NFL insider provides insight on when Bill Belichick will retire, what key factors in decision may be

When will Bill Belichick retire?

With the Patriots expected to compete for a playoff spot this season and the club’s long-term outlook even brighter, we might not see Belichick step away anytime soon.

Peter King wrote in his weekly column that the 2021 season likely won’t be Belichick’s last and he will also probably stick around for the 2022 season.

It isn’t about adding to his legacy. Belichick has the third-most wins by a head coach (280) and he could pass George Halas (318) in 2022. He could hang around with the Patriots past the 2022 season, giving him a chance to surpass Don Shula (328), but his priority might be the Patriots’ future over any records.

“The way Belichick is, I doubt sincerely he’d leave the Patriots with a dim future. He’ll view as part of his legacy the shape he left the franchise. That’s why Mac Jones falling to New England at 15 this year was so important to New England’s long-term future—it allows Belichick to feel like there’s a good chance the team now has its quarterback for the post-Brady period.”

NBC Sports’ Peter King on Bill Belichick’s plans with New England Patriots

Belichick never would have walked away after a disappointing 2020 season. Things fell apart for New England without Tom Brady, with the team missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and falling below a .500 record for the first time since 2000.

• Bill Belichick record: 280-136, .673% record, 18 playoff appearances, three-time Coach of the Year, six-time Super Bowl champion

There’s another aspect to Belichick’s desire to hang around football. Both of his sons, Brian and Steve Belichick, are on the Patriots’ coaching staff. Steve serves as a defensive assistant and could be a future head coach, while Brian coaches New England’s safeties.

The Patriots won’t rush Belichick into a decision and he will remain the head coach for as long as he wants the job. Unfortunately for NFL teams who have to scheme against New England, it seems likely Belichick won't be leaving any time soon.