History of Bill Belichick in Timeline
Bill Belichick is an American football coach widely considered one of the greatest of all time. Known for his strategic brilliance and deep understanding of the game, he holds the record for most Super Bowl wins as a head coach (six with the New England Patriots) and also earned two Super Bowl rings as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, totaling eight Super Bowl victories. Belichick served as head coach and de facto general manager during the Patriots' dominant dynasty from 2001 to 2019.
3 hours ago : Bill Belichick faces lawsuit from painter injured at his Nantucket home.
Bill Belichick is being sued by a painter for nearly $300,000. The painter claims he suffered injuries after falling at Belichick's Nantucket residence while working there.
1934: Chicago Bears' Perfect Season
In 1934, the Chicago Bears had a perfect season.
1942: Chicago Bears' Perfect Season
In 1942, the Chicago Bears had a perfect season.
1948: Cleveland Browns' Perfect Season
In 1948, the Cleveland Browns had a perfect season.
April 16, 1952: Bill Belichick's Birth
On April 16, 1952, William Stephen Belichick was born. He would later become a renowned American football coach.
1970: Graduation from Annapolis High School
In 1970, Bill Belichick graduated from Annapolis High School.
1972: Miami Dolphins' Undefeated Season
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins achieved an undefeated season.
1973: Miami Dolphins' Winning Streak
In 1973, the Miami Dolphins' winning streak was ongoing from the previous season.
1975: Earned Bachelor's Degree
In 1975, Bill Belichick earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Wesleyan University.
1975: Began Coaching Career
In 1975, Bill Belichick started his coaching career as an assistant for the Baltimore Colts.
1975: Assistant to Baltimore Colts Head Coach
In 1975, after graduating, Bill Belichick took a $25-per-week job as an assistant to Baltimore Colts head coach Ted Marchibroda.
1976: Joined the Detroit Lions
In 1976, Bill Belichick joined the Detroit Lions as their assistant special teams coach.
1977: Added Coaching Duties with the Detroit Lions
In 1977, Bill Belichick added tight ends and wide receivers to his coaching duties with the Detroit Lions.
1977: Belichick Marries Debby Clarke
In 1977, Bill Belichick married Debby Clarke Belichick.
January 9, 1978: Dismissed from the Detroit Lions
On January 9, 1978, Bill Belichick was dismissed along with head coach Tommy Hudspeth and the rest of the coaching staff from the Detroit Lions.
1978: Introduction of the 16-Game Regular Season Schedule
In 1978, the NFL introduced the 16-game regular season schedule.
1979: Joined the New York Giants
In 1979, Bill Belichick began a 12-year stint with the New York Giants as a defensive assistant and special teams coach.
1980: Added Linebackers Coaching Duties
In 1980, Bill Belichick added linebackers coaching to his duties with the New York Giants.
1983: Ray Perkins was replaced by Bill Parcells
In 1983, Ray Perkins was replaced by Bill Parcells as head coach for the New York Giants.
1985: Defensive Coordinator for the New York Giants
By 1985, Bill Belichick became the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants under head coach Bill Parcells.
1985: Named Defensive Coordinator
In 1985, Bill Belichick was named defensive coordinator for the New York Giants under head coach Bill Parcells.
1985: Denver Broncos Miss Playoffs
In 1985, the Denver Broncos also won 11 games but missed the playoffs.
1986: Won Super Bowl XXI
In 1986, the New York Giants won Super Bowl XXI, with Bill Belichick as the defensive coordinator.
1990: Won Super Bowl XXV
In 1990, the New York Giants won Super Bowl XXV, with Bill Belichick as the defensive coordinator. Belichick's defensive game plan has been placed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
1991: Became Head Coach of Cleveland Browns
In 1991, Bill Belichick became the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
1992: Dallas Cowboys' Success
In 1992, the Dallas Cowboys began a stretch where they won three Super Bowls in four years.
1993: Controversial Cutting of Bernie Kosar
Midway through the 1993 season, Bill Belichick controversially cut quarterback Bernie Kosar from the Cleveland Browns.
