Insider reveals timeline for decision on Patriots' Bill Belichick

It appears New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft won't rush a final decision regarding the future of head coach Bill Belichick beyond Sunday's regular-season finale versus the New York Jets. 

"Don’t expect a swift resolution on the NFL’s 'Black Monday,' or the days after," Ben Volin of The Boston Globe wrote about the Belichick situation for a piece published Friday. "Moving on from a legendary coach, as many inside the league expect to happen, is a delicate dance for Kraft. The expectation is that Kraft and Belichick will have multiple discussions over the next several weeks before any decision is set in stone." 

ESPN's Mike Reiss previously reported that Robert Kraft and Patriots president Jonathan Kraft will meet with Belichick this coming Monday to review a season that saw New England drop to 2-10 before the club won two of four games. Reiss insisted at that time the Krafts hadn't yet made a call about the status of the six-time Super Bowl champion head coach who is under contract through next season, but Volin said in Friday's article that "many across the league, including those with ties to Belichick and the Patriots, expect (Robert Kraft) to move on from Belichick" this winter. 

However, Volin mentioned that "the process could stretch out well into February." 

Multiple knowledgeable individuals have suggested Robert Kraft will retain Belichick but ask the 71-year-old to work with an executive who would be given the power to make roster and other personnel decisions. Volin said that one source thinks Kraft could make offseason demands that would "undermine Belichick’s power" even though a different source shared that the coach's contract "gives him control over the 53-man roster." 

It was reported earlier this week that Kraft pushed Belichick to move on from reported offensive play-caller Matt Patricia last offseason. The Patriots ultimately hired Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator. 

Belichick has been linked in stories with multiple clubs and needs just 15 victories to break the all-time NFL record for career wins accumulated by a head coach (regular season and postseason combined) currently held by Don Shula. Barring a surprising development, Belichick will continue to pursue Shula's mark either with New England or a different organization later this year.