Career Timeline of Bill Belichick: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Bill Belichick made an impact.

Bill Belichick is a highly acclaimed American football coach, widely considered one of the greatest of all time. He holds the record for most Super Bowl wins as a head coach (six), all achieved with the New England Patriots. He also has two Super Bowl wins as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, bringing his combined total to a record of eight Super Bowl victories. Known for his deep understanding of football history and strategy, Belichick is often called a 'student of the game.' He served as the Patriots' head coach and de facto general manager, leading the team through a dominant dynasty period from 2001 to 2019.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1975: Started coaching career with the Baltimore Colts

In 1975, Belichick began his coaching career as an assistant for the Baltimore Colts, marking the start of his journey in professional football coaching.

1975: Became assistant to Baltimore Colts head coach

In 1975, Belichick took a job as an assistant to Baltimore Colts head coach Ted Marchibroda, starting his professional coaching career.

1976: Joined the Detroit Lions as assistant special teams coach

In 1976, Belichick joined the Detroit Lions as their assistant special teams coach, expanding his coaching responsibilities.

1977: Added tight ends and wide receivers to coaching duties with the Detroit Lions

In 1977, Belichick's coaching duties with the Detroit Lions expanded to include tight ends and wide receivers, increasing his involvement with the team's offense.

January 9, 1978: Dismissed from Detroit Lions

On January 9, 1978, Belichick was dismissed along with head coach Tommy Hudspeth and the rest of the coaching staff of the Detroit Lions.

1979: Began stint with the New York Giants

In 1979, Belichick began a 12-year stint with the New York Giants alongside head coach Ray Perkins as a defensive assistant and special teams coach, beginning his long association with the team.

1980: Added linebackers coaching to duties with the New York Giants

In 1980, Belichick added linebackers coaching to his duties with the New York Giants, expanding his role within the defensive coaching staff.

1983: Bill Parcells replaces Ray Perkins as head coach

In 1983, Bill Parcells replaced Ray Perkins as the head coach of the New York Giants.

1985: Named defensive coordinator for the New York Giants

In 1985, Belichick became the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants under head coach Bill Parcells, solidifying his role in the team's coaching staff.

1991: Became the head coach of the Cleveland Browns

In 1991, Belichick became the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, marking his first head coaching position in the NFL.

1992: Dallas Cowboys' Success

From 1992 to 1995, the Dallas Cowboys won three superbowls with two different coaches

1994: Led the Browns to the playoffs

In 1994, Belichick led the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs, achieving his only winning year with the team during his tenure.

1995: Fired from the Cleveland Browns

Following the 1995 season, Belichick was fired from his position as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, ending his tenure with the team.

1995: Dallas Cowboys' Success

From 1992 to 1995, the Dallas Cowboys won three superbowls with two different coaches

February 14, 1996: Fired by the Cleveland Browns

On February 14, 1996, Belichick was fired from his position as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

1996: Belichick planned to draft Ray Lewis

In 1996, Belichick planned to draft Ray Lewis if Belichick and the Cleveland Browns had stayed in Cleveland.

1996: Served as assistant head coach and defensive backs coach with the New England Patriots

In 1996, Belichick served as assistant head coach and defensive backs coach with the New England Patriots, following his departure from the Cleveland Browns.

February 1997: Named Jets' interim head coach

In February 1997, Belichick was named the New York Jets' interim head coach while the Jets and Patriots negotiated compensation for Bill Parcells.

1999: Parcells stepped down as head coach

After the 1999 season, Bill Parcells stepped down as head coach.

January 4, 2000: Belichick resigned as head coach of the NY Jets

On January 4, 2000, Belichick famously resigned as head coach of the New York Jets during his introductory press conference, only one day after being named to the position.

January 27, 2000: Accepted head coaching job for the Patriots

On January 27, 2000, Belichick accepted the head coaching job for the New England Patriots, marking the beginning of his historic tenure with the team.

2000: Hired as head coach of the New England Patriots

In 2000, following his resignation from the New York Jets, Belichick was hired as the head coach of the New England Patriots.

2000: Patriots went 5-11 and missed the playoffs

In 2000, the Patriots had a 5–11 record and missed the playoffs.

2001: Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVI

In 2001, the Patriots had an 11–5 regular season record, and won Super Bowl XXXVI. This was the Patriots' first Super Bowl championship in team history.

2002: Patriots missed the playoffs

In 2002, the Patriots went 9–7 and missed the playoffs.

2003: Patriots win divisional title

In 2003, Bill Belichick lead the Patriots to a divisional title.

2003: Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVIII; Belichick awarded NFL Coach of the Year

The Patriots' 2003 season concluded with a Super Bowl XXXVIII victory and Belichick being awarded the NFL Coach of the Year Award.

2004: Patriots' Success in 2004

In 2004, the Patriots concluded the season with a 14–2 record, defeating the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. They won Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming the second team to win three Super Bowls in four years. Belichick is the only coach to accomplish this feat since the Dallas Cowboys had two coaches during their run from 1992 to 1995.

2005: Patriots' 2005 Season

In the 2005 season, with Eric Mangini as the new defensive coordinator and no named offensive coordinator, the Patriots had a 10–6 record. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round but lost to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. Also, Belichick earned his 54th win with the Patriots after a season-opening win over the Oakland Raiders, surpassing Mike Holovak as the coach with most wins in Patriots history.

