One NFL insider says Bill Belichick, Patriots could ‘mutually part ways’ at year’s end

Patriots

“But if people I talk to had to bet, their money is on a mutual parting of the ways at the end of the season.”

With the Patriots’ record at 2-7 for the first time under Bill Belichick, rumors are swirling about his future in New England.

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini said she’s hearing from sources that both parties could cut ties once the season is over.

“In talking to those who have spent time around the Patriots organization and understand the dynamics between team owner Robert Kraft and Belichick, I don’t expect anything to be determined with so much season remaining,” she wrote. “But if people I talk to had to bet, their money is on a mutual parting of the ways at the end of the season.”

This news comes just days after Belichick fielded questions about his job security in Foxborough from a reporter during his Nov. 6 press conference. When asked if he has been given assurances about his job status and if he feels he is coaching for his job this week in Germany, Belichick gave his classic “onto Indianapolis” response.

Russini’s report also follows Pro Football Focus’ Mike Florio’s Nov. 1 comments stating he heard from “someone (he) trusts” that New England could trade Belichick to the Washington Commanders. That report came in the days leading up to the Patriots’ game versus the Commanders in Week 9.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport relayed news about a “lucrative, multi-year” deal that Belichick and New England agreed to before this season on Oct. 22, the day the Patriots faced the Buffalo Bills in Week 7. Perhaps that was simply standard procedure for both parties and the deal could be reworked or paid out if the two do end up parting ways.

Regardless, New England is experiencing its worst season since the 1990s. It only makes sense that reports are surfacing about the possibility of his position being taken by someone else.