Challenges in the Life of Bill Belichick in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Bill Belichick faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Bill Belichick is an American football coach, considered one of the greatest of all time. He is renowned for his success with the New England Patriots, where he won a record six Super Bowls as head coach. He also won two Super Bowls as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. Belichick holds numerous coaching records and is regarded as a football historian, known for his deep understanding of the game. He played a central role in the Patriots' dynasty from 2001 to 2019, functioning as both head coach and de facto general manager.

Sections (5)

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

January 9, 1978: Dismissal 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.

1993: Cutting Bernie Kosar

Midway through the 1993 season, one of Bill Belichick's most controversial moves was cutting quarterback Bernie Kosar from the Cleveland Browns.

November 1995: Browns Move Announced

In November 1995, Browns owner Art Modell announced he would move his franchise to Baltimore after the season.

1995: Firing from the Cleveland Browns

Following the 1995 season, Bill Belichick was fired as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

February 14, 1996: Fired by the Cleveland Browns

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

2000: 5-11 Season

In the 2000 regular season, the Patriots went 5-11 and missed the playoffs.

2002: Missed Playoffs

In 2002, the Patriots went 9-7 and missed the playoffs due to tiebreakers.

2002: Patriots miss the playoffs

In 2008, the Patriots missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002 despite going 11-5, losing on tiebreakers to the Miami Dolphins and the Baltimore Ravens.

2007: Patriots achieve perfect regular season

In 2007, Belichick led the Patriots to the first perfect regular season since the introduction of the 16-game regular season schedule. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers in the playoffs but were upset in Super Bowl XLII by the New York Giants, preserving the Miami Dolphins' record as the sole team to have a perfect season.

2008: Tom Brady season-ending injury

During the 2008 season-opener, quarterback Tom Brady sustained a season-ending injury. Backup quarterback Matt Cassel was named the starter for the remainder of the season. The Patriots broke their own record for regular season wins in a row with 21 (2006–08).

2008: NFL fines Belichick and the Patriots

In 2008, following the Spygate incident, the NFL fined Belichick $500,000 and the Patriots $250,000 and forfeited their first-round draft pick in the 2008 NFL draft.

2011: Patriots win AFC Championship but lose Super Bowl XLVI

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

2013: Patriots face upheaval on offense but still make playoffs

In the 2013 season, the Patriots faced upheaval on offense due to injuries, arrests, and departures of key players, but still finished with a 12–4 record, won the AFC East, and secured a playoff berth. They lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.

2015: Patriots lose to Broncos in AFC Championship Game

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

2017: Patriots lose Super Bowl LII

In 2017, the Patriots went 13–3 and reached Super Bowl LII, but fell to the Philadelphia Eagles, 41–33. This marked Belichick's eighth title game as head coach and his eleventh overall in any capacity. The Patriots were down early and could not make a comeback despite coming close.

November 28, 2020: Report on Belichick Coaching Tree's Track Record

As of November 28, 2020, former assistant coaches under Belichick had a combined 208-296-1 record, with many being fired midseason, highlighting the poor track record of the Belichick coaching tree.

2020: Patriots Face Quarterback Uncertainty and COVID-19 Challenges

In 2020, following Tom Brady's departure, the Patriots signed Cam Newton. The 2020 NFL season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 7-9 record, Belichick's first losing season since his initial year in New England.

2023: Worst Loss and 300th Regular Season Win

During the 2023 season, Belichick suffered the worst loss of his career to the Dallas Cowboys and the worst home loss against the Saints. He also achieved his 300th career regular season win against the Buffalo Bills. After a loss to the Colts, Bailey Zappe was named the starting quarterback. The Patriots finished the 2023 season with a 4-13 record, their worst under Belichick.