While many people may be starting again on January 1st, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is looking to the future with the same, tried-and-true method.
Following Sunday’s 27-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium, Belichick was questioned about if he might be coaching his final game in the role of head coach for New England.
His reply was predictably ordinary. His focus is entirely on the New York Jets, the Pats’ opponent in Week 18.
Belichick said over a conference call with reporters on Monday, “I’m focused on getting ready for the Jets.” It has been a while since we last played them. an entire season ago. So, getting ready to go and working on the Jets here.
At Highmark Stadium during the fourth quarter, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick observes a play versus the Buffalo Bills.
As the Patriots’ disappointing season draws to a close, they discover that they have missed out on postseason play for the third time in the previous four years. Belichick’s future with the team has therefore come under intense scrutiny. The Patriots are expected to finish last in the AFC East for the first time since 2000, Belichick’s first season as head coach of the team. Before Sunday’s defeat to the Bills, they had not dropped 12 games in a single season since 1992, two years before Kraft acquired the organization.
Naturally, Belichick has been held more accountable than anybody else in the organization for these inefficiencies, with both the media and fans vehemently demanding the eight-time Super Bowl champion’s immediate dismissal.
However, it’s not as easy as some would have you believe to just sever relations with the main creator of what is perhaps the greatest sports dynasty in decades. During his time in New England, Belichick has led the team to more victories than any other NFL team, including six Super Bowl crowns and nine AFC championships. Robert Kraft, the owner of the organization, has not yet provided an explanation for his future plans regarding the front office and/or coaching bench, despite the abundance of contradictory reports speculating Belichick’s demise.
So, going into Week 18, it makes sense for Belichick and the team to continue concentrating on their opponent. In response to a question about whether he had given his time with the organization any thought, the 71-year-old made it apparent what his goal was and promptly put an end to any more rumors.
Belichick remarked, “I’ll deal with that some other time.” I’ll simply focus on getting the club ready for the Jets for the time being. Complete the Buffalo game, keep coaching the team, and work to improve the performance of the players and the team.
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