1994: Led Browns to Playoffs
In 1994, Bill Belichick led the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs, his only winning year with the team.
November 1995: Browns Move Announced
In November 1995, Browns owner Art Modell announced he would move the franchise to Baltimore after the season.
1995: Fired from Cleveland Browns
Following the 1995 season, Bill Belichick was fired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
1995: Dallas Cowboys' Success
In 1995, the Dallas Cowboys were in a stretch where they won three Super Bowls in four years.
February 14, 1996: Fired by the Cleveland Browns
On February 14, 1996, Bill Belichick was fired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, a week after the shift to Baltimore was officially announced.
1996: Assistant Head Coach with Patriots
In 1996, Bill Belichick served under Bill Parcells as assistant head coach and defensive backs coach with the New England Patriots.
1996: Planning to draft Ray Lewis
Sports journalists said that Bill Belichick had planned on drafting Ray Lewis in the 1996 NFL draft if Belichick and the Cleveland Browns had stayed in Cleveland.
February 1997: Named Jets' Interim Head Coach
In February 1997, Bill Belichick was named the New York Jets' interim head coach.
1999: Parcells Stepped Down
After the 1999 season, Bill Parcells stepped down as head coach and arranged for Bill Belichick to succeed him as head coach of the Jets.
January 4, 2000: Resigned as Head Coach of the NY Jets
On January 4, 2000, Bill Belichick was introduced as head coach to the media and turned it into a surprise resignation announcement from the New York Jets.
January 27, 2000: Hired as Patriots Head Coach
On January 27, 2000, Bill Belichick accepted the head coaching job for the New England Patriots.
2000: Became Patriots Head Coach
In 2000, Bill Belichick was introduced as the New England Patriots' 12th full-time head coach after a bizarre turn of events. The Patriots gave the Jets a first-round draft pick in exchange for the right to hire Belichick.
2000: Patriots Missed Playoffs
In the 2000 regular season, the Patriots went 5–11 and missed the playoffs.
2001: Start of the Patriots Dynasty
In 2001, Bill Belichick became a central figure as the head coach and de facto general manager during the New England Patriots' dynasty.
2001: First Super Bowl Championship
In 2001, the Patriots won their first Super Bowl championship, defeating the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. Bill Belichick's defense held the Rams to 17 points.
2002: Patriots Missed Playoffs
In 2002, the first season in Gillette Stadium, the Patriots went 9–7 and missed the playoffs. They finished with the same record as the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins but lost the tiebreaker.
2003: AP NFL Coach of the Year
In 2003, Bill Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year.
2003: Start of Patriots' Five Consecutive Divisional Titles
In 2003, the New England Patriots began a streak of five consecutive divisional titles under Bill Belichick.
2003: Won Super Bowl XXXVIII and NFL Coach of the Year
In 2003, the Patriots finished the season 14-2, defeated the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII, and Bill Belichick was awarded the NFL Coach of the Year Award.
2004: Patriots Win Super Bowl XXXIX
In 2004, the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record and defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round. After 15 straight wins to end the previous season and starting this season at 6-0, they earned 21 consecutive victories, breaking the record for most wins in a row. They defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game and beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX, becoming only the second team to win three Super Bowls in four years.
2005: Patriots' 2005 Season
In the 2005 season, with Eric Mangini as the new defensive coordinator and no named offensive coordinator, the Patriots went 10–6. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round but lost to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. Belichick achieved his 54th win with the Patriots, becoming the winningest coach in Patriots history, passing Mike Holovak.
2006: Belichick Divorces Debby Clarke
In 2006, Bill Belichick divorced Debby Clarke Belichick.
2006: Patriots Lose to Colts in AFC Championship
In the 2006 season, the Patriots finished with a 12–4 record. They defeated the New York Jets in the Wild Card Round and the San Diego Chargers in the Divisional Round. However, they lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship by a score of 38–34, after leading 21–3 during the second quarter.
2006: Patriots' Winning Streak
The Patriots' winning streak went from 2006-2008.
