Did Bill Belichick deserve to lose his job as head coach of the New England Patriots? It’s complicated.
Complicated because Belichick also picked the players.
And in effect, that’s what ultimately brought down the greatest head coach in New England Patriots history and a man who will forever be in the conversation for greatest American football coach of all time. It was not Belichick’s coaching that killed his coaching career in New England. It was his roster-building.
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His assistant hires could also make the list of problems, but he could have overcome them if he picked the right players. Whether in the draft or free agency and trades, Belichick’s final say on personnel ended up with too many busts, holes, and question marks to sustain the success he enjoyed when he had Tom Brady and more high-end talent.
FOXBOROUGH, MA: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots walks on the field prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 17, 2023. (Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Brady piece is obvious, but it underlines the plain truth that the Patriots’ roster erosion is mostly on offense. Their defense should be good once again in 2024, and Belichick would still be a good-enough coach to shepherd them to success.
But he couldn’t reach the desired heights without a good quarterback, good wide receivers, or a good offensive line. He had none in 2023. And that’s on him.
The Patriots may have Matt Groh installed as “director” of player personnel, but Belichick was always the de facto GM in New England. So, it was his decision to draft three defensive players with his first three picks of the 2023 draft, eschewing much-needed positions like receiver (until the sixth round) and tackle.
It was Belichick’s decision to ignore an impressive pool of high-end tackle free agents, opting instead for journeymen like Riley Reiff, Calvin Anderson, and Conor McDermott to make it work. Which ultimately led to a rookie guard (Sidy Sow) playing right tackle and sometimes relying on Vederian Lowe (the name alone shivers the spine) to play the left side.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 17: New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Head Coach Bill Belichick look on from the sideline before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
If Belichick gave up final say on personnel at any point in the last five seasons, he’d still be head coach. He’d either have a better roster to work with and be winning more games, or survive the firing as the GM’s head rolled.
Belichick was always the GM, and so Patriots owner Robert Kraft is essentially firing his GM. Unfortunately, it was a package deal: he had to fire his Hall of Fame head coach, too.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.
