Following a 24-year partnership, the Patriots and Bill Belichick mutually decided to part ways today. While the divorce didn’t necessarily come as a surprise, the organization’s handling of the separation raised some eyebrows.
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Leading up to today’s announcement, there were rumblings that a number of teams would have interest in adding Belichick. Considering the iconic head coach was still under contract for another year, there was some speculation that the Patriots may try to squeeze compensation out of any suitors. However, much like how Robert Kraft handled the Tom Brady divorce, the owner thought his head coach deserved to pursue whatever opportunity he wanted.
“I didn’t think it was right for Tom Brady, who gave us 20 years, and I don’t think it’s right for Bill,” Kraft told reporters (via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero).
There was a recent sentiment from some within the organization that Belichick hadn’t “lost his fastball” from a coaching perspective. Instead, many were questioning Belichick’s personnel decisions, whether it was regarding the draft, free agency, and even some of his coaching hires. That led some to wonder if Belichick would willingly cede personnel authority in order to stick around New England as head coach.
However, while Kraft acknowledged that he thought of such an arrangement, he never believed it would work. The owner told reporters that such a move would “create confusion with accountability” (as Jeff Howe of The Athletic passes along).
Belichick’s exit creates a vacancy on both the sideline and the front office. A number of Patriots-related coaches have been connected to the HC gig; former players Jerod Mayo and Mike Vrabel are both considered major contenders to take over. In fact, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport passes along that Mayo’s recent deal with the organization includes a “firm, contractual succession plan,” details that were passed along to the NFL. While the Patriots have no obligation to name Mayo as their next head coach, Rapoport notes that the organization doesn’t have to go through the hiring process if Mayo is indeed the choice.
Naturally, the same logic is being used with the front office, but one familiar face doesn’t have interest in a reunion. Ben Volin of the Boston Globe recently passed along that the Patriots could be eyeing former director of player personnel Nick Caserio to lead their front office. However, the current Texans general manager denied the rumors during a recent appearance on Sports Radio 610.
“Whoever these reporters are that make these ridiculous statements, maybe you want to talk to me about it first before putting information out there that has zero basis,” Caserio said during the appearance (via Tyler Milner of Sports Radio 610).
Since Brady left, Bill is 29-38 with zero playoff wins. He just wants the wins record at this point
Shula won plenty of game while in Baltimore and in Miami before dan was drafted as well.
Of course he wants the wins record. Who wouldnt? You say that as if it is an insult. He wants another Super Bowl also. Those goals are not mutually exclusive.
He’s only 27 away from breaking the record so who could blame him?
That could take him 4 more year to get, Bill’s old already and not as youthful on the sidelines as Pete Carroll was. I can’t see him coaching another 4 years.
Since Brady left Tampa, the team is 17-17 with zero playoff wins.
Brady has only been gone one year.
Caserio would be crazy to leave Houston for NE. Who would have thought that 8 months ago?
I don’t want him to break the record cuz I prefer to have Shula to hold it
Sounds good will let Bill know you want Shula to hold it and not win anymore!
He seems to have already gotten this message.
There isn’t a possibility Kraft hires Saban is there? I can’t think of a coach I’ve loathed more than Slick Nick
Mayo hired as Head Coach
How about this ….. We are on a mission from God.
Bill Belichick is getting the “Band Back Together”….
BB goes to say The Chargers. Brings in Nick Saban, Mike Vrabel, Matt Patricia, Jerod mayo, Nick Caserio, Josh McDaniels, David Ziegler, Bill O’Brien, Joe Judge, Brian Flores, Joe Judge, and many assistants to fill in the blanks.
Somehow it all seems to line up for 15 wins and an epic celebration…….
Was that funny in your head?
Joe Judge twice would be cool to see
Next year if the Jets fire Saleh maybe Bill can give being the HC of the NYJ’s a second try.
Kraft Mayo
Kraft is a very wealthy owner of a family business. He is a believer in succession plans. Mayo has been targeted and groomed as the next head coach. It would be a surprise if they went in another direction. Vrabel’s unexpected availability may be a factor but