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The Bill Belichick era in New England has officially come to an end.
According to multiple reports, the Patriots and Bill Belichick are expected to part ways.
"Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft spent a good part of this week periodically meeting and discussing how each side wanted to proceed," wrote ESPN's Adam Schefter and Mike Reiss. "From sources familiar with those conversations, there was said to be no conflict, no disagreement, and in the end, productive talks resulted in a mutual decision that left both sides comfortable and at ease. Both Belichick and Kraft, as one outside party noted, 'took the high road,' which was appropriate for an owner-coach tandem that will go down as one of the greatest and most decorated in NFL history."
They added that Jerod Mayo "projects to be a, if not the, leading candidate for the job."
Widely considered the greatest coach in football history, Belichick spent 24 seasons with the Patriots, bringing the club to nine Super Bowls and winning six of them. He was named the NFL’s Coach of the Year three times, and also served as New England’s de facto general manager, having final say on personnel decisions. Belichick was named the PFWA’s Executive of the Year in 2021.
The 72-year-old finishes his tenure in Foxborough with a 226-121 regular season record and a 31-13 postseason record. In total, the head coach has tallied 333 career wins, just 14 shy of Don Shula’s all-time record.
It was reported this week that former New England linebacker Mike Vrabel is “interested” in returning to the Patriots. With the Titans parting ways with Mike Vrabel on Tuesday, perhaps he could be a candidate for the job.
Team owner Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick will address the media at Noon EST from Foxborough's Gillette Stadium.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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