Bill Belichick Makes Shocking Concession to Stay With Patriots
By Jovan Alford
With the New England Patriots’ 2023 season ending on Sunday afternoon, all eyes were on Bill Belichick and his potential future with the team. The rumors and reports have swirled throughout the entire season about 2023 being his last year with the Patriots.
This season hasn’t been great for Belichick as New England finished with a 4-13 record (worse in the Belichick era) and a top-three pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The future Hall of Fame head coach spoke with reporters on Monday at his end-of-season press conference about what went wrong this season and his plans for next season.
Patriots News: Belichick Open To Giving Up Personnel Control
Belichick was asked by reporters if he would be willing to give up personnel control, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. “I’m for collectively what we decide as an organization is the best thing for the football team,” Belichick said.
Belichick on if he's willing to give up personnel control:
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) January 8, 2024
"I'm for collectively what we decide as an organization is the best thing for the football team."
That is definitely not a no. Interesting. pic.twitter.com/yuiL1MoRIw
Since Tom Brady left New England after the 2019 season, Belichick has been under fire for his personnel decisions when it comes to coaches/coordinators and players.
The Pats don’t have a great track record with drafting, which came full circle with Mac Jones this season. Jones was benched repeatedly for second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe, who became the full-time starter in Week 13.
Belichick was also asked about next season and said, “As far as any decisions or direction for next year, it’s way too early for that,” per Mark Daniels of MassLive.
Belichick says “things need to be fixed” and said he’s not proud of the results.
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) January 8, 2024
“I’m under contract and will do what I always do.” Says that’s help the team win.
“As far as any decisions or direction for next year, it’s way too early for that.” pic.twitter.com/Vtb10gmgpC
Nonetheless, it's clear Belichick doesn’t want to leave New England, as he knows some things must change on his end for the Patriots to be successful once again. However, is Robert Kraft okay with those concessions as this was a dreadful season for New England and one that he doesn’t want a repeat of in 2024.
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