September 9, 2007: "Spygate" Incident
On September 9, 2007, during the "Spygate" incident, NFL security caught a Patriots video assistant taping the New York Jets' defensive signals from the sidelines, which is not an approved location. Jets coach Eric Mangini tipped off league officials about the taping, which led to a formal complaint after the game.
2007: Belichick Wins NFL Coach of the Year Award
Following the "Spygate" incident and the Patriots' perfect 16–0 regular season record, Belichick was awarded the 2007 NFL Coach of the Year Award by the Associated Press.
2007: Patriots' Near-Perfect Season
In 2007, Belichick led the Patriots to a perfect regular season, the first since the 16-game regular season schedule was introduced in 1978. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Divisional Round and the San Diego Chargers in the AFC Championship. However, they were upset in Super Bowl XLII by the New York Giants, failing to achieve a "perfect season".
2007: Belichick comments on friendship with Nick Saban
In 2007, Bill Belichick commented on his friendship with Nick Saban, joking about "Two successful Croats in the same division of NFL."
2007: AP NFL Coach of the Year
In 2007, Bill Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year.
2007: End of Patriots' Five Consecutive Divisional Titles
In 2007, the New England Patriots concluded a streak of five consecutive divisional titles under Bill Belichick.
2007: Belichick Begins Relationship with Linda Holliday
Starting in 2007, Bill Belichick was in a relationship with Linda Holliday, the executive director of the Bill Belichick Foundation.
2008: Pioli Left for Kansas City Chiefs
After the 2008 season, Scott Pioli left for the Kansas City Chiefs.
2008: Brady's Injury and Patriots' Playoff Miss
During the Patriots' 2008 season-opener, quarterback Tom Brady sustained a season-ending injury. Despite this, with a win in Week 2, the Patriots broke their own record for regular-season wins in a row with 21 (2006–08). However, after losing over 12 players to injured reserve, the Patriots missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002, despite going 11–5.
2008: NFL Fines Belichick and the Patriots
In 2008, the NFL fined Belichick $500,000—the largest fine ever imposed on a coach in the league's history. The Patriots were also fined $250,000 and forfeited their first-round draft pick in the 2008 NFL draft due to the "Spygate" incident.
2008: Inducted into Wesleyan University's Athletics Hall of Fame
In spring 2008, Bill Belichick was part of the inaugural induction class into Wesleyan University's Athletics Hall of Fame.
2009: Start of Patriots' Eleven Consecutive Divisional Titles
In 2009, the New England Patriots began a streak of eleven consecutive divisional titles under Bill Belichick.
2009: Patriots' Season Record
In 2009, the patriots had also played a season in which they did not win 12 or more games.
2009: Patriots Win AFC East, Lose in Wild Card Round
In 2009, with Tom Brady back as the starting quarterback, Belichick guided the Patriots to an AFC East division title with a 10–6 record. However, the Patriots lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.
2009: Belichick Split Duties
Until 2009, Belichick split duties with player personnel director Scott Pioli. However, Belichick had the final say on football matters.
2010: AP NFL Coach of the Year
In 2010, Bill Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year.
2010: Patriots' Season Ends in Divisional Round
In the 2010 season, Belichick and the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record. However, their postseason ended with a 28–21 loss to the New York Jets in the divisional round.
2011: Inducted into Phillips Academy Athletics Hall of Honor
In 2011, Bill Belichick was inducted into Phillips Academy's Athletics Hall of Honor.
2011: Patriots Advance to Super Bowl XLVI
In the 2011 season, the Patriots topped the AFC with a 13–3 record. After defeating the Denver Broncos, the Patriots won the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens 23–20, after Billy Cundiff missed a field goal. They reached Super Bowl XLVI, where they lost to the New York Giants.
September 26, 2012: Belichick Fined for Grabbing Official's Arm
On September 26, 2012, Belichick was fined $50,000 for grabbing a replacement official's arm after a controversial call during a 31–30 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
2012: Sean Payton Suspended
In 2012, Sean Payton was suspended for the entire season. This became the harshest sanctions against a coach, harsher than the sanctions against Belichick.
