Belichick Open to Reduced Role to Keep Coaching Patriots?
FOXBORO — Just a day removed from a 17-3 loss to the New York Jets at snow-covered Gillette Stadium, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick met with the media for his annual end-of-the-year video conference Monday morning.
While Belichick was understandably in a less-than-divulgatory mood when speaking at the postgame podium on Sunday evening, he was a bit more forthcoming in reflecting on what has been a dismal season with the Patriots — along with some thoughts on his future.
In short, Belichick advised that he was “disappointed by the results of the season” and acknowledged that “things need to be fixed.” Still, he remains “heavily committed” to the Patriots organization, and that he intends to dedicate himself to helping the team “until he is told otherwise.”
“I’m under contract and will do what I always do … Do everything I can to help this football each and every day,” Belichick said. “I’ll meet with Robert [Kraft] as we always do every year … As far as any decisions or direction for next year, it’s way too early for that.”
When asked a follow-up as to whether his meeting with Kraft had been scheduled, Belichick responded by saying that he would prefer to keep the logistics of it “internally,” adding that “it could be one or a series of meetings.”
Belichick did confirm that he and Kraft had met during the season to discuss the team’s progress, contrary to some previous reports indicating a season-long lack of communication between both sides.
While Belichick stopped short of confirming his future in New England, he indicated that he would be open to changes in his duties — specifically those of a de facto general manager/personnel — if he is retained by the Patriots.
“I’m for whatever we collectively decide is best for the football team,” Belichick responded.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline as they take on the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Whether Kraft and Patriots ownership remains committed to Belichick is still a matter of conjecture.
Following a 4-13 finish — Belichick’s worst loss total in his 24-year coaching tenure in New England, the 71-year-old’s future as Patriots coach and de facto general manager has fallen under serious doubt. New England missed the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons. Additionally, the Patriots have finished last in the AFC East for the first time since 2000 — Belichick’s first season as Patriots coach.
Still, the decision to simply cut ties with the principal architect of the arguably the greatest sports dynasty in decades is not as simple as some may have you believe. For nearly a quarter-century, New England’s head coach has been one of the most successful at his position in this, or any sport. After all, few, if any, have ever enjoyed the level of success Belichick has while at the Patriots helm. Six Super Bowl championships, three-time AP Coach of the Year awards, and nine conference titles are just some of the accolades which Belichick has collected during his time on the sidelines.
The Patriots regular season may have ended with a resounding thud. However, the real story in Foxboro is just starting to bring itself to a boil.
