Belichick’s 24-year run with Patriots ends
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Bill Belichick had a vision of building the kind of sustained championship football team that had rarely been seen before in the NFL when he was hired by the New England Patriots.
He walks away feeling like it was a job well done.
The six-time NFL champion agreed to part ways as the coach of the Patriots, ending his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league's Super Bowl era.
“It's with so many fond memories and thoughts that I think about the Patriots,” Belichick said on Thursday in a media availability with owner Robert Kraft. “I'll always be a Patriot. I look forward to coming back here. But at this time, we're going to move on. And I look forward, excited for the future.”
Neither Belichick nor Kraft took questions, though Kraft scheduled an availability for later in the day.
Speaking to reporters from the podium where he had given so many terse, non-responsive postgame recaps, Belichick appeared in a jacket and tie and spoke first, followed by Kraft. The coach even smiled a couple of times — including when he
conceded respect for the media “even though we don't always see eye to eye.”
He also thanked the fans for “the sendoffs, the parades, the Sundays.” But most of his time was spent thanking the people throughout the organization, especially the more than 1,000 Patriots players he coached in his time here.
“Players win games in the NFL,” Belichick said. “I've been very, very fortunate to coach some of the greatest players to ever play the game.”
Belichick, 71, became just the third coach in NFL history to reach 300 career regular-season victories earlier this season, joining Hall of Famers Don Shula and George Halas. With 333 wins including the playoffs, Belichick trails only Shula (347) for the record for victories by a coach.
But the Patriots ended this season 4-13, Belichick's worst record in 29 seasons as an NFL head coach.
It's not immediately clear who Kraft will tap to replace the future Hall of Famer.
Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo won a Super Bowl ring playing under Belichick and has interviewed for multiple head coaching vacancies since becoming a New England assistant in 2019. Mayo turned down a few interviews last offseason before signing a contract extension to remain with the Patriots.
Mike Vrabel, who was fired earlier this week by the Tennessee Titans and won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, is also expected to be a candidate for the head coaching job.
The six Super Bowl wins tie Belichick with pre-merger mentors Halas and Curly Lambeau for the most NFL championships. Belichick also won two rings as Bill Parcells' defensive coordinator with the New York Giants.
Ward questionable against Texans
Browns Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward injured his knee in practice on Thursday and is questionable for Cleveland's wild-card game on Saturday against the Houston Texans and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
The extent of Ward's injury is not immediately known, but if he's less than 100% it will further stress a Browns secondary already missing its starting safeties.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski didn't offer many details about Ward's injury.
Ward was selected to his third Pro Bowl this season and has had a major role for the Browns' top-rated defense, which is No. 1 against the pass.
Alexander uncertain for wild-card game
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander suffered an ankle injury in practice that leaves his status uncertain for Sunday's wild-card playoff game with the Dallas Cowboys.
Packers coach Matt Lafleur said Alexander “stepped on somebody's foot and rolled his ankle” during Wednesday's practice,.
Harrison confirms he will enter draft
Ohio State All-american receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is entering the NFL draft.
Harrison, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr., is considered the draft's second-best prospect,.