The team announced Thursday that the Patriots and Belichick mutually agreed to part ways.
Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft spoke at Gillette Stadium, calling the announcement a “celebration” of Belichick’s career.
“I’ll always be a Patriot, I look forward to coming back here, but at this time, we’re going to move on,” Belichick said.
Some fans at Gillette told ABC 6 News on Thursday they thought it was time. Others were shocked at the loss of who they say is the greatest coach in NFL history.
“First thing that went through my head is I’m going to miss him, I can understand why he’s leaving, I can understand we need a change,” said Chris Pollai.
The announcement that the six-time Super Bowl champion head coach won’t lead New England out of the tunnel next season rocked fans emotions. They also looked back fondly on Tom Brady, who officially retired from the NFL last February after 23 seasons and seven championships.
“Looking back at the stadium, it’s the house that Belichick and Brady built,” said Patrick Parlon.
Belichick will leave New England the architect of one the greatest dynasties in sports history, winning six Lombardi trophies over his 24 years in Foxborough.
“A New England legend forever. Personally. He put together a winning team every year,” said Owen Gallagher.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft speak at Gillette Stadium following the announcement that he is leaving after a mutual agreement, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (WLNE)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft speak at Gillette Stadium following the announcement that he is leaving after a mutual agreement, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (WLNE)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks at Gillette Stadium following the announcement that he is leaving after a mutual agreement, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (WLNE)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks at Gillette Stadium following the announcement that he is leaving after a mutual agreement, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (WLNE)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks at Gillette Stadium following the announcement that he is leaving after a mutual agreement, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (WLNE)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks at Gillette Stadium following the announcement that he is leaving after a mutual agreement, Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. (WLNE)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
This is a file image of New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. (AP)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick meets with reporters after an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, NY., Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. The Bills won 27-21. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick meets with reporters after an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, NY., Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. The Bills won 27-21. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Rumors of the expected split have surrounded the Patriots for months, as the team struggled on its way to a 4-13 season and missing the playoffs for the third time in the past four seasons.
Even through the struggles, fans were still split on which direction the team should go.
Many said it was a remarkable run, even though it didn’t end how most would have hoped.
“He gave us 24 of the greatest years of any sports team in history. He’s the greatest and it’s still his house,” Pollai said.
The Patriots will have to search for a new coach for the first time in the 21st century.
