It feels almost unimaginable after the last two decades plus, that the New England Patriots would be entering an offseason with someone other than Bill Belichick leading them. But as the franchise turns the page to 2024, so do they when it comes to their head coaching position as well.
Jerod Mayo is now the man in charge, and Belichick, in all likelihood, won’t be on a sideline this season.
The changing of the guard signals the end of a chapter that Patriots fans and Belichick himself are immensely grateful for. With time to reflect since the mutual parting of ways, Belichick has decided to show his love and admiration for the time he spent in New England with a thoughtful message in a local paper.
Bill Belichick Shares Heartwarming Goodbye
In a classy move by Belichick, the former Patriots coach took out a full-page ad in the Boston Globe in the Sunday paper to thank the area and Patriots fans for an amazing 24 years.
Incredible:
Bill Belichick took out a full page add in the Boston Globe today thanking all the Patriots fans for 24 years.
“No where in America are pro sports fans as passionate as in New England and for 24 years, I was blessed to feel your passion and power”
THANK YOU… pic.twitter.com/aCYS91gzLW
— Savage (@SavageSports_) February 4, 2024
“Nowhere in America are pro sports fans as passionate as in New England and for 24 years, I was blessed to feel your passion and power. The Patriots are the only NFL team representing SIX states but in reality, Patriots Nation Knows no borders,” Belichick started.
“You traveled from coast to coast and internationally. Numerous times, you overtook opposing stadiums and were the last fans standing. We loved it! You gave your precious time, resources, and energy to our team. We appreciated it!”
Belichick finished the letter to the fans with a heartfelt goodbye, “I loved coaching here and, together, we experienced some amazing moments. Thank you all. With respect and admiration, Bill Belichick.”
The combination of Belichick and Tom Brady changed the course of a franchise and lifted a fan base when they needed it most. Change is hard, but it’s inevitable for everyone eventually.
For Belichick, this is the closing of a chapter of his life that may have been life-defining, but at the minimum, life-changing.
MORE: Jerod Mayo Reveals Thoughts on Mac Jones
Now, like everything else in life, the show goes on. For Belichick, the future is still unwritten. For Patriots fans around the world, no matter what happens in the future, they will always be able to share the moments they had together.
Belichick left New England better than the day he found it. And in between the start and end of it all, he cemented a legacy that may never be matched.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!