New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick looks on before an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Matt Dorisko)
The Patriots will head into the final week of the 2023 season with a 4-12 record as reports continue about Bill Belichick's future as head coach.
This is the first time in Belichick's career that he has lost more than 11 games in a season. His previous worst seasons came in 1995 with the Browns and 2000 with the Patriots when his team finished with a 5-11 record.
Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of the NFL reported Sunday that it is “highly unlikely” Belichick will be fired outright. Rapoport and Pelissero mentioned the possibility of a mutual parting of the ways, where Belichick is traded or owner Robert Kraft presents him with a plan that includes changes in the front office.
The legendary coach was asked about his future on Monday morning, whether he wants to continue coaching the Patriots and if any discussions have taken place.
“Yes, I'm focused on getting ready to face the Jets, who we haven't played in a long time,” Belichick said. “It's been a full season. So working on the planes here and getting ready to go.
Belichick was also asked if there was any time to reflect on what the fans and “everything” means to him.
“I'll deal with that another time. Right now, I'm just going to try to get the team ready for the Jets,” Belichick said. “Finish the Buffalo game and continue to coach the team and try to help the players and the team play better.”
The Patriots lost to the Bills 27-21 on Sunday afternoon after Belichick's team turned the ball over four times on their first five possessions. Quarterback Billy Zappe was intercepted three times. Tight end Pharoah Brown also lost a fumble on a catch from Zabi.
The Patriots haven't played the Jets since Week 3, when they won 15-10 at MetLife Stadium. The Jets, who lost quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Week 1, are 6-10 on the season, but the Patriots have already clinched the last spot in the AFC East.
The Captains and Cardinals share the same record with the Patriots, and the Giants, Chargers and Titans are all 5-11. Due to the strength of the schedule tiebreaker, the Patriots are currently slated to pick third overall behind the Bears (via the Panthers) and the Commanders. That could change in Week 18 based on history and strength of schedule. The leaders face the 11-5 Cowboys, who have yet to clinch the NFC East.
