Rob Gronkowski explains only possible way Bill Belichick, Patriots part ways
Bill Belichick’s future as the head coach and general manager of the New England Patriots has been one of the more highly debated topics of the 2023 NFL season.
While many have their opinions on whether the future Hall of Fame coach will actually leave the organization he’s been with for the last 20-plus years and guided to six Super Bowl titles, former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski believes there’s only one way Belichick and the pats actually part ways, which he shared during a recent appearance on FanDuel TV’s “Up & Adams.”
“The only way I would say that he would coach somewhere else is if it's mutually agreed upon between both parties,” Gronkowski said. “That's the only way I see that happening. … I think he's grandfather-claused in. He's been there for so long, he's done so much great for the organization — six Super Bowl wins, taking the team from rock bottom back in the day — end of the 90s, early 2000s — and just bringing it to the promised land for all of New England.”
Gronkowski played nine seasons under Belichick in New England, making him uniquely qualified to speak on his former coach’s situation.
Belichick has a 264-118 record with the Pats, but he hasn’t found much success in the post-Tom Brady era, going 27-35 since he left following the 2019 season.
New England’s 2-10 record this season is the worst 11-game start the team has had under Belichick, and the Pats are on track for their fewest wins since Belichick took over as head coach in 2000 when they went 5-11.
The Patriots are also on track to have their first top-five draft pick since they took defensive end Willie McGinest at No. 4 overall in 1994.
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