The China Mail - Iconic NFL coach Belichick leaves Patriots after 24 seasons

Belichick's departure ends a championship era and concludes one of the greatest dynasty runs in American sport after taking over the Patriots for the 2000 campaign.

"There are so many fond memories and thoughts that I have when I think about the Patriots and I'll always be a Patriot," said Belichick.

"I look forward to coming back here but at this time, we're going to move on. Excited for the future but always be very appreciative of the opportunity here, the support here," added Belichick, who forged a formidable partnership with former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the franchise's glory years.

Belichick's 333 career game triumphs as an NFL head coach, including playoffs, rank second on the NFL's all-time list, 14 shy of the record 347 won by Don Shula.

Belichick, 71, and Patriots owner Robert Kraft, 82, announced the move in afternoon statements to reporters only four days after New England completed a 4-13 campaign -- the worst season in Belichick's career.

"Coach Belichick will forever be celebrated as a legendary sports icon here in New England and I believe go in as a Pro Football Hall of Famer on the first ballot," Kraft said.

"Why? Because he's the greatest coach of all times, which makes this decision to part ways so hard. But this is a move that we mutually agreed is needed at this time."

Belichick did not address his upcoming plans except to say he is "excited for the future" but Kraft spoke as if he expects to see Belichick on the sidelines for an NFL rival soon.

"I will always wish him continued success -- except when he's playing our beloved Patriots," Kraft said.

Belichick's departure leaves eight NFL teams without a head coach, with speculation rampant about where he might coach next or if he would retire at age 71.

New England captured NFL crowns under Belichick in the 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016 and 2018 seasons.

Belichick owns NFL coaching records for Super Bowl wins and appearances as a head coach with nine. His 31 playoff game triumphs is another coaching mark.

"For me, this is a day of gratitude and celebration," Belichick said. "We had a vision of building a winner, building a championship football team here, and that exceeded my wildest dreams and expectations with the amount of success we were able to achieve together."

While not mentioning any players specifically, Belichick noted, "I've been very fortunate to coach some of the greatest players who have ever played."

Kraft said the split was made on Wednesday.

"We mutually agreed to part ways amicably," Kraft said. "I'm very proud our partnership lasted 24 years. I don't think in the NFL there has been any other partnership that lasted longer and has been as productive as ours.

"What Bill accomplished with us in my opinion will never be replicated. And the fact it was done in the salary cap and free agency era makes it even more extraordinary."

The Patriots will embark on their first head coaching search in a quarter-century. They will also need to hire a general manager, since Belichick was the de facto director of player personnel.

- Exceeded expectations -

Belichick began his NFL career in 1975 as an assistant coach for the then-Baltimore Colts and just completed his 49th consecutive season in the NFL.

His departure comes only hours after legendary University of Alabama coach Nick Saban, a long-time friend of Belichick, retired as coach of the college football powerhouse, a talent factory for the NFL.

Belichick, known for his glowering presence on the sidelines while wearing a hoodie and headset, took over as coach in 2000, replacing Pete Carroll, who parted ways with the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday at age 72 after 14 seasons.

"We had high expectations for what we could achieve together," Kraft said. "I think we were the only ones who had those expectations and I think it's safe to say we exceeded them."

When superstar quarterback Brady departed after the 2019 campaign, Belichick's Patriots began to struggle. New England has missed the NFL playoffs three of the past four seasons.

Belichick's nine total Super Bowl appearances with the Patriots are more than any team in the NFL except for New England.

New England went 266-120 under Belichick over 24 seasons and won 17 AFC East division titles, the most by any head coach with a single club, including a record 11 straight from 2009-2019.

Belichick was also a member of two Super Bowl championship teams with the New York Giants as a defensive coordinator.

While Belichick became a legend with the Patriots, New England was not his first stop as an NFL head coach. He went 36-44 in five seasons with the Cleveland Browns from 1991 through 1995, but managed only one winning season and one playoff win.

F.Jackson--ThChM