waxing nostalgic about Rodney Harrison. The coach was essentially stumping for Harrison’s inclusion in this year’s Hall of Fame class, calling him “One of the best I’ve ever coached. He’d certainly be on my all-time team.”
Harrison, however, isn’t exactly returning the favor. The Patriots’ Hall of Fame safety and two-time Super Bowl champ said Thursday he thinks Belichick should move on from the team.
“Personally, I think it’s time for Bill,” Harrison told MassLive.com. “I think a new environment would be great for him. I just think it’s gotten to the point in time where he’s been there so long, he’s accomplished everything you could possibly accomplish as a coach and more, and sometimes, it’s just time.”
JAN. 5 BELICHICK CHANGES FRIDAY SCHEDULE – In an audible that initially raised red flags at One Patriot Place, Belichick changed his Friday media availability from the usual in-person press conference to a virtual video session. But instead of some secret meetings taking place or the Patriots coach wanting to avoid fond farewells on what could be the last Friday presser of his 24-year career in Foxobro, it appears he’s simply sick. And courteous.
“Not feeling great,” Belichick said to open the video session. “Trying to spare everyone in the first couple rows.”
In a season decimated by injuries, now Belichick (illness) might be on the injury report heading into Sunday’s season finale against the New York Jets.
JAN. 5 BELICHICK MIRRORING AWKWARD EXIT OF TOM LANDRY? – Like hat, like hoodie? Belichick’s last gasps with the Patriots is eerily familiar to that of Hall of Famer Tom Landry’s awkward exit from the Dallas Cowboys 35 years ago.
JAN. 5 JETS COACH OFFERS BELICHICK TRIBUTE – Ahead of Sunday’s finale at Gillette Stadium, Jets’ coach Robert Saleh says he is in “awe” of Belichick and how the Patriots’ coach “transcended” the game of football.
JAN. 4 BELICHICK ON NFL’S SECOND-HOTTEST COACHING SEAT – While there is no consensus on what will happen, there is agreement among almost every NFL observer that something must happen. Whether the ultimate action is a firing, trade or even retirement, USA Today grades Belichick’s coaching seat with the Patriots as the second-hottest in the NFL entering Sunday’s regular-season finale and Monday’s scheduled summit with owner Robert Kraft.
Belichick’s heat gets a 3.5, behind Ron Rivera’s 5 with the Commanders and ahead of Arthur Smith’s 2.5 in Atlanta. Writes USA Today:
“There are too many variables here to be confident in any particular outcome. But given the complexities, it seems like a solid bet that if a change is made, it likely will be a mutual parting and more delicate decision than the outright firings seen elsewhere.”
JAN. 4 PATRIOTS GM CANDIDATES EMERGING – Coming out of Monday’s scheduled summit with Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick could be outright fired. He could be traded. He could remain as head coach of the Patriots. Or … what if Kraft allows him to stay but convinces Belichick to give up control of player personnel?
Difficult to envision the 71-year-old, stuck-in-his-ways Belichick agreeing to such a setup when other teams will likely give him full control of their operation. But in that arrangement Kraft would need a traditional general manager in Foxboro, and candidates are beginning to surface.
Among the possibilities are Pats director of scouting Eliot Wolf, 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters (who began his career as a New England scout) and former team executives Dave Ziegler, Thomas Dimitroff and Jon Robinson.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, another name to consider is Bengals senior personnel exec Trey Brown. He started in the Pats’ scouting department under Belichick in 2010 and was the Eagles’ director of college scouting for the team that beat New England in Super Bowl LII. Breer reminds that Brown has a “good relationship” with potential Belichick successor Jerod Mayo.
Said Breer during an appearance on NBC Sports Boston, “If you’re looking for a guy with applicable experience who’s done a ton of different things, Trey Brown would be that guy.”
JAN. 4 EX CHARGERS STAR DOESN’T WANT BELICHICK IN L.A. – Since the middle of the season the Patriots’ Belichick has been connected to the Los Angeles Chargers. But as his first choice to replace the recently fired Brandon Staley, former Chargers’ star Shawn Merriman wants Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh.
And as his last pick? Belichick.
