Patriots' Mac Jones reacts to departure of Bill Belichick

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones took to social media to react after Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft confirmed on Thursday they mutually agreed to part ways. 

"Coach Belichick has made such a big impact on my life," Jones wrote in an Instagram post. "I grew up dreaming of playing in the NFL and that dream grew even stronger after I watched Coach Belichick and the Patriots win the Super Bowl in my hometown. My dream to play in the NFL came true when I was drafted to the Patriots organization and I am grateful to have played for and learned from such a legendary coach. Coach Belichick has impacted me and so many other players in immeasurable ways. I wish Coach Belichick and his family continued success in the future." 

Belichick and the Patriots made Jones a first-round draft pick in 2021, and the signal-caller earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie before his relationship with Belichick reportedly changed after Jones sought coaching help from outside the organization during the 2022 campaign. Belichick then pulled Jones from games on four occasions this season, and the 25-year-old didn't play again after Week 12. 

It was reported Thursday that Jones' decline following 2021 played a part in Robert Kraft and team president Jonathan Kraft deciding that the Patriots needed to go in a different direction. Multiple outlets confirmed Friday that New England is promoting linebackers coach Jerod Mayo to Belichick's old role. 

A plethora of analysts believe the Patriots will use the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft to acquire Jones' replacement. Belichick, meanwhile, is widely expected to serve as a head coach elsewhere later this year, so perhaps he and Jones could work together again at some point down the road.