What next for Bill Belichick? Atlanta Falcons could move for the iconic coach after New England Patriots exit and there are SEVEN open vacancies in the NFL… or will six-time Super Bowl winner, 71, choose to retire?
Bill Belichick’s 24 years with the Patriots are over, but the 71-year-old has plenty of opportunities to continue coaching in the NFL.
The historic news of his departure broke early Thursday morning as the curtain fell on one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.
But while the six-time Super Bowl winner is saying goodbye to New England, it appears that now is not the time to say goodbye to football for good.
This week, the Atlanta Falcons have been heavily linked with a move for one of the sport’s biggest minds, firing Arthur Smith in the early hours of Monday morning after a 7-10 season.
And at the time of Belichick’s departure, there are seven other coaching vacancies in the NFL – not including the one at Foxboro, bringing the total to eight.
Bill Belichick’s 24 years with the Patriots are over, but he has many options to continue coaching
Belichick is a six-time Patriots Super Bowl winner, synonymous with his time with Tom Brady
Patriots fans show their support for Belichick during the final game of the season against the Jets on Sunday
On the West Coast, the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers have vacant positions, as do the Seattle Seahawks following the shocking departure of Pete Carroll on Wednesday.
The Tennessee Titans also fired Mike Vrabel two days ago after two consecutive losing seasons and there is a fascinating vacancy available with the Washington Commanders following the firing of Ron Rivera on Monday.
While the news of Belichick’s departure is such a big deal, it’s actually not a complete surprise after such a poor season in New England.
The Patriots had a 4-13 season and finished the 2023 season last in the AFC East.
The Patriots ended their campaign on Sunday with a 17-3 loss to the New York Jets â who also missed the playoffs â but after the game Belichick denied that retirement was in the cards for him.
âI mean, I enjoy coaching,â Belichick told reporters after the game, while remaining coy about his future with the Patriots. ‘Like I said, it’s been a disappointing season. I discussed that in the opening statement. I have nothing to add. That’s how I feel.
‘But no, I still enjoy coaching the team. I love preparing the team, planning games and coaching on Sundays. But the results were not good and we are all not happy about that.’
Belichick was besieged by issues at quarterback, with Mac Jones going through terrible struggles as he tried to settle into every shape and rhythm.
Belichick and the Patriots just came off a rough and disappointing 4-13 season in the NFL
At 71, Belichick might be retiring, but he’s still one of the greatest minds in the game
A simple reason for Belichick to continue is the record book. With 333 all-time career wins, he is just 15 wins away from overtaking Don Shula (347) at the top of the list.
Belichick took over as Patriots coach in January 2000 and that year he drafted Tom Brady in the sixth round. Together they won six Super Bowls for New England, with Brady establishing a reputation as the best quarterback to play the game.
Belichick will hold a press conference with Patriots owner Robert Kraft in New England at noon.