The New England Patriots reportedly made a “secret” agreement with Bill Belichick in the offseason that is going to upset fans hoping this is the legendary head coach’s final season with the franchise.
There is no denying that Bill Belichick is in the discussion as the greatest head coach in NFL history. The designation is warranted after nine trips to the Super Bowl and bringing the New England Patriots six Super Bowl titles over the last 24 seasons.
However, good things don’t last forever, and since legendary quarterback Tom Brady left the franchise a few years ago the team has had one winning season over the last four years. Now, things have gotten progressively worse recently as the team seems headed toward a top 10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after getting off to a horrid 1-5 start to begin their 2023 campaign.
The way the iconic coach has handled his offense over the last two seasons has led many to question if he has lost something on his coaching fastball, and with the Patriots having one of their worst seasons since he took over the team in 2000, there has been a great deal of speculation about if he will hold on to his job after this season.
- Bill Belichick record (Patriots): 263-113
Bill Belichick secretly signed a new long-term deal with the New England Patriots earlier this year
Well, it seems like Belichick’s role with the organization is completely safe due to a “lucrative” new agreement the franchise made with him despite a messy 2022 performance. On Sunday, NFL media league insider Ian Rapoport revealed details of the surprising “secret” agreement made this past offseason.
“With the Patriots struggling like they never have, Bill Belichick’s job security has somehow been a topic in New England,” Rapoport said. “Would Robert Kraft make a move midseason? Would he make a move at all? But allow me to add some news. Sources say Bill Belichick — during the offseason — quietly agreed to terms on a lucrative, multi-year new contract. [it was] one of the most closely held secrets in New England. I think it’s fair to say there was some uncertainty, or intrigue surrounding him. Now, contractually he is locked up long-term.”
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Fans hoping for a change in head coach after this season will now have to come to terms with Belichick being in his role for many more seasons due to the major financial investment owner Robert Kraft surprisingly made in him after a tumultuous year in 2022.