2013: A Football Life Episode on Browns Relocation
In 2013, an episode of A Football Life on the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy discussed Bill Belichick's groundwork for the Ravens' success.
2013: Patriots Navigate Upheaval to Win AFC East
In the 2013 season, the Patriots faced upheaval with injuries and player departures. They signed Danny Amendola and drafted rookies Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce. The team finished 12–4, winning the AFC East. They lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.
2014: Patriots Win Super Bowl XLIX
In the 2014 season, Belichick's Patriots started 2–2. Following a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Belichick famously said, "We're on to Cincinnati." They recorded a 12–4 record and defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. Belichick tied Chuck Noll for most Super Bowl wins by a head coach, with four.
July 2015: Amanda Belichick becomes head coach at Holy Cross
As of July 2015, Amanda Belichick, Bill Belichick's daughter, has been the head women's lacrosse coach at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts.
2015: Patriots Lose AFC Championship Game
In the 2015 season, the Patriots recorded a 12–4 record. They defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round. During the AFC Championship Game, the Patriots lost to the Denver Broncos.
2016: Patriots Win Super Bowl LI
In the 2016 season, the Patriots recorded a 14–2 record, earning the #1 seed. They defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI in overtime, after overcoming a 28–3 deficit. Belichick won his fifth Super Bowl title as a head coach.
2017: Patriots Lose Super Bowl LII
In the 2017 season, the Patriots went 13–3, capturing their ninth consecutive AFC East title. They defeated the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars. They fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, 41–33.
May 2018: Belichick Appointed to Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition
In May 2018, President Donald Trump appointed Bill Belichick to be a member of his Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
2018: Last time UNC failed to qualify for a bowl game prior to Belichick's arrival
In 2018, the UNC football team failed to qualify for a bowl game, prior to Belichick's arrival.
2018: Patriots Win Super Bowl LIII
In the 2018 season, the Patriots went 11–5. They defeated the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs. In Super Bowl LIII, the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3, giving Belichick his sixth Super Bowl championship as a head coach and his eighth overall. Belichick matched both George Halas and Curly Lambeau for most championships as a head coach.
May 13, 2019: Belichick Assumes Defensive Play-Caller Role
On May 13, 2019, Bill Belichick announced that he would assume the Patriots' defensive play-caller role starting the 2019 season, replacing Brian Flores.
October 27, 2019: Belichick Obtains 300th Win
On October 27, 2019, Bill Belichick secured his 300th win as a head coach (regular and postseason combined) with the Patriots' victory over the Cleveland Browns.
2019: Belichick Analyzes NFL 100 All-Time Team
In 2019, Bill Belichick appeared as an analyst for the NFL 100 All-Time Team series on NFL Network, providing analysis and film breakdown of players. He also served as a voter for the team.
2019: End of the Patriots Dynasty
In 2019, Bill Belichick's time as head coach and de facto general manager during the New England Patriots' dynasty ended.
2019: End of Patriots' Eleven Consecutive Divisional Titles
In 2019, the New England Patriots concluded a streak of eleven consecutive divisional titles under Bill Belichick.
November 28, 2020: Record of Belichick's Coaching Tree
Through November 28, 2020, former assistant coaches under Bill Belichick had a combined 208–296–1 record as head coaches of their own teams.
2020: Nike the Alaskan Klee Kai Appears on Camera
In 2020, Bill Belichick's Alaskan Klee Kai dog, Nike, made an appearance on camera during the NFL draft, leading to increased interest in the breed.
2020: Belichick Navigates First Losing Season Since 2000
In 2020, following Tom Brady's departure, Bill Belichick and the Patriots faced quarterback uncertainty and signed Cam Newton. The season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Patriots finished with a 7-9 record, marking Belichick's first losing season since 2000.
January 10, 2021: Declined Presidential Medal of Freedom
On January 10, 2021, it was reported that Donald Trump planned to award Bill Belichick the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Belichick declined the award, referencing the January 6 United States Capitol attack.
