FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots have been so deliberate in moving on from the Bill Belichick era that it’s easy to forget that a Belichick still works in the building.
Brian Belichick is in his eighth season as a Patriots coach and his fifth as a safeties coach. Of course, this is the first year he’s worked without his dad roaming the sideline and his brother, Steve, also serving as a top defensive assistant. Two Belichicks are gone, and the youngest remains.
On Thursday, Brian Belichick opened up on no longer seeing his dad and brother at One Patriot Place.
Brian Belichick Shares Feelings on No Longer Working With Bill and Steve
Bill is now one of the busiest figures in football media — while reportedly still eyeing a return to coaching — and Steve is in his first year as defensive coordinator for the University of Washington.
Before Thursday’s practice, Pro Football Network asked Brian whether he’s gotten used to not having his older brother and legendary father around.
“I think it’s just one of those … change is one of the inevitabilities of life, right? There’s really nothing you can do about it one way or the other,” Belichick said. “People gotta move on. You know, I enjoy being here, obviously. I’ve talked about that a lot. Love working with these guys.
“And I’m happy that my family’s having a good time and doing what they’re doing. It’s great to be able to talk to them about stuff; it’s great for them to get exposure to these things that they’re doing and for me to hear about them, you know?”
Belichick added: “Just trying to make the most of every day — it is what it is. Things are gonna change in life.”
Belichick likely could’ve found work elsewhere this year. But when first-year head coach Jerod Mayo asked him to stay, he accepted.
Now Belichick is carving his own path in Foxboro while embracing change as it comes.
How Does Belichick Feel About His Dad’s ‘ManningCast’ Appearances?
Bill has taken on a dizzying number of media roles this season, doing everything from working on “Inside the NFL” to hosting a fantasy football show to guest appearing on ESPN’s “ManningCast.”
His “ManningCast” spots have been especially entertaining, with the notoriously guarded and grumpy Belichick occasionally sharing his real feelings.
Bill Belichick making sure everyone knows that the #Falcons—the team that passed on him this offseason—illegally tampered to sign three free agents.
"They contacted early, got fined for it, lost a draft choice, and all that." 💀pic.twitter.com/1Ydfm7PcTJ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 17, 2024
Brian hasn’t been dialed in on all of his dad’s media projects, but he was a big fan of one of the “ManningCast” appearances.
“I did listen to one of them after the fact,” Belichick said. “I was able to listen to it on my way home. And I thought it was great. I definitely enjoyed listening to it. I thought he was awesome. I’m happy he’s doing it because I get to hear him do it.”
Belichick said it reminded him of watching football at home with his dad.
“Yeah, it kind of gives you memories of hearing him say stuff like that in the past,” he said before noting Bill would be a bit more off-color if the cameras were off.
“Not saying it probably as clearly as he may have other times in person,” Brian said with a laugh. “But I think he’s doing a great job, and I’m enjoying being able to follow along with it. … Excited to hear the next one.”