New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is viewed as one of the most important figures in modern football history. However, the 70-year-old coach could be under increasing pressure to win in the 2023 season.
Belichick, who took over as the Patriots coach in 2000, is partially responsible for one of the best NFL dynasties ever. From 2001-’18, New England won six Super Bowls and posted a 220-60 record in the regular season with Belichick and Tom Brady
- Bill Belichick coaching record: 298-152 in regular season, 31-13 in NFL playoffs
After winning Super Bowl LIII, a 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, New England hasn’t won a playoff game in the four years since. Brady left New England in 2020, with New England missing the playoffs in two of the past three years. In addition, Belichick is 25-25 over the last three years.
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Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s frustrations with the team’s lack of success became apparent before the 2022 season. However, Kraft allowed Belichick to replace offensive coordinator and play-caller Josh McDaniels with Matt Patricia and Joe Judge.
Belicichick’s move backfired. New England had one of the worst offenses in the AFC and quarterback Mac Jones regressed. It resulted in Kraft pushing for sweeping changes to the coaching staff, with Bill O’Brien returning to New England as the offensive coordinator.
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Even following changes to the staff, Kraft refused to commit to Belichick beyond the 2023 season. Pressure is mounting for New England and with the organization experiencing greater uncertainty, it appears increasingly apparent that the upcoming season will be a prove-it year for the Patriots’ coach.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic wrote that it’s felt ‘for a while now’ that Belichick must do enough this fall to prove to Kraft he deserves a shot at coaching in 2024. As the Patriots insider notes, this four-year stretch is the first time in nearly 30 years that the team went four consecutive years without a playoff victory.
Coaching for another two seasons is important to Belichick. He is just 21 wins shy of surpassing George Halas for second place on the all-time coaching wins list. He is also just 31 wins behind Don Shula (328) for the all-time record.
While Belichick is an integral part of the Patriots’ history, the lack of playoff success and issues on offense have put his future with New England in jeopardy. If the Patriots decide to part ways with him in 2024, many will wonder if Belichick retires from football or decides to coach in his age-72 season with a new team.
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