In completely unforeseen circumstances for the New England Patriots, it seems the fate of their famous head coach, Bill Belichick, has already been blocked. The decision, allegedly made by team owner Robert Kraft, arose after the Patriots’ Week 10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany. These details are according to insights shared on NBC Sports Boston’s Arbella Early Edition by Patriots insider Tom E. Curran.
The New England Patriots‘ recent victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on “Thursday Night Football” has left fans speculating about the fate of head coach Bill Belichick. Could a late-season surge change the decision to part ways with the coaching legend?
Contrary to hopes raised by the win, Patriots insider Tom E. Curran suggests otherwise. According to Curran, the team’s fate was sealed after a depressing 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Frankfurt, Germany, on Nov. 12. This defeat, which dropped the Patriots to a gloomy 2-8 record, urged discussions that revealed a decision had already been made to part ways with Bill Belichick after the 2023 season.
Shedding light on the behind-the-scenes developments, Curran stated, “When they came out of Germany, talks I had that week made it very clear that a decision was made. They would play out the line, and at the end of the year, there would be splitting the ways for various reasons” (4:20 mark).
This revelation comes amid the Patriots’ turbulent 2023 season, marking their worst performance over two decades. Since the departure of the iconic Tom Brady after the 2019 season, the Patriots and Bill Belichick have struggled to reclaim their previous glory. Once identical with success, the franchise is now under intense inspection from fans desperate for a successor to Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion.
The Patriots‘ attempt to fill Brady’s invalid came from Mac Jones, who was selected 15th overall in the 2021 draft. While Jones showed promise with a solid rookie season, leading the team to a 10-7 record and a tiebreaker dock, his performance has taken a nosedive in following seasons.
Under the leadership of offensive coordinators Matt Patricia and Joe Judge during the 2022 season, Jones faced challenges, completing 65.2 percent of his passes for 2,997 yards with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The Patriots finished 8-9, missing the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.
Jones’ struggles continued into the 2023 NFL season, where he was benched four times. A particularly depressing moment came after a Week 12 loss to the New York Giants, leading to his substitution as the starting quarterback Bailey Zappe.
With a current record of 3-10, the Patriots fade at the bottom of the AFC East and have been removed from match contention. In addition to the quarterback troubles, Bill Belichick has faced criticism for doubtful draft selections. Notably, wide receiver N’Keal Harry and for what some perceive as incapable signings in key positions like skill players and the offensive line.
Belichick, at the helm since 2000, boasts an impressive record of 265-118 in his 24 seasons, securing nine AFC championships and six Super Bowl titles. However, the recent downturn, with a 28-35 record over the last four seasons, raises questions about the need for a coaching change in the Patriots‘ franchise. The once-unassailable dynasty appears at a crossroads as the 2023 NFL season unfolds.
