It’s not over yet and it won’t be over until it’s over. But it’s safe to say that by the time the dust settles in New England after today’s final game of the season, the football operation will be under construction.
It’s highly unlikely that coach Bill Belichick will return. As explained before, The possibility of trade is extremely low.. If that happens, it will be an termination or some kind of mutual parting.
This year’s disappointing performance will likely be seen as a catalyst, but things likely got derailed last year when coach Belichick decided to install Matt Patricia as offensive coordinator. The move was a major setback for quarterback Mac Jones, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. It seemed like a questionable decision when Belichick made it. Subsequent events proved that.
Then there’s also the question of whether certain aspects of the modern game have overtaken Belichick and whether he intends to change. His skill as a coach is undeniable and almost unparalleled, both on game day and in preparation, but the modern game demands more. Kraft’s coaching staff is very small compared to other teams, but that’s probably because (at least in part) he has issues trusting the people working for him. . He also seems to tend to resist innovations that reflect the current direction of the game.
As a result, football teams operate as if they were stuck in the 70s, 80s, or 90s. This will make it difficult to provide stable results in the 2020s.
The ultimate proof of that is that they haven’t won a playoff game in five years. Considering Belichick may not be coaching for another five years, it seems like now is the time to make a move toward the future. And, as we believe, without an effort to trade Belichick to another team, that future could arrive quickly.
That being said, is it possible that Belichick will try to make an ownership case that involves changes that modernize football operations? yes. But New England’s current situation is a direct result of Belichick’s unwillingness to do the things he would have previously had to do to stay.
