The New England Patriots have been one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. That sentence under Bill Belichick has never once been said before. This season has been uncharted territory for the legendary head coach, and Tom Brady is not walking through that door anytime soon.
With the Patriots in Germany readying to play the Indianapolis Colts in the final installment of the International Series for 2023, they sit at 2-7 and look at a realistic possibility of getting their eighth loss in the first 10 weeks of the year. With the team playing so poorly and no easy resolution in sight, one may begin to question Belichick and his position at the top.
Could the Patriots and Belichick really part ways if things do not get better in New England? Some NFL insiders seem to think so. Let’s take a closer look at the situation and what we know.
Patriots and Bill Belichick Set To Part Ways?
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini drops weekly nuggets ahead of Sunday’s kickoffs, and this week she had a very interesting bit of information regarding Belichick and the team’s possible plan beyond just this season.
“I don’t expect anything to be determined with so much season remaining. But if people I talk to had to bet, I don’t expect anything to be determined with so much season remaining. But if people I talk to had to bet, their money is on a mutual parting of ways at the end of the season.”
This report is a vastly different tune than what many were singing about Belichick and his contract situation just a couple of weeks ago when information was leaked regarding his new contract that is supposed to provide stability despite the rough season.
Now it looks as if there are rumblings of a big change at the top for one of the league’s most successful franchises.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport Sheds Light
While Russini discussed the possibility, Rapoport took to television to discuss how it all might shake out for Belichick and the Patriots.
“My understanding is that Robert Kraft, the owner, is not inclined to fire Bill Belichick midseason…the other part of this, just functionally, if Belichick is going to somehow, some way, coach elsewhere next year, Patriots have him under contract, they would at least want some sort of compensation to make this happen.”
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Rapoport concedes that an in-season firing doesn’t look likely at this time. Beyond this season, though, despite the new contract, anything is possible and on the table.
Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Speaks on Frustrating Season
While Kraft made no mention of his head coach’s stability or alluded to any changes that may or may not be on the horizon, he did tell Rich Eisen of NFL Network that this is uncharted territory for him and their franchise.
“This is our 30th year that I’ve had the privilege of owning this team, and I’ve never been 2-7. So, it’s really disappointing, and I had hoped that things would be a lot better. As I know our fan base did. I hope today’s a chance to reset and make this a much better year. This isn’t what we were expecting to happen this year.”
Although Kraft mentioned that the team has never been 2-7 in his tenure, they actually were 2-8 in 2000 during Belichick’s first season in New England. Nonetheless, things may need to change on the field quickly, or we can all expect things off the field to change even quicker.
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