Patriots’ linebackers coach and defensive play-caller Steve Belichick probably doesn’t have much of a recollection of his boss and father Bill Belichick’s first NFL head coaching win with the Browns in 1990 as he was just three years old at that point.
But given his unique perspective, the younger Belichick certainly had a great appreciation watching his father move into second place on the NFL’s all-time win’s list, beating the rival Jets on Sunday to pass Bears’ legend George Halas with his 325th career victory.
Speaking with local reporters on a Tuesday morning Zoom call, Steve Belichick put the record achievement in perspective from his vantage point, even though talking about such things isn’t really the Belichick family or Patriot way.
“We don’t talk about that stuff a lot, but I’m not that naïve where I can’t see what the stats are and appreciate that,” Steve Belichick said. “That’s a lot of games. A lot of games won. A lot of time spent. I’ve seen how hard he works for a long time, for my whole life. I saw how hard my grandpa worked and how that’s translated through my grandpa to my dad. I’m very proud of him. I know he’s not satisfied with that. I know it’s just a number, but it’s a significant number.”
The “grandpa” in question was of course longtime Navy assistant coach and scouting legend Steve Belichick, the current New England defensive boss’ namesake.
While Bill Belichick characteristically deflected questions about his 325th win during his postgame press conference Sunday evening at MetLife Stadium, his top defensive assistant thought it deserved at least a momentary acknowledgment.
“I’ve seen all the hard work he’s put in. I’ve seen a lot of people count him out. And I’ve seen him respond to a lot of adversity,” Steve Belichick continued. “I’m very proud. Proud to be his son and proud to see the work that he’s put in pay off even if it’s just one number. I know that’s not what he was striving to do. Like, ‘I just won 325 games’ or whatever. And now that he’s hit that number he’s just gonna stop. I know he would have been working just as hard if that was his 25th win. So I’m really proud of him. And I’m glad he’s able to be recognized for it. But a lot more work to be done.”
Of course there is. Because that is indeed the Belichick family way, and it has been for decades.