New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is widely recognized as one of the all-time greats in NFL history. However, NFL rumors swirled this week suggesting the Patriots could fire Belichick if they lose on Sunday in Germany.
Once the greatest dynasty in NFL history, New England’s franchise has now reached its lowest point. After missing the playoffs in 2022, the second time in three years, the Patriots are now poised to finish with their worst record since Belichick took over as head coach before the 2001 season.
- Bill Belichick coaching record: 300-159 in regular season, 31-13 in playoffs
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Entering NFL games today, the Patriots had the second-worst point differential (-93) in the NFL. Of its seven losses heading into Week 10, New England had lost by double-digits twice including a stretch when they were outscored 72-3 in early October.
While Belichick signed a contract extension before the season, the terms of the detail were described as allowing owner Robert Kraft to make a move in 2024. Amid growing frustration within the Patriots’ organization, speculation emerged that Kraft could fire his long-time coach if New England lost in Germany on Sunday.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, talks with Patriots’ officials this week have led to a belief that any determination on Belichick’s future won’t be made anytime soon. As a result, New England isn’t expected to make any drastic move regardless of what happens against the Indianapolis Colts in Germany.
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However, keeping Belichick through the remainder of the season doesn’t mean he’ll return in 2024. Those same officials with ties to the Patriots’ organization said they’d bet on a “mutual parting of the ways” after Week 18.
Theoretically, Kraft could fire Belichick following Sunday’s game and name Jerod Mayo as the Patriots’ interim coach. Signed to a lucrative contract extension this offseason, New England seemingly begun preparing Mayo to become Belichick’s successor in the spring.
However, Belichick’s unrivaled success with the Patriots’ franchise and his reputation as a brilliant defensive mind and in-game strategist will likely keep him around through the end of the regular season. If the two sides mutually part ways in January, Belichick is expected to have multiple offers to be a head coach for other NFL franchises.