After an incredible 24 seasons as the coach of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick announced on Thursday that
“we’re going to move on” and expressed gratitude for his unrivaled record in NFL history, which included six Super
Bowl championships.
Belichick and Robert Kraft, the owner of the Patriots, met for the better part of this week to discuss the respective
plans for each side. There was reportedly no argument or confrontation, according to people with knowledge of those
discussions, and in the end, fruitful negotiations produced a decision that satisfied both parties.
Kraft referred to Belichick as the best coach of all time and said he should be elected to the Hall of Fame on the first
ballot during a press conference on Thursday.
“This is a move that we mutually agreed that is needed at this time,” Kraft stated. “What Bill accomplished, in my
opinion, will never be duplicated.”
After declaring that he will “always be a Patriot,” Belichick expressed his gratitude to Kraft and his family for the
chance and support, saying, “We had a vision of building a championship football team that has exceeded my wildest
dreams and expectations.” I’m quite pleased with that. I shall cherish such wonderful recollections for the rest of my
life.”
With one year left on his deal, Belichick is free to leave the team without the Patriots pursuing payment. According to
league insiders, he wants to continue coaching and is anticipated to pique the interest of at least a few of the other
seven NFL teams who have open head coaching positions, most notably the Atlanta Falcons.