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 widely considered one of the greatest of all time. Best known for his tenure as head coach of the New England Patriots, where he won a record six Super Bowls, he also earned two Super Bowl rings as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, totaling a record eight Super Bowl victories as coach. Renowned for his deep understanding of the game and player positions, he's often called a "student of the game". Belichick was instrumental 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

1993: Cutting Bernie Kosar

Bill Belichick controversially cut quarterback Bernie Kosar midway through the 1993 season.

November 1995: Browns Move Announcement

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

2000: Patriots Miss Playoffs

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

2002: Patriots Miss Playoffs

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

2007: Patriots' Perfect Regular Season in 2007

In 2007, Belichick led the Patriots to a perfect regular season, only the fourth team to do so in NFL history since the 16-game 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 by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

2008: Tom Brady's Injury and Patriots' Season in 2008

During the 2008 season-opener, quarterback Tom Brady sustained a season-ending injury. Matt Cassel became the starting quarterback. The Patriots broke their own record for consecutive regular-season wins with 21. Despite many injuries, they finished 11–5 but missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

2013: Patriots' 2013 Season

The 2013 season brought significant upheaval for the Patriots' offense due to injuries, arrests, and player departures. The team finished the season with a 12–4 record, winning the AFC East and securing a playoff berth. They lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.

2017: Patriots' 2017 Season and Super Bowl LII Loss

In 2017, the Patriots went 13–3 and set an NFL record with their eighth consecutive 12-or-more-win season. They defeated the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars to win the AFC Championship, extending their record of consecutive appearances. However, they lost Super Bowl LII to the Philadelphia Eagles, 41–33.

November 28, 2020: Record of Belichick's Coaching Tree

As of November 28, 2020, former assistant coaches under Belichick had a combined record of 208–296–1 as head coaches, with many ending their tenures midseason, characterizing the track record of Belichick's coaching tree as poor.

2020: Patriots Face Uncertain Quarterback Situation and Pandemic Challenges

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

2022: Patriots Remain in Playoff Contention Despite Quarterback Injury

In the 2022 season, the Patriots, despite an injury to Mac Jones, remained in playoff contention until the last week, ultimately finishing with an 8-9 record.

2023: Patriots Suffer Record Losses and Belichick Reaches 300 Regular Season Wins

In 2023, the Patriots suffered the worst loss of Belichick's coaching career against the Dallas Cowboys and his worst home loss against the Saints. They upset the Buffalo Bills, earning Belichick his 300th regular-season win. Bailey Zappe was named starting quarterback, and the Patriots finished with a 4-13 record, their worst under Belichick. The team also snapped their 15-game winning streak over the New York Jets.