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As the Patriots sink closer and closer to the NFL’s abyss, more and more people believe that head coach Bill Belichick’s departure isn’t just inevitable, it’s imminent.
Appearing on Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich, three-time Pro Bowl linebacker and former Chargers star Shawn Merriman said he wasn’t surprised by the team’s ongoing struggles. He believes that it’s been inevitable ever since Tom Brady’s departure in 2019.
“We’re seeing the Patriots at the bottom because they spent two decades winning, putting themselves in a good position,” Merriman said.
“So who knows what’s it gonna take for them to get back in the mix, but if it takes a couple of years for a team with a three to five-year window to get back on track, how long do you think it’s going to take the Patriots to get back on track?”
Former Chargers star believes 2023 season will be Bill Belichick’s last with Patriots | Fox News https://t.co/w2Oix1HH8I
— Dan Dakich (@dandakich) December 5, 2023
Merriman then predicted that the Patriots might be this bad for another three to five years and that Belichick won’t be a part of it.
“I’m guessing it’s going to be another three to five years before we see a really good Patriots team again, and Bill Belichick won’t be there for it.”
Merriman believes that attendance issues could force the hand of Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
“If you’re not winning games, and the fans who have been there for 20-plus years, been attending those games, and you had a packed house for 20-plus years – if they stop coming, if they stop supporting you, Mr. Kraft is going to be in a situation where he has to make a decision. That only decision is to move on from Bill Belichick.”
Will Belichick remain the Patriots’ head coach beyond this season?