More Tension arise for the Patriots as it is said to have been a mutual agreement.
Bill Belichick is no longer coaching the New England Patriots after an incredible 24 seasons. “We’re going to keep going,” he said Thursday, looking back fondly on his streak, which is unmatched in NFL history, including six Super Bowl titles.
Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft have spent most of the week meeting on and off to discuss how the two sides will fare.
According to sources familiar with these discussions, there was no argument or disagreement and the resulting discussions resulted in a mutual resolution that brought peace and comfort to both parties.During a news conference Thursday, Kraft called Belichick the greatest coach of all time who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
This is a mutually agreed upon step at this time,” Kraft said. “I don’t think what Bill accomplished will ever be repeated.”Belichick, who will always be a Patriot, thanked Kraft and his family for the opportunity and support, saying, “I had a vision to build a championship football team that exceeded my dreams and expectations. I’m very proud of that.
I will always cherish these wonderful memories and carry them with me for the rest of my life.” Belichick, who has one year left on his contract, can leave the team without seeking compensation from the Patriots.
He wants to continue coaching and is expected to draw interest from seven other NFL teams with coaching vacancies, including the Atlanta Falcons, league sources said.
Now, the Patriots are searching for a head coach for the first time in 25 years. Sources said the team expects Patriots coach Jerod Mayo, who signed a contract extension this offseason and identified Kraft as a promising head coaching candidate, to be a leading candidate for the job. Mayo played for the Patriots from 2008 to 2015 and has been Belichick’s assistant since 2019.
If Mayo is ultimately selected, and the contract the Patriots signed last offseason enshrines a succession plan, the organization could hire him at any time without going through the standard NFL draft process. Kraft said in a second press conference Thursday that it had decided not to do so.
He tried to trade Belichick, saying he “didn’t think it was right” to turn a coach’s departure into a trade and compared the situation to Tom Brady’s departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “We’re looking for someone to help us get back to the playoffs and win,” Kraft said.
Brady announced Belichick’s departure via Instagram, calling him “the best coach in NFL history.””We have accomplished amazing things over time, many of which are difficult to replicate,” Brady wrote. “He worked every day to help us achieve our ultimate goals in team sports. … I wouldn’t be the player I am today without Coach Belichick. I am forever grateful. And good luck with whatever you choose.
