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One of the most important decisions in New England Patriots history looms as owner Robert Kraft determines the fate of Bill Belichick and the direction of his franchise at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
Sources across the NFL believe Belichick is coaching his final games in New England, while his manner of departure, where he would go and who would succeed him all remain unclear.
Belichick could resign, or be fired, or be traded or retire. He has given no indications of his future plans, though it’s widely believed he wants to get the all-time wins record.
Belichick trails Don Shula in all-time wins. He’d need at least three more years to catch Shula in both all-time regular-season victories, and at least two years to catch his record of combined victories with the postseason.
So if he’s coaching next year, it’s likely somewhere else. But how does he get there? Belichick signed an extension during the offseason, so he’s contractually tied to the Patriots through at least 2024. The Krafts would, in theory, wish to receive draft-pick compensation for Belichick just like the Saints did last year for Sean Payton (and just like the Patriots had to give up for Belichick a quarter-century ago.)
But with Belichick — at the very least — controlling a great amount of say in football operations wherever he would go next, it’s logical he would want to hold on to his draft picks. One league source gave this scenario: what if a staredown takes place? What if Belichick forces the Patriots to fire him so that he can earn his contractual freedom and join his next team with no draft pick compensation?
In this case, a mutual parting of ways could be the path for both sides. The Krafts can move on to the post-Belichick future after paying him a nice extension last year — a thank you for the six banners, perhaps — and Belichick can start fresh elsewhere with his full allotment of picks.
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Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bill-belichick-and-patriots-destined-to-part-ways-but-how-breakup-plays-out-clouded-in-uncertainties/
Author : Jonathan Jones
Publish date : 2023-12-16 17:22:48
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