Tom Brady and Bill Belichick combined forces to create the greatest dynasty the NFL has ever seen. Together for 20 full years, the two won six Super Bowl championships together, setting the standard for success in the league by remaining dominant for two full decades. But four seasons after their last playoff appearance together, neither remains a part of the New England Patriots organization.
NFL: Belichick leaves New England after 24 seasons
Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are expected to part ways today after 24 remarkable seasons together, ending an unmatched streak in NFL history that included six Super Bowl titles, league sources told me and @MikeReiss . pic.twitter.com/IcibaPpA4S
– Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2024
Brady left in 2020. He joined the Buccaneers and immediately led them to a championship, expanding his legacy beyond his years with his original team.
But Belichick remained. He attempted to rebuild in the post-Brady era by drafting Mac Jones, but the experiment failed and the Patriots have now posted back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1993. There were rumors all season that owner Robert Kraft would look to make a coaching change. in chief during the offseason, and a decision was finally made Thursday morning when Belichick was officially relieved of his duties.
Brady sends a message via IG
Tom Brady talking about Bill Belichick:
“Incredibly grateful to have played for the greatest coach in NFL history”
🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/yOfBfuEwDC
– NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) January 11, 2024
Since then, many quotes and sentiments have been published that have celebrated Bill Belichick’s greatness in the NFL and his achievements in New England. And his former star quarterback got into action, as Brady gave his former coach a heartfelt message via a post on his Instagram page:
I am incredibly grateful to have played for the greatest coach in NFL history.
He was a great leader for the organization and for all the players who played for him. We accomplished some amazing things over a long period of time, many of which will be difficult to replicate. He worked hard every day to help us achieve the ultimate goal, in the ultimate team sport. And, although we were successful, some of the greatest lessons I learned came in the moments when we faced the most challenging adversities. He set the tone for the organization, to never fail in the face of adversity and do what we could do and what was within our control, which was to go out and DO OUR JOB.
I could never have been the player I was without you, Coach Belichick. I will be eternally grateful. And I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose next.
It’s unclear what the future holds for Bill Belichick. He’s supposed to take another job somewhere else in the league, and he’s closing in on the all-time wins record for an NFL coach. With New England joining the list, there are now eight teams with head coaching vacancies.
