On Thursday morning, news broke that Bill Belichick would not return to the New England Patriots next season, and now it’s clear that this was a mutual decision between Belichick and Patriots team owner Robert Kraft.
During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Bill Belichick announced that he and the Patriots have “mutually agreed” that he will not be returning as the team’s head coach next year.
“Robert and I after a series of discussions have mutually agreed to part ways,” Belichick said in the press conference according to Pro Football Talk. “And for me this is a day of gratitude and celebration.”
Based on the way both Belichick and Kraft talked, it sounds like Belichick does intend to continue coaching elsewhere, but it just won’t be with the Patriots as both have decided to go in different directions.
“I look forward and [am] excited for the future,” Belichick said to close his press conference.
It’s not clear exactly where Belichick will land after parting ways with the Patriots, but there are several teams in need of a head coach this offseason so Belichick will likely be considered for some of those openings.
Belichick is leaving the Patriots as one of the most accomplished coaches of all time, winning six Super Bowl championships with the franchise.
