Bill Belichick leaving Patriots after 24 seasons, six titles

Bill Belichick will no longer serve as New England Patriots coach after a remarkable 24 seasons, saying Thursday that "we're going to move on" while also looking back fondly at his unmatched run in NFL history that included six Super Bowl titles.

Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft spent a good part of this week periodically meeting and discussing how each side wanted to proceed. 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.
During a news conference Thursday, Kraft called Belichick the greatest coach of all time who deserved to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

"This is a move that we mutually agreed that is needed at this time," Kraft said. "What Bill accomplished, in my opinion, will never be duplicated."

Belichick, who said he will "always be a Patriot," thanked Kraft and his family for the opportunity and support, saying: "We had a vision of building a championship football team that has exceeded my wildest dreams and expectations. I'm very proud of that. I'll always have those great memories, will carry those with me the rest of my life."

Belichick, who had one year remaining on his contract, will be allowed to leave the team without the Patriots seeking compensation. He wants to continue coaching and is expected to draw interest from at least some of the other seven NFL teams that have head-coaching vacancies, including quite possibly the Atlanta Falcons, league sources said.