The Patriots will head into their final week of the 2023 season with a 4-12 record as reports continue to swirl about Bill Belichick’s future as head coach.
This is the first time in Belichick’s career that he’s 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 teams finished with 5-11 records.
Belichick is “highly unlikely” to be outright fired, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Sunday. Rapoport and Pelissero mentioned the possibility of a mutual parting of ways, Belichick being traded or owner Robert Kraft presenting him with a plan that includes front-office changes.
The legendary head coach was asked about his future Monday morning, whether he wants to continue coaching the Patriots and if any discussions have taken place.
“Yeah, I’m focused on getting ready for the Jets, who we haven’t played in a long time,” Belichick said. “Been a whole season. So working on the Jets here and getting ready to go.”
Belichick was also asked if there’s been any time for reflection about what the fans and “everything” has meant to him.
“I’ll deal with that some other time. Right now, I’ll just try to get the team ready for the Jets,” Belichick said. “Finish up the Buffalo game and continue to coach the team and try to help the players and team play better.”
The Patriots lost to the Bills 27-21 on Sunday afternoon after Belichick’s squad turned the ball over four times in their first five possessions. Quarterback Bailey Zappe was intercepted three times. Tight end Pharaoh Brown also lost a fumble on a catch from Zappe.
The Patriots haven’t played the Jets since Week 3, when they won 15-10 at MetLife Stadium. The Jets, who lost starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Week 1, are 6-10 on the season, but the Patriots have already clinched last place in the AFC East.
The Commanders and Cardinals share the same record as the Patriots, and the Giants, Chargers and Titans are all 5-11. Given the strength of schedule tiebreaker, the Patriots are currently slated to pick third overall behind the Bears (via the Panthers) and the Commanders. That could change based in Week 18 based on record and strength of schedule. The Commanders take on the 11-5 Cowboys, who have yet to clinch the NFC East.