ESPN: Bill Belichick Confidants 'Pissed', Feel Patriot Way Damaged, HC's Name Smeared

Legendary head coach Bill Belichick was not hired this offseason after he parted ways with the New England Patriots, and people around him reportedly believe it was due to his reputation being tarnished at the end of his tenure in New England.

In a detailed report by ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr., Seth Wickersham and Jeremy Fowler, a former Patriots assistant coach called the Patriot Way "damaged," as others throughout the offseason questioned the effectiveness of Belichick's coaching philosophy.

"A lot of people are pissed," a Belichick confidant said. "His name was smeared."

It was also noted that the disconnect between Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft played a factor in how things played out this offseason, as "the owner had lost trust in Belichick, which was a key reason for their deteriorating working relationship and the end of the Patriot Way."

Belichick and the Patriots mutually agreed to go their separate ways after his incredible 24-year run with the franchise. He led the team to six Super Bowl titles during his tenure, though the last few years were not nearly as successful.

New England went 4-13 in 2023, the team's third losing season in the last four years and its worst record with Belichick at the helm. After his departure, Jerod Mayo was tabbed as his replacement. The Patriots also shipped away quarterback Mac Jones, their first-round pick just three years ago, to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

When Belichick hit the open market, it was expected that he would field a significant level of interest from teams with head coaching vacancies. However, his only known interviews were with the Atlanta Falcons, and they chose to hire former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as their new head coach.

The report stated that Belichick, who acted as both head coach and general manager in New England, insisted in his pair of interviews with Atlanta that he just wanted to focus on coaching. However, it was noted that "the Falcons realized that if you hire Bill Belichick, you hire all of him, an entire philosophy and ethos stemming from one man's ethic and ingenuity."

Belichick will spend the year watching football from home and is likely to attempt to return to the NFL during the 2025 hiring cycle.