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 an 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 earned with the New England Patriots. He also secured two Super Bowl wins as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, for a total of eight Super Bowl victories as coach and coordinator. Known for his deep understanding of football history and player positions, he is often called a "student of the game". As the Patriots' head coach and de facto general manager from 2001 to 2019, Belichick was central to the team's dynasty.

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 professional journey in football coaching.

1975: Assistant to Baltimore Colts head coach

In 1975, Belichick took a job as an assistant to Baltimore Colts head coach Ted Marchibroda, earning $25 per week.

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 experience.

1977: Added tight ends and wide receivers to coaching duties

In 1977, Belichick added tight ends and wide receivers to his coaching duties with the Detroit Lions, broadening his responsibilities within the team.

January 9, 1978: Dismissed by the Detroit Lions

On January 9, 1978, Belichick was dismissed along with head coach Tommy Hudspeth and the rest of the coaching staff, marking the end of his tenure with the team.

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.

1980: Added linebackers coaching to his duties

In 1980, Belichick added linebackers coaching to his duties, expanding his responsibilities within the team.

1983: Bill Parcells Replaced Ray Perkins as Head Coach

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

1985: Became 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 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.

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.

1995: Fired by the Cleveland Browns

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

February 14, 1996: Fired by the Cleveland Browns

On February 14, 1996, Belichick was fired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, a week after the shift to Baltimore was officially announced.

1996: Served under Parcells again with the New England Patriots

In 1996, Belichick served under Parcells again as assistant head coach and defensive backs coach with the New England Patriots.

1996: Planned to draft Ray Lewis

In the 1996 NFL draft, Belichick had planned on drafting Ray Lewis if he and the team had stayed in Cleveland. The newly christened Ravens did draft Lewis, who went on to a 17-year Hall of Fame career with the team.

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 Parcells.

1999: Parcells Stepped down

In 1999, Bill Parcells Stepped down as head coach of the Jets.

January 4, 2000: Resigned as HC of the NYJ

On January 4, 2000, Belichick resigned as head coach of the New York Jets, just one day after being introduced, delivering a half-hour speech explaining his resignation.

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 after resigning from the New York Jets, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

2000: Became head coach of the Patriots

In 2000, Belichick was introduced as the Patriots' head coach after the Patriots gave the Jets a first-round draft pick as compensation.

2001: Won Super Bowl XXXVI

In 2001, the Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams, marking the first Super Bowl championship in Patriots history.

2003: Patriots win divisional title

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

2003: Won Super Bowl XXXVIII

In the 2003 season, the Patriots finished 14-2 and defeated the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII, winning Belichick 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. They won 21 consecutive games, breaking the record previously held by the Miami Dolphins. After defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game, the Patriots won Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming the second team to win three Super Bowls in four years.

2005: Patriots' Season and Coaching Milestone

In the 2005 season, the Patriots finished with a 10–6 record, defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round but losing to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. During the season, Belichick surpassed Mike Holovak as the winningest coach in Patriots history with his 54th win.

2007: Patriots' Perfect Regular Season and Super Bowl XLII Loss

In 2007, Belichick led the Patriots to a perfect 16–0 regular season, making them the fourth team in NFL history to achieve this since the introduction of the 16-game schedule in 1978. They won their first two playoff games but were upset by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII, with a final score of 17-14.

2007: Patriots win divisional title

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

2009: Gained complete control over team's football operations

In 2009, Belichick gained near-complete control over the team's football operations as the de facto general manager after Pioli left.

2009: Patriots win divisional title

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

2014: "We're on to Cincinnati" and Super Bowl XLIX Victory

In 2014, after a 2–2 start, Belichick famously said, "We're on to Cincinnati." The Patriots finished 12–4, defeated the Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs, and won Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks. Belichick tied Chuck Noll for the most Super Bowl wins by a head coach.

2016: Patriots' Super Bowl LI Comeback Victory

In the 2016 season, the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record. They defeated the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs before winning Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime, after being down 28–3. Belichick won his record fifth Super Bowl title as a head coach.

2018: Patriots Win Super Bowl LIII

In the 2018 season, the Patriots went 11–5 and won their 10th consecutive AFC East title. They defeated the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs before winning Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams 13–3. Belichick secured his sixth Super Bowl championship as a head coach, holding the most Super Bowl rings in NFL history with eight.

May 13, 2019: Belichick Becomes Defensive Coordinator

On May 13, 2019, Bill Belichick announced he would assume the role of the Patriots' defensive coordinator starting in the 2019 season.

October 27, 2019: Belichick Obtains 300th Win

On October 27, 2019, Bill Belichick obtained his 300th win, combining regular and postseason games, as a head coach with the Patriots' victory over the Cleveland Browns.

2019: Analyst for NFL 100 All-Time Team

In 2019, Bill Belichick appeared as one of the main analysts for the NFL 100 All-Time Team series on NFL Network, providing analysis and breaking down highlight plays.

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2019: Patriots win divisional title

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

2020: Patriots Face Uncertain Quarterback Situation and COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, after Tom Brady's departure, the Patriots faced an uncertain quarterback situation, signing Cam Newton. The 2020 off-season and regular season were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a 7–9 record, Belichick's first losing season since his first year in New England.

2021: Awarded a Sports Emmy

In 2021, Belichick was awarded a Sports Emmy for his contributions to the NFL 100 All-Time Team series.

2021: Mac Jones Drafted and Named Starting Quarterback; Brady Returns to Gillette Stadium

In 2021, the Patriots drafted Mac Jones and named him the starting quarterback after releasing Cam Newton. During Week 4, on 2021, Tom Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers visited Gillette Stadium, narrowly defeating the Patriots 19–17. Brady and Belichick shared an embrace after the game, and Belichick helped lead the Patriots to a 10-7 record.

2022: Patriots' Playoff Hunt

In the 2022 season, despite injuries to starting quarterback Mac Jones, the Patriots remained in playoff contention until the final week, finishing with an 8–9 record.

2023: Worst Loss and 300th Career Win

During the 2023 season, Belichick suffered his worst coaching loss to the Dallas Cowboys (38–3) and his worst home loss to the Saints (34–0). However, New England upset the Buffalo Bills, earning Belichick his 300th career regular season win as an NFL head coach. The Patriots finished the season 4-13, their worst record in Belichick's tenure.

January 11, 2024: Belichick and Patriots Part Ways

On January 11, 2024, Bill Belichick and the Patriots mutually agreed to part ways after a long and successful tenure.

December 11, 2024: Belichick Named North Carolina Tar Heels Head Coach

On December 11, 2024, Bill Belichick was named the 35th head football coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, marking his first coaching role at the collegiate level. His debut resulted in a 14-48 loss to TCU.

2024: Analyst on The Pat McAfee Show

In 2024, after parting ways with the Patriots, Bill Belichick agreed to appear every Monday afternoon on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show as an analyst, beginning with the "5th Annual Draft Spectacular".

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2024: Joins Manningcast

In 2024, it was announced that Bill Belichick would join the Manning brothers (Peyton and Eli) on the Manningcast, an alternate broadcast of Monday Night Football, appearing on every broadcast during the season.

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