Following the New England Patriots’ disappointing 0-2 start to the 2023 season, frustrations began to mount, and discussions regarding head coach Bill Belichick’s future with the franchise quickly surfaced.
With the Patriots now sitting at a dismal 1-4 record, having been outscored by a staggering 72-3 in the last two weeks, Belichick’s position as head coach may no longer be as secure as it once seemed.
This alarming performance, particularly on the offensive end, has prompted concerns among fans, critics, and even Boston sports radio host, Tony Massarotti, who called for Belichick’s dismissal.
The idea of letting go of a coach who has led the team to six Super Bowl victories may have seemed sacrilegious initially.
However, with the Patriots’ recent struggles, the sentiment surrounding Belichick’s job security has shifted significantly.
Diehard Boston sports fan Bill Simmons even suggested that Belichick’s name could be high on the list when discussing the betting odds for the first NFL coach to be fired this season.
“If you’re going first coach fired, is Belichick one of the three coaches now?” Simmons asked “Cousin” Sal Iacono on Monday’s episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, I feel like I’m going to get struck by lightning.”
Bill Simmons suggests Bill Belichick could be one of the first NFL coaches fired this season https://t.co/3c434KFhcD pic.twitter.com/vmk2JGjRPz
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 9, 2023
“You and I always go over this at the beginning of the year and he was always like 100-1 and I’d say, ‘you know, he could get arrested for something,’” Iacono joked. “But now it’s just on his merits.”
Among the potential candidates for early termination, Simmons mentioned Matt Eberflus from the Chicago Bears, Brandon Staley from the Los Angeles Chargers, and Belichick himself.
While various oddsmakers didn’t include Belichick in their recent rankings, it’s essential to consider that the NFL landscape can change rapidly.
Adding an interesting twist to the situation, Simmons mentioned the possibility of Belichick joining another franchise to continue his pursuit of becoming the NFL’s all-time winningest head coach.
With 299 career victories under his belt, Belichick trails only Don Shula (328) and George Halas (318).
The Patriots’ declining trajectory could create an environment where a change of scenery becomes necessary for Belichick if he hopes to surpass Shula’s record.
While this scenario seemed implausible just a month ago, recent events have made such suggestions worth considering.
“I can’t believe Belichick’s even in that conversation,” Simmons said.
