It’s unclear whether Bill Belichick will be on another NFL sideline in 2024 or if he’ll sail his ship, ‘VIII Rings’ into a permanent Nantucket sunset. What is known is that the architect of the 21st century’s greatest dynasty is on his way out in New England, bringing his brush and easel with him, and closing the doors of the building where he painted football’s masterpiece behind him.
The future Hall of Famer is reportedly out as Patriots head coach, wrapping up a legacy in New England that includes six championships, 9 trips to the Super Bowl, 17 division titles, and 266 wins with the team.
During a noon news conference Thursday, team owner Robert Kraft confirmed that the team has “mutually agreed” to part ways with Belichick after 24 seasons of unprecedented success.
“This is a move we mutually agreed is needed at this time,” Kraft explained. “It represents the end of an era that will hopefully always be celebrated in this region.”
Belichick said, “I’ll always be a Patriot. I look forward to coming back here. But right now it’s time to move on.”
Alongside Tom Brady, Belichick and the Patriots were scrutinized as often as they were celebrated. Belichick more than earned his reputation as the gruff and surly chieftain of the closest things sports has come to the Kremlin. But the wealth of knowledge that Belichick rarely disclosed to the media, he divulged to the locker room in a clear vision. Everything — the hill sprints in muggy Massachusetts summers, the extended hours in the facility, the sacrifices in snaps and repetitions is to serve the greater whole, the team — The Patriot Way.
When Belichick resigned as ‘HC of the NYJ’, he did so to return to the place he’d been before and to coach under an owner he trusted. Belichick had complete dominion over New England’s roster, immediately drafting future impact players like Richard Seymour and Matt Light and making the call to start little-known QB Tom Brady over franchise QB Drew Bledsoe, even when the latter was healthy.
Although Belichick’s first five years delivered three Super Bowl banners, his “a year too early than a year too late” mantra saw players like Ty Law, Richard Seymour, and Lawyer Milloy make what some fans saw as unearned and unceremonious exits. It’s the same philosophy that saw shorter and shorter contracts for Tom Brady as his longtime signal caller approached, and then blew past 40 years old, setting the stage for the three-time MVP’s departure in free agency in 2020.
After Brady departed for Tampa Bay, the Patriots tried a revolving door of QBs as the offense sunk to the bottom of the league. The Patriots have only made the playoffs once in their first four seasons without Brady and what started as a decline ended in a plummet this past year as New England finished last in the AFC East for the first time since 2000, Belichick’s first year on the job.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, center, stands in front of team owner Robert Kraft, left, and Jon Bon Jovi, right, prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Foxborough, MA - August 4: Patriots Coach Bill Belichick flashes a rare smile as a young reporter asks him a question at his press briefing. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
FILE - New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the Patriots beat the Carolina Panthers 32-29 in Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Texas, Feb. 1, 2004. Six-time NFL champion Bill Belichick has agreed to part ways as the coach of the New England Patriots on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, bringing an end to his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league’s Super Bowl era, a source told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it has not yet been announced. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File)
FILE - New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick addresses questions about the upcoming NFL draft during a news conference at Foxboro Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday, April 12, 2000. Six-time NFL champion Bill Belichick has agreed to part ways as the coach of the New England Patriots on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, bringing an end to his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league’s Super Bowl era, a source told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it has not yet been announced. (AP Photo/ Victoria Arocho, File)
FILE - New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is doused after the Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 in Super Bowl XXXIX at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., Feb. 6, 2005. At right is Belichick's father, Steve. Six-time NFL champion Bill Belichick has agreed to part ways as the coach of the New England Patriots on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, bringing an end to his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league’s Super Bowl era, a source told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it has not yet been announced.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)
FILE - New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick waves to fans after the Patriots beat the New York Jets 31-14 in an NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday Nov. 22, 2009. Six-time NFL champion Bill Belichick has agreed to part ways as the coach of the New England Patriots on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, bringing an end to his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league’s Super Bowl era, a source told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it has not yet been announced. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
FILE - New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick holds the championship trophy after the NFL football AFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Colts 45-7 to advance to the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks. Six-time NFL champion Bill Belichick has agreed to part ways as the coach of the New England Patriots on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, bringing an end to his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league’s Super Bowl era, a source told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it has not yet been announced.(AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
FILE - New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick holds up a Super Bowl trophy as he addresses the crowd during a rally Feb. 7, 2017, in Boston to celebrate the team's win over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game in Houston. Six-time NFL champion Bill Belichick has agreed to part ways as the coach of the New England Patriots on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, bringing an end to his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league’s Super Bowl era, a source told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it has not yet been announced. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)
FILE - New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick after defeating the Miami Dolphins 41-13 in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014, in Foxborough, Mass. Six-time NFL champion Bill Belichick has agreed to part ways as the coach of the New England Patriots on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, bringing an end to his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league’s Super Bowl era, a source told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because it has not yet been announced. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
ATLANTA GA. - FEBRUARY 3: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots on the field before Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, GA. (Staff Photo By Nancy Lane/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field at the end of the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, right, embraces Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott after a Patriots 29-25 win following an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 13: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots wlaks past head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots against the Houston Texans during the 2013 AFC Divisional Playoffs game at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Bill Belichick, Head Coach of the New England Patriots, speaks at a Press Conference where Patriot wide receiver Deion Branch was awarded the Pete Rozelle Trophy for the Most Valuable Player Award for Super Bowl XXXIX. (Photo by Steve Grayson/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots celebrates with Darrelle Revis #24 after defeating the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 1, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Patriots defeated the Seahawks 28-24. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and Tom Brady #12 celebrate after winning 34-28 over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Bill Belichick reacts after D'Brickashaw Ferguson #60 of the New York Jets shoved Aqib Talib #31 of the New England Patriots, who intercepted a pass, in the 4th quarter at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 11: Head coach Bill Belichick and Mac Jones #10 look on during pregame at Hard Rock Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick after winning the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
