NFL fans have come to know New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick as a curmudgeon and an individual who gives brief answers and reveals little to the news media. There is a human side to Belichick, however, and it may be hurting at the moment after his breakup with long-time girlfriend Linda Holliday has become public.
The fallout from the reported split doesn’t end at Belichick’s doorstep but carries through Foxboro and into the Patriots’ front office.
Why Are Patriot Executives Concerned With Bill Belichick’s Personal Life?
Belichick and Holliday have been together since 2007. Reportedly, the last year has been rough on the couple as the breakup has been drawn out. Despite the relationship turning sour, Holliday has continued to stay at Belichick’s residence. Sounds like a clean break is in order.
Report: #Patriots coach Bill Belichick and longtime girlfriend Linda Holliday have broken up which is causing Pats executives to be 'on edge', per @DailyMail
The report says that there is concern about what Linda might post about online after the breakup, the report also says… pic.twitter.com/2Cs3bykG1Q
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 7, 2023
Unfortunately, it sounds like Holliday has grown fond of the New England area and wishes to remain in cozy Patriots’ country despite the breakup. Awkward.
The breakup causes strains on business matters as Holliday is the head of the Bill Belichick Foundation. This breakup is why you don’t mix business with pleasure.
Single Bill Belichick is about to dominate the NFL.
Heartbreak Arc.
I now have the Patriots at 12 wins. pic.twitter.com/pZjkHQDt71
— Savage (@SavageSports_) September 7, 2023
Holliday has also caused issues on the field with her history of letting things fly on social media. In 2021, she made remarks on social media, criticizing Tom Brady during his stint as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. These comments added fuel to the already raging fire that there were issues between Belichick and Brady.
If Holliday will be so candid on social media platforms about the Patriots’ former QB, will she let personal matters fly about Belichick and their breakup? Will she spill all on the Patriots’ head coach? If their split is as messy as reported, it’s a fair question. Fair enough that the New England front office braces for the worst.
Media: Y’all broke up?
Bill Belichick: Nah, she’s broke. I’m UP https://t.co/6oQiJi2jqL pic.twitter.com/Z7smYx8LiO
— big pats guy (@BigPatsGuy69) September 7, 2023
Off-the-field matters, even personal ones, can become a team and an organizational distraction. We have seen many instances where players/coaches become distracted with their everyday lives, taking away from their professional duties on the football field.
If anyone can put aside personal life turmoil and heartache and dive into their coaching duties, you would think it would be Belichick. But remember, they have been together since 2007. That is a long time, and emotions must remain.
Bill Belichick headed into the single life pic.twitter.com/38jf5J4Vh9 https://t.co/UwDzszBO5b
— TCL (@TitleTalkTCL) September 7, 2023
I can’t imagine Belichick is going to tell all on the microphone, and if anything, if a reporter asks a personal question, an anticipated response will be along the lines of “next question.”
Nevertheless, the Patriots’ front office remains concerned, perhaps for good reason.