Brock Purdy looks like true franchise quarterback for 49ers; Bill Belichick on borrowed time with Patriots?

All good things must come to an end, and it appears that the Bill Belichick era in New England is nearing its conclusion. Despite an incredible six Super Bowl victories and 17 division titles, one of the most successful runs in NFL history, the second-winningest head coach of all time may find himself unemployed after the 2023 season.

I discussed this possibility back in July, shortly after some intriguing comments from Robert Kraft. During the Annual League Meeting in March, the Patriots owner was asked if Belichick’s job could be at risk with another losing season, or if he would remain in New England until he breaks Don Shula’s record of 347 wins, regardless of results. Kraft’s response spoke volumes.

“Look, I want him to break Don Shula’s record, but individual statistics are not our focus,” Kraft said. “We prioritize winning and doing whatever it takes to win. That’s our current focus. Making the playoffs is crucial to me, and that’s what I hope will happen next year.”

If those words didn’t serve as a warning for the experienced head coach, perhaps these words from the same media interaction did:

“Look, I think Bill is exceptional at what he does. I’ve given him the freedom to make decisions and take the necessary actions,” Kraft said. “His football intellect and knowledge are unmatched from what I’ve witnessed, especially when it comes to analyzing the fine details. But ultimately, this is a business. You either perform and succeed, or you don’t. That’s where we stand.”

Expectations couldn’t be any clearer. Back in March, Kraft definitely expected his team to return to the playoffs. However, as we reach Week 6, the Patriots find themselves at the bottom of the AFC East with a 1-4 record, averaging a league-worst 11 points per game. As Kraft mentioned, the NFL is a business. Since Tom Brady’s departure, the Patriots’ business has been far from flourishing. The team has recorded a 26-29 record and only made one playoff appearance. Considering the demanding nature of the NFL and the high standards set in New England, Kraft may find it difficult to continue into 2024 with Belichick, who is both the head coach and de facto general manager of the Patriots, as the football czar of his franchise. As the football czar, the responsibility for the current lack of talent and underperformance of the Patriots rests squarely on Belichick’s shoulders.