HOUSTON - JANUARY 26: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots answers questions from the media January 26, 2003 at the Houston Convention Center before Super Bowl XXXVIII against the Carolina Panthers in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 20: Head coach Bill Belchick of the New England Patriots stands on the sidelines during a break in play agaiinst the San Diego Chargers during the AFC Championship Game on January 20, 2008 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
HONOLULU - JANUARY 30: Bill Bilichick, head coach of the American Football Conference team stands on the sideline during the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on January 30, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots stands on the field during the pregame warm up prior to playing in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 1, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks to his team in the first quarter while taking on the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - CIRCA 2011: In this handout image provided by the NFL, Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots poses for his NFL headshot circa 2011 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 3: Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots shakes hands with Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers after their game at Gillette Stadium on November 3, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots converses with head coach Bill Belichick during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on September 29, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - APRIL 13: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (L) presents U.S. President George W. Bush (R) with a football during a Rose Garden event to honor the Super Bowl champions at the White House April 13, 2005 in Washington, DC. The Patriots have won three Championships in the last four years. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots gives a thumbs up on the field prior to Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Tom Brady #12 and head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots shake hands at the start of the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 08: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
HOLLYWOOD - JULY 10: NFL coach Bill Belichick of the Baltimore Ravens arrives for the 10th Annual ESPY Awards at the Kodak Theatre on July 10, 2002 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Robert Mora/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 13: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks with his team during the 2013 AFC Divisional Playoffs game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots talks to head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots after the Patriots defeat the Rams 13-3 during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 12: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 12, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots walks off the field after losing to the Los Angeles Chargers 6-0 at Gillette Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts during the second half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 02: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers talk after Green Bay's 27-24 win in overtime at Lambeau Field on October 02, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, USA - FEBRUARY 05: Bill Belichick head coach of the New England Patriots during the trophy ceremony for Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)
Fans show their support of New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the first half of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 01: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots holds the Vince Lombardi Trophyafter defeating the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 during Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 1, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady walk towards the pitchers mound at Fenway Park before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Washington Nationals on April 13, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 and head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots celebrate a 34-28 overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 10: Tom Brady #12 and head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talk before the 2014 AFC Divisional Playoffs game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium on January 10, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 and head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots celebrate a 34-28 overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts with head coach Bill Belichick after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime to win Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and Tom Brady #12 celebrate after winning 34-28 over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - FEBRUARY 06: NFL football coach Bill Belichick and professional football player Tom Brady stand on the 17th hole green during the first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am at Spyglass Hill Golf Course on February 6, 2014 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick after the Patriots defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime of Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Tom Brady #12 and head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots shake hands at the start of the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks with Tom Brady #12 during the fourth quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick after winning the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 18: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots talks with head coach Bill Belichick prior to the 2015 AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 13: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts with head coach Bill Belichick during the fourth quarter of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium on November 13, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 01: Tom Brady #12, team owner Robert Kraft, and head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots celebrate with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 to win Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 1, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 01: The New England Patriots celebrate late in the game with head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 1, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 01: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 during Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 1, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 01: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 during Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 1, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
El entrenador en jefe de los Patriots de Nueva Inglaterra Bill Belichick observa desde la línea lateral durante la primera mitad del juego de la NFL ante los Jets de Nueva York, el domingo 7 de enero de 2024, en Foxborough, Massachusetts. (AP Foto/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, center, walks off the field after an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. The Jets defeated the Patriots 17-3. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; 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
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 07: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on in the first half at Gillette Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, right, embraces New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers after an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott, left, and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, right, part ways after meeting at mid-field following an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the side line during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 24: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots walks onto the field prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on December 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick yells from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick shouts from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks during a news conference early Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, following an NFL football game Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in Pittsburgh. The Patriots won 21-18. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks during a news conference early Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, following an NFL football game Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
The coach has won six Super Bowl titles but has suffered through a frustrating season in 2023.
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 07: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the regular season NFL football game between the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 07, 2023 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 3: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick stands on the sideline during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on December 3, 2023 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 03: Bailey Zappe #4 of the New England Patriots meets with head coach Bill Belichick in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 22: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots reacts after a play in the second half of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots shakes hands with quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens after Baltimore's 37-26 win at Gillette Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, center, turns away after shaking hands with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) following an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
dNew England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots Bill Belichick, center, speaks with officials during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on before kickoff against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 15: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots look on during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field at the end of the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
Foxborough, MA - October 8: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches the action from the sidelines. The Patriots lost to the New Orleans Saints, 34-0. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 08: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches play against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 17: Bill Belichick, head coach of the New England Patriots stands on the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick calls to officials during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches play during their NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the field for warm ups before the start of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports - 19708810
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots watches his team play during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick attends a news conference after their NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Orchard Park. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Bill Belichick and Nick Saban talk as the South squad runs drills during practice for the Senior Bowl Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Nov 20, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talk to an official as the take on the New York Jets in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports - 19473772
FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2017, file photo, New England Patriots' Tom Brady holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy beside coach Bill Belichick, right, after the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime at the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game in Houston. A new book and a movie are in the works about Brady and the suspension he overcame to earn an unprecedented fifth Super Bowl ring. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 26: Head coach Bill Belichick and Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots walk off the field after the loss to the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FILE - New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, left, talks to head coach Bill Belichick as their team warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Jets in East Rutherford, N.J., in this Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, file photo. Belichick never was one to spent wildly in free agency. But after watching Tom Brady celebrate another Super Bowl in another city, Belichick and his boss, Robert Kraft, had seen enough. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 24: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium on October 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches as his team plays against the Cleveland Browns during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Sep. 25, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks off the field following an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Sep. 25, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Foxborough, MA - August 2: Bill Belichick addresses the media during Patriots Training Camp. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 26: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during warmups before preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, speaks with line judge Daniel Gallagher (85) during the first half of the team's preseason NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Foxborough, MA - July 31: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick with Matt Patricia, Senior Football Advisor, on Day 4 of Patriots training camp in Foxborough, MA on July 31, 2021. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick approaches a news conference to face reporters before an NFL football team practice, Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England head coach Bill Belichick and NFL scouts during Georgia's Pro Day in the Payne Indoor Athletic Facility in Athens, Ga., on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. (Photo by Tony Walsh)
FILE - In this Jan. 19, 2017, file photo, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, center, speaks with linebackers coach Brian Flores, left, and defensive line coach Brendan Daly during an NFL football team practice, in Foxborough, Mass. Flores is now the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins hired Flores even though the Patriots’ Way hasn’t worked elsewhere. While Belichick owns a record six Super Bowl championship rings, his former New England assistants have combined for one playoff victory as head coaches. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES: New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick (R) after their win over the St. Louis Rams 03 February, 2002 in Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Patriots defeated the Rams 20-17 for the NFL championship. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images)
Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll meet at midfield following the Seahawks win over the Patriots in Foxboro in 2016.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick stands on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 22-12.(AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick gets a thumb's up for his six-word classic in an ad for Subway.
Patroits Coach Bill Belichick discusses practice balls and their condition
FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 18: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sidleine in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts of the 2015 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
An unusual sight: New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is a spectator at a Super Bowl.
Bill Belichick joins DA's list of top 12 in 2012
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots talks to head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots after the Patriots defeat the Rams 13-3 during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick takes questions from reporters before an NFL football practice, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
GF Default - Bill Belichick addresses media after Patriots OTAs
GF Default - Bill Belichick addresses media after Patriots OTAs
Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs in the game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 8, 2019, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick approaches a podium to take questions from reporters before an NFL football practice, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
GF Default - Does Bill Belichick use Twitter_
Belichick on Monday told reporters that he’d be open to relinquishing personnel control if that would help the Patriots move forward. Belichick also volunteered to the press that he was under contract for 2024, a rare acknowledgment of future plans from the traditionally button-upped coach.
Whoever is next to patrol the Patriots’ sidelines and head the front office has their work cut out for them. Although the Patriots hold the number 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, there’s no guarantee that Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, the draft’s consensus two best signal callers, will still be there when New England is on the clock.
With nothing but question marks at quarterback, an offensive line seemingly splitting at the seams, and a pass-catching core bereft of elite playmakers, whoever follows in Belichick’s footsteps will be tasked with turning around an offense that hasn’t been one of the league’s elite since Brady’s final seasons.
A hard enough task on its own, never mind trying to match the enduring, unimpeachable legacy they will follow behind.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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