Legendary New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is coming off a rare non-playoff season with the team. New England finished up shop on an 8-9 campaign by losing to the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Despite the drama we’ve saw unfold in the suburb of Boston this past season, Belichick had his Pats in control of their own destiny heading into Week 18. They just couldn’t overcome an emotional Bills team and two long kickoff returns to come away on top.
In his season-ending press conference on Monday, the 70-year-old Belichick addressed his future with the organization. In an unsurprising manner, the six-time Super Bowl champion confirmed he’ll be back with New England for a 24th season. He also addressed the season struggles, saying “we’ve got to have better results. That’s the bottom line.”
There were some pretty ridiculous rumors that Belichick could force a trade from New England this offseason. This really didn’t seem to have any merit to it. He’s either going to coach the Patriots or decide on retirement. Those are the two options in play.
New England Patriots facing offseason of questions despite Bill Belichick’s return
For the second time in three seasons since Tom Brady’s departure from the organization, New England missed the playoffs.
There’s renewed concerns over Mac Jones’ ability to be the team’s starting quarterback moving forward. In fact, Belichick would not commit to the former first-round pick as the Patriots’ starting quarterback in 2023 when talking to the media on Monday.
Meanwhile, the co-offensive coordinator disaster that was Matt Patricia and Joe Judge must be overhauled during the offseason. That much is known. For his part, there’s certainly some questions about Belichick’s ability to lead a winning team without Brady in the mix. The numbers don’t necessarily lie.
- Bill Belichick record w/ Tom Brady: 219-64
- Bill Belichick record w/out Tom Brady: 79-87
In Belichick’s 18 seasons with Brady as his quarterback, the head coach made the playoffs 17 times. That span included six Super Bowl titles. In 10 seasons as a head coach without Brady, he’s earned two playoff appearances. These are the facts. Take them as you will.
In any event, Belichick and the Pats move forward with a certain sense of uneasiness knowing full well that they are not anywhere near top-end conference title contenders as currently formed.
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