The future of legendary coach Bill Belichick reportedly has yet to be decided.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft hasn’t settled on whether the organization will bring Belichick back next season or part ways, according to NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport.
New England’s last four games could have a big impact on Kraft’s choice this offseason, per Rapoport,. The Patriots (3–10) have already been eliminated from the playoffs and will wrap up their schedule against the Chiefs, Broncos, Bills and Jets.
“If they beat the Chiefs on Sunday and run off a string of wins, that could lead to the kind of hope and good feeling that can change minds and make an owner who believed his team should be a playoff team feel like it’s headed in the right direction,” Rapoport reported.
Speculation about New England parting ways with Belichick began buzzing louder this week when NBC Sports Boston reported the franchise was preparing to move on from the coach after the season.
The organization could fire Belichick or seek compensation in a trade this offseason. The Patriots could also bring Belichick back for a 25th season on the sidelines.
It’s unclear what Kraft and the Patriots’ brass will end up doing, but all signs point to the team waiting deep into the offseason to make any decision.