January 11 (Reuters) – On Thursday, one of the most successful coaches in National Football League history, Bill
Belichick, announced his departure from the New England Patriots after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl titles.
Belichick and Patriots billionaire owner Robert Kraft described the move as a mutual parting of ways, implying that
the 71-year-old’s career as an NFL coach is far from over.
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“I will always be a Patriot,” Belichick stated at a news conference announcing his departure. “I hope to return here
someday, but for now, we must move on. I look forward to the future, but I’m always grateful for the opportunity
here.”
Belichick constructed one of the most decorated dynasties in North American professional sports with the arm of
Tom Brady, the quarterback he picked with the 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft, and the whatever it takes to
win mindset known as ‘The Patriot Way’.
The coach, who majored in economics at Wesleyan University, was known for his innovative approach to roster-
building during the salary cap era, frequently trading stars or allowing them to become free agents and earn a big
payday at another team while he diligently sought out less acclaimed multi-dimensional players of “value.”
All dynasties eventually come to an end, and Belichick’s came this season when his team finished 4-13, the poorest
record of his 29-year head coaching career.
Belichick, a severe, gruff figure, has a distinct flair in everything from coaching to his dress on the sidelines, which
has been called as “hobo-chic”.
Underneath the boring demeanor is a bright football mind molded as a child by watching hours of game footage with
his father, an assistant coach at the United States Naval Academy.
Belichick was named head coach in 2000 and has guided the Patriots to a 266-121 record, 17 AFC East titles
(including a league-record streak of 11 in a row from 2009-2019), and nine Super Bowl appearances, which is tied for
the most by any NFL franchise. Their last Super Bowl victory came in 2018.
