It’s been speculated for months, but now the move has finally happened. After 24 seasons, the New England Patriots have decided to part ways with legendary six-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick.
The news was first reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter of ESPN on Thursday morning.
“Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft spent a good part of this week periodically meeting and discussing how each side wanted to proceed. From sources familiar with those conversations, there was said to be no conflict, no disagreement, and in the end, productive talks resulted in a mutual decision that left both sides comfortable and at ease,” Schefter reported on Thursday morning for ESPN.
Schefter reports that Belichick will want to continue coaching in the NFL and is expected to have interest from a number of teams throughout the league including the Atlanta Falcons.
As for Belichick’s replacement with the Patriots, Schefter reported that New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo “projects to be a, if not the, leading candidate for the job.”
Belichick and New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft are expected to hold a press conference at noon on Thursday to announce the news officially and answer questions.
