Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots are parting ways, as the coach will now seek employment elsewhere for the first time in almost a quarter century. Belichick, who will turn 72 in April, remains one of the great football minds in sports history, an elite defensive game-planner whose thoroughness in understanding opponents and ability to throw them massive curveballs is counterbalanced only by his philosophies as both a manager and personnel executive.
Five years ago Belichick on the open market would have unleashed a frenzy of activity. Now, Belichick, like his former quarterback Tom Brady will enter more tepid waters as franchises ask themselves a question similar to the one they did in 2020, when Brady approached free agency: What does this person have left, and who is this person outside the confines of New England?
Al Tielemans /Sports Illustrated