2006: Patriots' 2006 Season

In the 2006 season, the Patriots finished with a 12–4 record, defeating 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. The Colts mounted a comeback after the Patriots led 21–3.

2007: Perfect Regular Season

In 2007, Belichick led the Patriots to a perfect regular season, the first since the 16-game schedule was introduced in 1978. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs but lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

2007: Patriots win divisional title

In 2007, Bill Belichick lead the Patriots to a divisional title.

2008: Scott Pioli left for the Kansas City Chiefs

After the 2008 season, Scott Pioli left for the Kansas City Chiefs.

2009: Given near-complete control over football operations

In 2009, Belichick was given near-complete control over the New England Patriots' football operations by owner Robert Kraft, effectively making him the de facto general manager.

2009: Patriots win divisional title

In 2009, Bill Belichick lead the Patriots to a divisional title.

2009: 2009 Season and Playoff Loss

In 2009, with Tom Brady's return, Belichick guided the Patriots to an AFC East title with a 10–6 record. However, the Patriots lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.

2009: Failing to win 12 or more games

In 2018, the Patriots went 11-5 and failing to win 12 or more games for the first time since 2009.

2010: 2010 Season and Playoff Loss

In the 2010 season, Belichick and the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record, securing the top seed in the AFC. However, their postseason ended quickly with a 28–21 loss to the New York Jets in the divisional round.

2011: AFC Championship and Super Bowl XLVI Loss

In the 2011 season, the Patriots topped the AFC with a 13–3 record and won the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens. However, the Patriots lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI by a score of 21–17.

2013: 2013 Season and AFC Championship Loss

In the 2013 season, the Patriots faced upheaval due to injuries and departures. Despite these challenges, they finished with a 12–4 record, winning the AFC East. They lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.

2014: "We're on to Cincinnati" Press Conference and Super Bowl XLIX Win

In the 2014 season, after a 2-2 start and a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Belichick famously said, "We're on to Cincinnati." The Patriots recorded a 12–4 record and won Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks. Belichick tied Chuck Noll for the most Super Bowl wins by a head coach with his fourth championship.

2015: 2015 Season and AFC Championship Loss

In the 2015 season, the Patriots recorded a 12–4 record and lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.

2016: Super Bowl LI Victory

In 2016, the Patriots achieved a 14–2 record and secured the #1 seed for the AFC playoffs. They defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI in a comeback victory, with Belichick winning his record fifth Super Bowl title as a head coach.

2017: Super Bowl LII Loss

In the 2017 season, the Patriots went 13–3 and captured their ninth consecutive AFC East title. They lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, 41–33.

2018: Super Bowl LIII Victory

In 2018, the Patriots went 11–5 and captured their 10th consecutive AFC East title. In Super Bowl LIII, the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3, giving Belichick his sixth Super Bowl championship as a head coach.

May 13, 2019: Belichick becomes Patriots' defensive coordinator

On May 13, 2019, Bill Belichick took on the additional role of the Patriots' defensive coordinator, starting with the 2019 season.

October 27, 2019: Belichick achieves 300th win as head coach

On October 27, 2019, Bill Belichick secured his 300th career win as a head coach, combining both regular season and postseason victories, with the Patriots' win over the Cleveland Browns.

2019: Patriots win divisional title

In 2019, Bill Belichick lead the Patriots to a divisional title.

2019: Analyst for NFL 100 All-Time Team series

In 2019, while still coaching the Patriots, Bill Belichick served as an analyst for the NFL 100 All-Time Team series on NFL Network, providing analysis and breaking down tape. He served as a voter and was assigned to look over film of the earliest players selected to the team.

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2020: Patriots face quarterback uncertainty and a losing season

In 2020, after Tom Brady's departure, the Patriots signed Cam Newton. The 2020 season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulted in a 7–9 record, Belichick's first losing season in New England.

2021: Mac Jones becomes starting quarterback and Brady returns to Gillette Stadium

In 2021, Mac Jones was drafted and named the Patriots' starting quarterback after Cam Newton's release. During Week 4, on 2021, Tom Brady returned to Gillette Stadium with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, narrowly defeating the Patriots 19–17. The Patriots finished the 2021 season with a 10-7 record, but lost in the Wild Card Round.

2023: Worst coaching loss and 300th regular season win

In 2023, Belichick suffered the worst loss of his coaching career against the Dallas Cowboys, followed by his worst home loss against the Saints. However, later in 2023, he earned his 300th career regular season win against the Buffalo Bills. At the end of 2023, Bailey Zappe was named starting quarterback. The Patriots finished the season with a 4–13 record, their worst under Belichick.

January 11, 2024: Belichick and Patriots mutually part ways

On January 11, 2024, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots mutually agreed to part ways after his long tenure as head coach.

December 11, 2024: Belichick named head football 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, marking his first time coaching at the collegiate level. He will reportedly earn $10 million annually, with incentives.

2024: Belichick to join Manningcast

In 2024, Peyton Manning revealed that Belichick would join the Manningcast, an alternate live broadcast of Monday Night Football on ESPN, during The Roast of Tom Brady on Netflix. Manning later stated that Belichick would appear on every Manningcast broadcast during the 2024 season.

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2024: Belichick joins ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show as an analyst

In 2024, after parting ways with the Patriots, Bill Belichick agreed to appear every Monday afternoon during the NFL season on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show as an analyst, covering the 2024 NFL draft.

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