Bill Belichick's New England Patriots are in last place in the AFC East at 2-7, but that doesn't necessarily mean arguably the greatest coach of all time is on the hot seat.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Belichick's contract runs through the 2024 campaign and added that "my understanding is that Robert Kraft, the owner, is not inclined to fire Bill Belichick midseason."
Ian Rapoport @RapSheetFrom <a href="">@NFLGameDay</a> Kickoff: On <a href="">#Patriots</a> coach Bill Belichick, his future, and what may come next... <a href="">
While Rapoport pointed out one reason it "makes no sense" to move on from Belichick during the 2023 campaign is his status as an all-time legend, he also highlighted the possibility of New England receiving a form of compensation if he moves to a different team next year.
Since he would still be under contract with the Patriots through that 2024 campaign, another team would perhaps give something up to have him on the sidelines next season.
That moving on from Belichick is even a discussion point underscores how dire things have gotten in New England of late.
"It's really disappointing, and I had hoped that things would be a lot better as I know our fan base did." Kraft told NFL Network's Rich Eisen ahead of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. "I hope today is a chance to reset and make this a much better year. This isn't what we were expecting to happen this year."
NFL GameDay @NFLGameDayChecking in with Robert Kraft before Colts vs Patriots 🇩🇪<a href="">@richeisen</a> | <a href="">@NFL</a> | <a href="">@nflnetwork</a> | <a href="">@Patriots</a> <a href="">#NFLFrankfurtGames</a> <a href="">
The franchise missed the playoffs at 8-9 last season and is just 2-7 in 2023. It is well on its way to a third losing season in the four years since Tom Brady left, a reality driven even further home by the legendary quarterback winning a Super Bowl and going to the playoffs three times during his tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Belichick will always be a Patriots legend no matter how his time with the team comes to an end.
His resume includes nine Super Bowl appearances, six Lombardi Trophies and a 264-115 record with the franchise. New England was the gold standard of the NFL and all of American professional sports for much of his tenure.
However, quarterback Mac Jones has struggled with consistency, other teams in the division have caught and passed up the Patriots, and there are now questions about the head coach's future with the organization.
