The New York Jets finished off their 2023-24 NFL season by defeating the New England Patriots 17-3 in a snowy showdown. The win moved the Jets to 7-10 and the Patriots to 4-13.
However, despite the win for the Jets, the world has been reacting to Bill Belichick’s miserable appearance. With his future uncertain, what is everyone saying?
NFL World Reacts to Bill Belichick’s Week 18 Appearance
The Jets’ win came on the back of Breece Hall. Hall had 37 carries for 178 yards and a touchdown. The Jets’ leading passer was Trevor Siemian, who completed just eight of 20 passes for 70 yards.
On the flip side, the Patriots were led by quarterback Bailey Zappe, who completed 12 of 30 passes for 88 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. Running back Ezekiel Elliott had 13 carries for 54 yards, leading the way in yards for New England.
Ahead of the game, it had been rumored that the Patriots and Belichick could part ways following the season. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, everyone around the NFL is waiting for a divorce to happen between the two. Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft will meet to decide the future between the two.
Bill Belichick leaves the Gillette Stadium field for perhaps the final time as Patriots coach. pic.twitter.com/jEMVfrlFQL
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer)
“They’re gonna regret getting rid of him forever if they do,” said one NFL fan on X, formerly Twitter. Belichick has been the head coach of the Patriots since 2000, making him the NFL’s longest-tenured active head coach. He has won eight Super Bowls and three AP NFL Coach of the Year Awards with the team.
Belichick is also the holder of the second-most wins in NFL history, sitting only behind Don Shula. Belichick has 333, while Shula has 347. Belichick does, however, have the most Super Bowl wins, appearances, playoff wins, and divisional championships as a head coach.
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“Well he looks miserable, so maybe it’s a good thing for him,” another fan said on X, referencing the potential of the Jets game being Belichick’s last with the Patriots. According to Schefter, it is believed that the Los Angeles Chargers could look toward Belichick for their head coach opening if he does enter the market.
Belichick was asked after the game about his future with the team but would not speak much about it. “As far as the future goes, I’ll sit down with Robert as I do every year … we’ll talk about things,” Belichick said.
If he were to leave for somewhere else, it would be the first time he has been the head coach of a different team since he was with the Cleveland Browns from 1991-1995. It is also unknown if he would keep his general manager control with a new team, which he has had his entire coaching career with the Browns and Patriots.
With Black Monday on the horizon, a decision will likely be made soon. If a split is made, Belichick will be a hot commodity, with many teams likely looking to add his services to their franchise.
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