Bill Belichick’s long career is largely due to his successful connection with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
Without Brady, how has Belichick done as coach?
Where Does Bill Belichick Stand Without Tom Brady?
Belichick’s coaching achievements set many NFL records.
The Patriots’ 24-year coach has won an NFL record six Suρer Bowls. He has a record nine Suρer Bowl appearances, 31 playoff wins, and 17 divisional championships as a head coach.
Belichick’s teams have thrived under Brady’s leadership.
After Drew Bledsoe’s season-ending ιnjury in Week 2 of the 2001 season, Brady became New England’s starting quarterback. The sixth-round pick won Suρer Bowl 36 to start his illustrious Patriots career.
In 17 of his 18 seasons with the team, Brady started all 16 regular-season games. He led the franchise to five more Suρer Bowls in 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, and 2018 before joining the Buccaneers after the 2019 season.
Belichick is 82-97 without Brady as his quarterback in 179 games, including 1-2 in the playoffs.
That includes a 36-44 record in his five years leading the Cleveland Browns, a 5-13 record with New England before Brady made his first start, a 10-5 record in Matt Cassel’s 15 starts in 2008 after Brady suffered a season-ending knee ιnjury, a 3-1 start in 2016 while Brady was suspended, and a 27-33 record since Brady left after the 2019 season
One postseason triumph sans Brady came in 1994, Belichick’s only winning season with the Browns. Cleveland won its first-round playoff game 20-13 over the Patriots after going 11-5.
Could Belichick’s Rule End Soon?
Recent rumors suggest New England may attempt to replace Belichick due to the team’s post-Brady troubles.
In October, national NFL reporter Albert Breer said that Patriots owner Robert Kraft has discussed replacing Belichick since January 2023. He also said Kraft is aware of supporters’ dissatisfaction with Belichick and the franchise’s declining standing in the league.
Many believe inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo to be the franchise’s post-Belichick coach. The former Patriots linebacker helped win Suρer Bowl 49 and has coached under Belichick for years.
The end of a remarkable period for New England will come when Belichick leaves, whether by his own choice or the organization’s.