“He’s not my pick, for a lot of reasons,” the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 and sacks leader in 2006 said on OutKick’s “Hot Mic” podcast this week. “We all know how great of a coach Bill Belichick is. But I don’t know, in my opinion, if you bring in somebody like Bill Belichick right now, that it’s going to guarantee a turnaround, a success. He’s going to want to come in and call the shots, bring all his people in. I doubt very seriously if he keeps anybody on that staff. So, you’re talking about a big turnover. So, he wouldn’t be my first choice. He would probably be my last, to be quite honest.”
JAN. 4 BOSTON RADIO HOST MAKES CASE FOR BELICHICK RETURN – Boston talk-show host Tony Massarotti of 98.5 The Sports Hub says Belichick should return to the Patriots because he’s … better than Nathaniel Hackett?
JAN. 4 KRAFT, BELICHICK SET MONDAY MEEETING – Less than 24 hours after Sunday’s “Foxboro Farewell” at Gillette Stadium, Bill Belichick may have his New England Patriots’ fate decided in a summit with owner Robert Kraft.
According to ESPN, Belichick will meet Monday morning with Kraft and his son – team president Jonathan – at One Patriot Place. Reporter Mike Reiss says though a “final decision hasn’t been made,” Belichick will have to convince the pair that the reasons for this disastrous season are quickly repairable.
It could be a “Black Monday” for the greatest coach in Patriots’ history.
JAN. 4 DINOSAUR EXTINCTION FOR BELICHICK, CARROLL? – After Hall-of-Fame careers featuring a combined 513 wins and seven Super Bowls, legendary coaches Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks could be fired after Sunday.
JAN. 4 GRONK PICKS BELICHICK SUCCESSOR – While Patriots’ legend Rob Gronkowski won’t believe Bill Belichick’s time with in New England is over until it happens, he is picking a preferred successor just in case.
JAN. 3 RIVAL JETS DETERMINED TO SEND BELICHICK OUT A ‘LOSER – The New York Jets enter Sunday’s season finale at Gillette Stadium hoping to break a 15-game losing streak to the Patriot and send iconic coach Bill Belichick out on a losing note.
JAN. 2 BELICHICK JOKES ABOUT BREAKING PATRIOTS NEWS ON ‘MYFACE’ – Just days before what could be his final game as coach of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick invented a fictional website and joked about his future in Foxboro during a radio interview.
JAN. 2 POTENTIAL BELICHICK SUCCESSOR MAYO RESPONDS TO ‘WRONG WAY’ RUMORS – Patriots’ inside linebackers coach and potential Bill Belichick successor Jerod Mayo shot back at stories claiming he has been “rubbing people the wrong way” this season.
JAN. 2 BELICHICK ON CUSP OF NFL INFAMY – Bill Belichick could make history as the NFL’s losingest coach if the Patriots are defeated by the New York Jets on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
JAN. 1 KRAFT TAKING LESSONS FROM BRADY DEPARTURE IN HANDLING BELICHICK? – Patriots owner Robert Kraft might be taking lessons learned from the ugly departure of Tom Brady in his handling of coach Bill Belichick’s status with the franchise.
2023 BELICHICK’S TURBULENT TIMELINE –
*Belichick is linked by multiple sources to other jobs in 2024, including the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys.
*A December report claims Kraft has already his decision to “part ways” with Belichick after the season, rendering him a lame-duck coach.
*A counterpoint report says, on the contrary, no such decision has been made and Belichick might be coaching for his job in the season’s final four games.
*NFL insiders and former Patriots alike began casting their informal votes for Belichick’s successor, some saying Mike Vrabel is the logical successor while Hall of Famer Ty Law stumps for Mayo.
*Kraft apparently is keen on creating a “bidding war” for his coach, in an attempt to recoup assets via trade rather than an outright firing or mutual divorce.
*FS1’s Colin Cowherd said Belichick retaining his job with the Patriots – or getting a new one elsewhere, for that matter – is becoming problematic because the league’s younger players and coaches have soured on the 71-year-old legend’s style and substance.
*Just after Christmas Belichick apparently began “expressing doubt” to his coaching staff about his future in Foxboro.