With the New England Patriots sitting at 1-5 through their first six games of the 2023 season, many have begun to speculate about the professional status of head coach Bill Belichick.
But while many believe the Patriots’ disappointing season could lead to New England parting ways with its legendary head coach, it doesn’t appear that is the case.
Before the Patriots’ Week 7 game against the Buffalo Bills, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Belichick had signed a “lucrative” extension with the franchise ahead of the 2023 season. Although Rapoport stressed that the terms of the contract do not are not public knowledge, he added that “contractually, he is locked in for the long term”.
From @NFLGameDay: This past offseason, #Patriots coach Bill Belichick has quietly agreed to a lucrative new multi-year contract, sources say. This adds at least a little context to discussions about the greatest coach in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/ZPjRxzMVzJ
– Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 22, 2023
News of Belichick’s contract extension appears to indicate that the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach enjoys job security, despite his team’s disappointing performance to this point in the season. In addition to being New England’s head coach, Belichick also controls the team’s roster, which has come under scrutiny, including with The disappointing play of quarterback Mac Jones.
While it’s still possible that Robert Kraft could still fire Belichick — and pay any guarantees remaining on his contract — it’s worth noting that the Patriots owner has shown uncommon loyalty to his head coach. Most notably, the Patriots allowed legendary quarterback Tom Brady to leave the team as a free agent after the 2019 season, reportedly due to an alleged rift between the future Hall of Fame signal-caller and Belichick.
With a career record of 299-157, Belichick is behind Don Shula (328) and George Halas (318) on the list of the NFL’s all-time winningest head coaches. If the Patriots’ poor play continues, it will be interesting to see how he and the franchise approach his career after the season and how the recently announced extension will affect potential moves.
Following Rapoport’s report on Belichick’s extension, many took to social media to offer their thoughts on the news.
Belichick got a huge new contract AFTER hiring Patricia/Judge to run the offense and drafting Cole Strange/Tyquan Thornton???? https://t.co/mSVaWrkIRW
– Rich Keefe (@Keefe21) October 22, 2023
“Bill Belichick’s job security is somewhat of a topic in New England.” https://t.co/WfqPnUIneF pic.twitter.com/adc8Dyw9Jm
– Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) October 22, 2023
He could coach another 30 years without winning a single game and I would be fine with that. https://t.co/QNyxgX90CG
– Gas (@stoolsalesguy) October 22, 2023
What is the definition of madness, again? Something about doing the same thing and expecting a different result? #LetsGoCeltics https://t.co/q7liWNR3EH
– Battle of Cerrone (@Cerrone_Battle) October 22, 2023
I wonder who leaked this? (Not really) https://t.co/lNxcYh7lBA
-Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) October 22, 2023
Of course the #Patriots BB extended. He is the greatest coach in the history of football. They are engaged in an unimaginable race that has lasted for decades. Just because the Boston media doesn’t think he embraces the ring enough and can attract a myopic fan base doesn’t mean he’ll get anywhere. https://t.co/UEFO0jEm9T
–Barry Gadbois (@BarryGadbois) October 22, 2023
If all parties intend to honor this contract, and that’s a big “if,” one can hope that Kraft and Belichick align at the trade deadline and sell.
The roster is hollowed out without a clear QB of the future. Do the right thing for the franchise. https://t.co/naw1pjgV1r
– Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) October 22, 2023
Like I said the other day, I’m sure people will be upset about this, but it’s the result of a 1-5 score and a lost season. Belichick can still coach. This poses no problem for me. https://t.co/eL2Z4ULA9r
-Charles McCarthy (@CharlieMac81) October 22, 2023
Belichick attacks Shula’s record. But for that to happen and for the Patriots to avoid next season looking like this one, they need to invest more in the offense. Whether it’s a Mac or a new QB, it’s almost certain they won’t succeed with the current setup. https://t.co/7JUy4y4aRJ
– Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) October 22, 2023
The Pats are the new NY Jets of the AFC East. LOL https://t.co/9Qc6WuM8Y7
-Drumzan (@drumzan) October 22, 2023
Malpractice by Robert Kraft. I have so many questions. https://t.co/aaEMZHOU7m
– Nick Cattles (@NickCRadio) October 22, 2023
