For you youngsters out there, it’s time to read up on Bill Belichick‘s one-day tenure as the New York Jets’ head coach back in January of 2000. The now-six time Super Bowl champion head coach of the Patriots is talking about his time with the Jets. To say that he decided to troll his former organization would be an understatement.
One day after New England handed the Jets their ninth consecutive loss to open the 2020 NFL season, Belichick took aim at New York in a big way.
“One of the not only most defining, but one of the great moments of my career. That combined with Robert (Kraft) giving me the opportunity to come here, I couldn’t have asked for anything more,” Belichick said on WEEI Tuesday (h/t USA Today). “That wasn’t a good situation for me, and I didn’t want to be part of it, so I wasn’t.”
Belichick’s story with the Jets is among the most interesting in the modern history of the NFL.
Bill Belichick resigns as Jets head coach during intro press conference
On January 4 of 2000, Belichick took to the podium to be announced as the next head coach of the New York Jets. Prior to the presser, he wrote down a resignation letter on a napkin and used said presser to explain why he’d never coach a game for the Jets.
This came after reports suggested that the Jets “settled on” Belichick as their head coach. Obviously, that did not sit well with him. Remember, Belichick was fired as the Cleveland Browns head coach following the 1995 season. He was nowhere near as highly regarded as we see today.
These are times in history that change the future. For the Browns, Jets and Patriots, that could not be more true.
Bill Belichick and the New York Jets
Since taking the Patriots’ job shortly after resigning as the Jets’ head coach, Belichick has led his organization to six Super Bowl appearances in nine attempts. He boasts a 30-11 record in the playoffs and a .732 regular-season winning percentage.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Jets, check out #NYJets rumors, rankings, and news here.
The Jets ultimately promoted Al Groh from linebackers coach to head coach after Belichick’s resignation. He was one-and-done in Jersey, posting a 9-7 record.
In the 20 seasons since Belichick’s shocking resignation, the Jets have made the playoffs a total of six times. They have won as many playoff games as the Patriots have won Super Bowls under Belichick. The Jets are also on their sixth head coach in that of the overmatched Adam Gase.
As for the Browns, they have made one playoff appearance since deciding to fire Belichick.
Three organizations. Three different trajectories. Three decisions. One common denominator. Bill Belichick.
One could easily conclude that Belichick’s tenure with the Patriots changed the entire landscape of the NFL moving forward. However, his decision to resign as the Jets’ head coach after just one day began this entire process.
If this had not come to fruition, Tom Brady likely wouldn’t have Wally Pipped Drew Bledsoe. The Patriots wouldn’t be on the verge of their two-decade dynasty coming to an end. Belichick wouldn’t have become one of the greatest head coaches in NFL history. Joe Montana wouldn’t be sweating his status as the GOAT quarterback.
Attention, Amazon Prime, we need a sports version of “The Man in the High Castle.” Thanks in advance! After all, Philip K. Dick couldn’t have written a more unbelievable book.