Bill Belichick was visibly annoyed when asked about Patriots future after loss

With the possibility of the clock ticking for Bill Belichick in New England, the Patriots' latest loss to the Bills in Week 17 was sure to prompt a few questions about the coach's future with the team. Although he's proven to be tight-lipped about those kinds of topics, reporters insist on trying to be the first one to get a real answer from him, no matter what.

That's what happened during the post-game press conference on Sunday as Belichick stood in front of reporters.

The final question of the conference came from a Buffalo-based reporter, who opened his inquiry with a compliment, only to follow it up with a question that appeared to visibly annoy Belichick.

“You’re one of the greatest coaches of all time … how do you plan to restore the Patriot Way?”

Maybe the reporter isn't too familiar with Belichick, but it was pretty bold to ask such a loaded question after all the others he had already willingly deflected, not to mention asking him about his future, in general, is never something that will bring clarity to a situation. That's just not who Belichick is.

It's not an entirely unfair question, given that his future may remain in New England. And, of course, reporters have a job to do, and it occasionally involves awkward moments like this. But at the same time, did they expect to get an answer? So, what is the point in even asking?

It has been a topic of debate all season long as soon as it was clear the Patriots would not be a better team than they were last year. Speculation and rumors have run rampant throughout New England regarding Belichick and Mac Jones, and it will surely be put into high gear after they finish their final game against the Jets next Sunday.

But gaining clarity on what's going on behind the scenes will not be accomplished before the team announces the decision regarding Belichick's career. So maybe we should just accept that and wait it out.

Read more from Musket Fire: