Saddened NFL fans react to Bill Belichick's departure as Patriots coach
By Lee Vowell
What an insane week football fans have had. First, Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks are parting ways. Second, Nick Saban announced he was retiring from coaching football at the University of Alabama. And third, and most importantly, we learned on Thursday that Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots will be moving in different directions.
Belichick leaving the Patriots appears to be mostly mutual. Belichick did say in a press conference earlier in the week that he was still under contract for 2024 with New England. This seemingly implies that Belichick's no longer being the Patriots head coach is not all his decision.
Belichick could easily end up coaching again in the NFL. He has won six Super Bowls, of course, and why would a team that needs a head coach turn Belichick away? Sure, he is not young, but he can still coach and lead a team to victories. That's all NFL owners truly want.
Fans react to the news of Bill Belichick leaving the New England Patriots
NFL fans have already voiced lots of different reactions on social media about Belichick's departure. Some are funny, some are thoughtful, but each appears appreciative. Here is just a smaple.
Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are expected to part ways today after a remarkable 24 seasons together, ending an unmatched run in NFL history that included six Super Bowl titles, league sources tell me and @MikeReiss. pic.twitter.com/IcibaPpA4S
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2024
Schefter and Reiss were two of the first to report the news. Pretty straight forward stuff.
I’ll never forget when Bill Belichick gave us a complete history of Special Teams off the top of his head!pic.twitter.com/PW9W0TWYID
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) January 11, 2024
Belichick's press conference were legendary. One was never really sure what he might say.
Bill Belichick and Nick Saban at a random seafood restaurant in South Florida today: pic.twitter.com/PBRG13a5Kz
— Sidelines - Bama (@SSN_Alabama) January 11, 2024
This one will just make you laugh. Classic.
One of the greatest moments ever:
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 11, 2024
The time Randy Moss got Bill Belichick to go to his Halloween party
😂😂😂😂pic.twitter.com/YgttzFNUDn
Here are two personal stories that most of my friends and family know, but at worth retelling now:
— Jerry Thornton (@jerrythornton1) January 11, 2024
1. My first full day as a WEEI employee was Monday in 2014. We met at the studio in Gillette Stadium. My producer and co-hosts filled my head with how to approach Bill Belichick.… pic.twitter.com/JP9wi9aTxZ
Belichick smiling? That is worth the tweet alone. The rest of the story is priceless.
THANK YOU BILL BELICHICK!
— Savage (@SavageSports_) January 11, 2024
THE GREATEST HEAD COACHING RUN IN SPORTS HISTORY.
9 Super Bowl appearances
6 Super Bowl championships
End of an era. Truly. pic.twitter.com/xNDU0mpQg7
This pretty much sums up what lots of Patriots fans are thinking. Belichick wasn't always the easiest person to love, but we always knew he wanted what was best for the team. And there is little doubt he is arguably the greatest coach in the history of the NFL. Those six Super Bowl wins might make for the best argument.
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