Former Patriots player says Belichick could coach elsewhere

Former Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots Chris Long spoke on "Tom Curran's Patriots Talk Podcast" recently. While speaking with Curran Long spoke on the state of the Patriots along with how he could see who he mentioned as the GOAT in Belichick coaching for another team.

Curran asked the former Patriot Long if he believed Bill Belichick was entitled to chase Don Shula for the all-time win record or should be held to the standards he held players to. Belichick has been known as the guy around the league who was willing to move on from players a year early rather than a year late. Most notable is the greatest quarterback of all time Tom Brady whom Belichick moved on from and Brady went on to win a Super Bowl of his own with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Long's initial response to the proposed question is to me the most intriguing aspect of the whole premise. He pondered what Belichick himself would say in response to the question. I believe personally in the media Belichick would say I need to do my job and if it is felt by the Kraft family that I am not doing my job then move on from me. Behind the scenes though I could see the future Hall of Fame ball coach singing a different tune.

I could see Belichick lobbying behind the scenes to be able to stay with the Patriots to break Don Shula's win record due to his long track record of success with the organization. While I do agree with Long that certain coaches deserve a longer runway than say Nathaniel Hackett and his tenure in Denver with the Broncos, there is something to be said for a coach who held players to an extremely high standard whom he himself is no longer living up to.

What was touched on later in this segment by Long is the true root of the issue in New England. While I still believe Belichick can coach and is still one of the top coaches in the league; his ability to build a roster as the de facto general manager is not up to par. The players on the outside for Jones and the offense are not at the same level as opponents around the league, and his misses in the draft drafting these players are well documented.

Ultimately I don't see a scenario where Belichick gives up the ability to call all the shots when it comes to roster construction. This could ultimately lead to his demise and could lead to the end of his time in New England.