The Bill Belichick era is over for the New England Patriots.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots are “moving on” from Belichick. They’re expected to officially announce this move later this Thursday.
Belichick had an incredible run in New England, winning six Super Bowl titles in a 24-year span. Unfortunately, the past two years have been disastrous for the Patriots.
🚨 🚨 🚨
The #Patriots are moving on and so is the greatest coach of all time.
Bill Belichick won’t be New England’s coach in 2024, per me and @TomPelissero, as his celebrated 24-year tenure, one that included 6 Super Bowl wins, is over. A new era awaits. pic.twitter.com/QRqfe2lkHh— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2024
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Atlanta Falcons could have interest in Belichick.
“Bill Belichick will want to continue coaching and is expected to draw interest from at least some of the other seven NFL teams that currently have head coach vacancies, quite possibly the Atlanta Falcons, per league sources,” Schefter wrote.
Bill Belichick will want to continue coaching and is expected to draw interest from at least some of the other seven NFL teams that currently have head coach vacancies, quite possibly the Atlanta Falcons, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2024
As for the Patriots, there seems to be two candidates at the top of their wish list: Mike Vrabel and Jerod Mayo.
“There are so many things I’d argue perhaps considering Mike Vrabel as a strong candidate,” NBC Sports Boston insider Tom E. Curran said. “The experience, link to area, the way I think he’s a players coach in a way Bill maybe is not…and I believe they will still stay on the course that Jerrod Mayo is the next head coach.”
It won’t be easy replacing Belichick, but clearly the Patriots believe it’s time to make a change.