5 Patriots on the Chopping Block After Bill Belichick's Exit
It's the dawn of a new era for the New England Patriots after Thursday's news the organization and Bill Belichick are mutually parting aways. Belichick's absence leaves a huge hole, not just because of his coaching talent, but the fact he served as both head coach and general manager.
It's very possible New England brings in two new people to lead this team, which means the arrival of two different viewpoints. That puts anyone who's underwhelmed or hurt this squad in jeopardy of being ushered out to ensure this franchise gets back on track.
With that in mind, here are the five members of the Patriots' organization who are now on the chopping block following Belichick's departure.
1. Brian Belichick, 2. Stephen Belichick
It's not uncommon for head coaches at any level to find spots on their staff for their kin. Being the lead decision-maker on who fills that group out affords such a luxury.
However, when things go south at that job for the head coach involved, they usually do for the family, too. Such will likely be the case for Brian and Stephen Belichick.
Brian is in his eighth season working for the Pats. He currently coaches the safety group after previously working as a scout and assistant. Stephen, meanwhile, has spent 12 years as part of the organization, joining them as soon as he graduated college.
There's not a ton about either of Belichick's sons that will appeal to a new head coach. They've only worked within Bill's scheme, so they have a limited amount of actual experience they can bring to the table, as opposed to coaches who go around the league and work under different HCs.
That makes it tough for them to have a strong chance of sticking around. Especially since whichever person takes over as head coach will want to implement their own people into top roles, instead of using holdovers from the past regime.
Thrown in the fact the Belichick sons will probably follow their dad to his next gig, and it becomes obvious their time in New England is over.