Belichick, Kraft Amicably Part Ways: ‘Always Be a Patriot’
FOXBORO - In a stunning, surreal twist, it's the New England Patriots - without legendary coach Bill Belichick - who are now “on to the next era.”
In a joint public statement — one in which no questions were taken in front of a live press corps — Belichick and Robert Kraft announced a mutual parting of ways following the conclusion of the 2023 season.
After guiding the Pats to a 266-121 regular season record, as well as a 30-15 postseason total, Belichick took the Gillette Stadium podium one last time to address the organization, media and fans of the team over which he has presided for 24 seasons.
Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft Share the Gillette Stadium Podium for the last time after mutually agreeing to “part ways.”
Photo Cred: Mike Reiss, ESPN
"For me, this is a day of gratitude and celebration," Belichick said with a sense of peaceful acceptance. "But at this time, we're going to move on and I look forward ... excited for the future."
Never one to rest on his own laurels, Belichick quickly turned his tone to one of gratitude for the players who worked tirelessly to help him craft the greatest dynasty in modern sports.
"Players win games in the NFL and I've been very fortunate to coach some of the greatest players who have ever played," Belichick said. "I respect the way players come to work here on a daily basis – all of them, and I’ve coached well over 1,000."
Belichick’s tone then shifted to one of reflection and deep emotion as he addressed New England’s fanbase. The 71-year-old’s gratitude could be felt as he fought back tears to thank all who supported both him and the Patriots for the past quarter century.
“Lastly, these New England fans are special and so passionate,” Belichick said. “From the send-offs, the parades … the Sundays … the letters of support … Patriots fans extend beyond New England, both nationally and internationally. I’m so grateful for each and every one of you.
“So appreciative of the support you have given to me and my family,” Belichick continued with a slightly cracking voice. “While i’m looking forward to and excited for the future, I’l always be a Patriot.”
Belichick shook hands with Kraft and smiled as he gave the podium to the Pats team owner, who was equally gracious in sharing his thoughts on Belichick.
“This is an emotional day, Kraft said. “Though it was extraordinarily difficult, we have mutually agreeed to part ways, amicably.”
Kraft remained effusive in his praise for the now former Pats coach, reflecting on his decision to hire Belichick in 2000.
“We had high expectations of what we could achieve together, Kraft said. “I think we were the only ones who had those expectations at that time … and we achieved those expectations, thanks to you.”
Despite the decision to move forward, Kraft made it clear that he and the Pats organization will always be keenly aware of the unprecedented success Belichick brought to them, including six Super Bowl championships and nine conference titles.
“The man standing to my left brought both the leadership and coaching ability that we needed to create the type of unprecedented success that we had,” Kraft added. “Bill Belichick will always be remembered as a sports icon here in New England. And I believe he will enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot because he is the best coach of all time.”
With Belichick’s departure from the abundantly-crowded Gillette Stadium media room, the Patriots find themselves in search of a new head coach for the first time in almost 25 years. Ironically, they may not be in the market for long. Former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel was NFL Coach of the Year in 2021. As a former Patriots linebacker and member of the franchise’s hall of fame, he has long been thought to be at the top of Kraft's wish list. A report in November called Vrabel, in fact, the "home run hire" as Belichick's replacement.
Other potential coaching candidates include current Pats linebackers coach Jerod Mayo — who many local outlets are calling the ‘front-runner— Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Minnesota Vikings defensive coach (and also, ex-Patriot) Brian Flores.
Kraft is expected to field questions from reporters later on Thursday afternoon.
