The day has officially come.
According to Adam Schefter, while it has been rumored over the past several weeks, the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick have officially parted ways.
The team is slated to begin its head coaching search in the coming weeks, and while there are many candidates, Schefter pointed out that Jerod Mayo is one of the team’s primary targets to take over.
Patriots now embark upon their first head-coaching search in a quarter century. Patriots LB coach Jerod Mayo projects to be a — if not the — leading candidate for the job, sources said.https://t.co/B7riMUeTzB
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2024
Belichick has been a part of the Patriots’ organization for 24 years.
The end of his tenure might not have been as successful as the first 20 years, but Belichick was still a beloved figure in the New England area.
After hearing this news, fans took to Twitter to express what he meant to the team, also wondering what is next for the historic franchise.
The #Patriots are moving on and so is the greatest coach of all time.
— sheri (@shaharyar_4) January 11, 2024
New beginnings bring fresh opportunities. As the Patriots start their coaching search, let's remember: Greatness often emerges from unexpected places.
— Carlos Gil (@carlosgil83) January 11, 2024
It’s been a great ride Bill!!!!
— Ang (@Angelee_King1) January 11, 2024
This is the end of the GREATEST run in the history of sports
There will never be another Bill Belichick
— Anthony Cervino (@therealNFLguru) January 11, 2024
It is devastating as a Pats but it feels like the right decision for the franchise & for him to start fresh because they have wanted different things for a couple of seasons now.
Thanks for everything, coach.
— Adam (@AdamJoseph____) January 11, 2024
If their responses are any indication, this seems to be a bittersweet exit for Belichick.
It is the end of an era in New England that provided one of the most impressive dynasties in sporting history.
The Patriots seemed to always find a way into the playoffs during this run, and when they were there, they continued to make a lot of noise.
Belichick was given a significant amount of credit for their success throughout, one of the biggest reasons he amassed a considerable following.
Whether it be Mayo or an outside hire, the next coach certainly has big shoes to fill.
Belichick leaves behind a legacy to the organization that will be nearly impossible for another coach to replicate in the future.
As fans say goodbye to the longtime coach, they appreciate all of the fantastic memories he helped bring to the New England area.
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