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Bill Belichick is synonymous with the New England Patriots. As the 2021 NFL season approaches and a new wave of coaches enter the league, the greatest head coach in NFL history enters his
Belichick is entering his 22nd season with the Patriots, ushering in a new era that the franchise hopes includes its quarterback of the future. With Mac Jones generating buzz, there’s a lot of excitement in Foxborough for how this team will look in the years to come.
But Belichick’s future might be the biggest question. The 69-year-old coach could retire tomorrow and the Pro Football Hall of Fame would start working on his bust. But NBC Sports’ Peter King believes the legendary football coach won’t be stepping away any time soon.
When will Bill Belichick retire?
With the Patriots expected to compete for a playoff spot this season and the club’s long-term outlook even brighter, we might not see Belichick step away anytime soon.
Peter King wrote in his weekly column that the 2021 season likely won’t be Belichick’s last and he will also probably stick around for the 2022 season.
Read More: Bill Belichick considered leaving New England Patriots for another NFL job in 2018
It isn’t about adding to his legacy. Belichick has the third-most wins by a head coach (280) and he could pass George Halas (318) in 2022. He could hang around with the Patriots past the 2022 season, giving him a chance to surpass Don Shula (328), but his priority might be the Patriots’ future over any records.
“The way Belichick is, I doubt sincerely he’d leave the Patriots with a dim future. He’ll view as part of his legacy the shape he left the franchise. That’s why Mac Jones falling to New England at 15 this year was so important to New England’s long-term future—it allows Belichick to feel like there’s a good chance the team now has its quarterback for the post-Brady period.”
NBC Sports’ Peter King on Bill Belichick’s plans with New England Patriots
Belichick never would have walked away after a disappointing 2020 season. Things fell apart for New England without Tom Brady, with the team missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and falling below a .500 record for the first time since 2000.
- Bill Belichick record: 280-136, .673% record, 18 playoff appearances, three-time Coach of the Year, six-time Super Bowl champion
Read More: Did New England Patriots owner put Bill Belichick on blast over NFL Draft misses?
There’s another aspect to Belichick’s desire to hang around football. Both of his sons, Brian and Steve Belichick, are on the Patriots’ coaching staff. Steve serves as a defensive assistant and could be a future head coach, while Brian coaches New England’s safeties.
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The Patriots won’t rush Belichick into a decision, he will remain the head coach for as long as he wants the job. Unfortunately for NFL teams who have to scheme against New England, it seems likely Belichick will be around for a lot longer.