2021: Met Jordon Hudson
In 2021, Bill Belichick reportedly met Jordon Hudson on a flight.
2021: Belichick Awarded Sports Emmy
In 2021, Bill Belichick was awarded a Sports Emmy for his contributions to the NFL 100 All-Time Team series.
2021: Mac Jones Named Patriots Starter
In 2021, after drafting Mac Jones, Bill Belichick named Jones the starting quarterback after releasing Cam Newton. The Patriots finished with a 10-7 record but lost in the Wild Card Round.
2022: Belichick Forgoes Naming Offensive Coordinator
In 2022, Bill Belichick did not name an offensive coordinator. The Patriots finished with an 8-9 record, and quarterback Mac Jones experienced regression.
2022: Belichick Joins Manningcast
In 2022, Peyton Manning revealed that Bill Belichick would join the Manning brothers on ESPN's Manningcast for Monday Night Football.
2023: Belichick and Linda Holliday End Relationship
In 2023, Bill Belichick and Linda Holliday ended their relationship.
2023: Belichick Suffers Worst Loss and Achieves 300th Regular Season Win
In 2023, Bill Belichick suffered the worst loss of his coaching career against the Dallas Cowboys. Later, the Patriots upset the Buffalo Bills, earning Belichick his 300th career regular season win as an NFL head coach. The Patriots finished the season with a 4-13 record.
2023: Started Dating Jordon Hudson
It was reported that Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson started dating in 2023.
January 11, 2024: Belichick and Patriots Mutually Agree to Part Ways
On January 11, 2024, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots mutually agreed to part ways after 24 seasons.
June 3, 2024: Belichick Receives Croatian Citizenship
On June 3, 2024, Bill Belichick received Croatian citizenship in Zagreb from Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and was a special guest at a Croatia vs. North Macedonia association football match.
June 2024: Relationship with Jordon Hudson Reported
In June 2024, reports surfaced that Bill Belichick was in a relationship with Jordon Hudson, a 24-year-old former cheerleader and beauty pageant runner-up.
December 11, 2024: Belichick Named Head Coach of North Carolina Tar Heels
On December 11, 2024, Bill Belichick was named the 35th head football coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, his first time coaching at the collegiate level. He employs a staff with deep NFL experience.
2024: Belichick Considers Media Opportunities
As the 2024 NFL season began, Bill Belichick was out of the NFL and began exploring opportunities in television and media.
2024: Scott Pioli's scout salary in 2024 dollars
In 2024, Scott Pioli's young scout salary was equivalent to $32,447 in 2024 dollars.
2024: Belichick Joins The Pat McAfee Show
In 2024, after leaving the Patriots, Bill Belichick agreed to appear weekly on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show as an analyst, beginning with the "5th Annual Draft Spectacular".
2024: Belichick Seeks New NFL Head Coaching Position
In 2024, after leaving the Patriots, Bill Belichick sought another NFL head coaching job, interviewing with the Atlanta Falcons, who ultimately hired Raheem Morris. An offer to be defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers was declined.
August 2025: Belichick Files Trademark Applications
In August 2025, Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson submitted 17 trademark applications, including phrases such as "Chapel Bill," "Belestrator," and "Trail of Salty Tears."
2025: Belichick's Sons Serve as UNC Assistant Coaches
As of 2025, Bill Belichick's sons, Stephen and Brian, are assistant coaches with the University of North Carolina.
2025: Belichick's Debut Collegiate Season
In 2025, Bill Belichick began his collegiate coaching career, losing his debut with North Carolina against TCU. The team finished the season with a 4-8 record, failing to qualify for a bowl game.
January 27, 2026: Belichick Not Elected to Hall of Fame on First Ballot
On January 27, 2026, Bill Belichick was not elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot, leading to shock and disappointment among media, players, and Hall of Fame members. The exclusion of Belichick led to strong reactions, with some calling it a snub. Tom Brady, Robert Kraft, and Donald Trump all expressed disappointment at the decision.
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