There aren’t many figures in the NFL who appear “untouchable.” It’s a realm of success so unattainable, so impossibly unlikely, that there’s almost nobody that feels like they can call their own shots in football.
Bill Belichick has always been one of those people, but perhaps not for much longer.
Increasing whispers out of New England are getting louder, and now it’s appearing like Belichick is on the hot seat. The Patriots’ lack of success since Tom Brady’s departure, paired with some significant personnel missteps, has led to reports that owner Robert Kraft might actually be willing to pull the trigger and make a coaching change after this season.
It goes without saying that Kraft has the freedom to do whatever he wants, but just because he can part ways with Bill before he’s prepared to retire doesn’t mean that he should. Let’s explore why New England should move on, and why even thinking about that possibility is beyond the pale.
Middling success over the past three seasons, their inability to compete in the AFC East, their horrible recent draft history, and the presence of Jerod Mayo waiting in the wings—these factors intertwine to present a challenging situation for the Patriots.
Over the past several years, the draft has been a significant issue for the Patriots. Once a hallmark of the Belichick era, the team simply isn’t finding the mid-to-late round gems they once did. This is compounded by the fact that New England is no longer a premier destination for free agents. The successful drafting coupled with solid first-round picks used to build sustained success, but in recent years, they’ve struggled to find players who make a significant impact.
The Patriots’ decision to give Jerod Mayo a huge extension suggests that they are planning for the future. While Belichick remains one of the greatest football minds in history, there are cracks showing in his ability to build a team. This, in turn, raises the question of whether it’s time for a change.
However, there are strong reasons why parting ways with Belichick could be a PR nightmare for the Patriots organization. Prior to his arrival in 2000, the team had relatively modest success. Belichick’s tenure changed that, resulting in an incredible track record of winning seasons and playoff appearances. The immense amount of reverence he commands from fans cannot be overlooked. Losing both Tom Brady and Belichick in a short time period could prove detrimental to the team’s reputation and fan base.
Considering Belichick’s incredible success and contributions to the franchise, it may be necessary to let him leave at his own pace. At 71 years old, retirement surely looms on the horizon, and perhaps it is worth enduring a few losing seasons to allow Bill to depart on his own terms without any bitterness.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that the Patriots are facing challenges. Quarterback issues and the team’s current roster construction make it increasingly difficult to see how Belichick can turn things around. If New England fails to make the playoffs again this season, it’s likely that Kraft and Belichick will have a deep conversation about the future. With the end of Belichick’s contract, retirement and induction into Canton would be a fitting conclusion to his illustrious career.
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