Bill Belichick is an American football coach and analyst widely considered one of the greatest of all time. He holds the record for most Super Bowl wins as a head coach (six with the New England Patriots) and has a total of eight Super Bowl victories including his time as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. Known for his deep understanding of the game, Belichick served as head coach and de facto general manager for the New England Patriots during their dynasty from 2001 to 2019.
1934: Chicago Bears Achieve Perfect Regular Season
The Chicago Bears accomplished a remarkable feat in 1934 by completing a perfect regular season, showcasing their dominance in the NFL during that era.
1942: Chicago Bears Repeat Perfect Regular Season
The Chicago Bears once again demonstrated their exceptional skills and dominance in 1942 by achieving a second perfect regular season, solidifying their place in NFL history.
1948: Perfect Seasons in Other Football Leagues
In 1948, both the Cleveland Browns of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) achieved perfect seasons, highlighting similar accomplishments in different leagues. Notably, no team in the American Football League (AFL) ever managed to complete a perfect season.
April 16, 1952: Birth of Bill Belichick
On April 16, 1952, Bill Belichick, one of the most successful American football coaches, was born.
1970: Belichick Graduates High School
Bill Belichick graduated from Annapolis High School in 1970.
1972: Miami Dolphins Make History with Perfect Season
The 1972 Miami Dolphins etched their names in NFL history by becoming the first and, to date, only team to complete a perfect season, finishing the regular season and playoffs without a single loss or tie. This achievement remains a testament to their unparalleled skill and teamwork.
1972: Dolphins Set Consecutive Wins Record
The Miami Dolphins set a record in 1972 for the most consecutive wins in the NFL, achieving 18 straight victories spanning the 1972 and 1973 seasons.
1973: Dolphins' Record-Breaking Streak Concludes
The Miami Dolphins' streak of 18 consecutive victories, which began in 1972, ended in 1973.
1975: Belichick Graduates from Wesleyan University
Bill Belichick earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Wesleyan University in 1975.
1975: Belichick Begins Coaching Career
Bill Belichick embarked on his coaching journey in 1975 as an assistant for the Baltimore Colts.
1975: Belichick Starts with the Baltimore Colts
Bill Belichick kicked off his coaching career in 1975 with the Baltimore Colts, taking on a role as an assistant to head coach Ted Marchibroda.
1976: Belichick Joins the Detroit Lions
In 1976, Bill Belichick joined the Detroit Lions as their assistant special teams coach.
1977: Belichick's Expanded Role with the Lions
Bill Belichick's responsibilities with the Detroit Lions expanded in 1977 to include coaching tight ends and wide receivers.
1977: Marriage to Debby Clarke
Bill Belichick married Debby Clarke in 1977.
January 9, 1978: Belichick Dismissed from the Detroit Lions
On January 9, 1978, Bill Belichick was let go from his position with the Detroit Lions, along with head coach Tommy Hudspeth and the rest of the coaching staff.
1978: NFL Implements 16-Game Regular Season
In 1978, the National Football League (NFL) expanded its regular season to 16 games per team, marking a significant change in the league's format.
1979: Belichick Joins the New York Giants
Bill Belichick's 12-year tenure with the New York Giants began in 1979.
1980: Belichick's Responsibilities with the Giants Increase
Bill Belichick's coaching duties with the New York Giants expanded in 1980 to include linebackers coaching.
1983: Bill Parcells Becomes Head Coach of the Giants
Bill Parcells took over as head coach of the New York Giants in 1983.
1985: Belichick Becomes Defensive Coordinator for the Giants
In 1985, Bill Belichick was promoted to the position of defensive coordinator for the New York Giants under head coach Bill Parcells.
1985: Denver Broncos Miss Playoffs Despite 11 Wins
In 1985, the Denver Broncos faced a similar situation to the 2008 Patriots, finishing the season with an 11-5 record but missing out on a playoff spot. This outcome highlighted the competitive nature of the league and the fine margins that can determine playoff qualification.
1985: Belichick Named Defensive Coordinator for the Giants
In 1985, under the leadership of head coach Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick was appointed as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
1986: Giants Win Super Bowl XXI
The New York Giants emerged victorious in Super Bowl XXI, marking a significant milestone in the team's history.
1990: Giants Win Super Bowl XXV
The New York Giants secured another Super Bowl victory in 1990, this time in Super Bowl XXV.
1991: Belichick Becomes Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns
Bill Belichick was appointed as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns in 1991, marking the beginning of his tenure with the team.
1991: Belichick Becomes Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns
Bill Belichick assumed the role of head coach for the Cleveland Browns in 1991.
1992: Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl Success Begins
The Dallas Cowboys embarked on a successful run in the Super Bowl, with their first victory in this period coming in 1992. They went on to win three out of four Super Bowls between 1992 and 1995.
1993: Belichick's Controversial Decision to Cut Bernie Kosar
One of Bill Belichick's most disputed moves during his time with the Cleveland Browns was his decision to cut quarterback Bernie Kosar midway through the 1993 season.
1994: Belichick Leads Browns to Playoffs
Bill Belichick guided the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs in 1994, marking his only winning season with the team.
November 1995: Browns Announce Move to Baltimore
In November 1995, Browns owner Art Modell made the significant announcement that he would be relocating the franchise to Baltimore following the season.
1995: Belichick's Tenure with the Browns Ends
Bill Belichick's time as head coach of the Cleveland Browns came to an end in 1995.
1995: Dallas Cowboys' Super Bowl Reign
The Dallas Cowboys concluded a dominant period in Super Bowl history in 1995, having won three out of four championships between 1992 and 1995. This era cemented their legacy as a powerhouse in the NFL.
February 14, 1996: Belichick Fired by the Browns
Bill Belichick was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Cleveland Browns on February 14, 1996.
1996: Belichick Joins the Patriots as Assistant Head Coach
In 1996, Bill Belichick rejoined Bill Parcells, taking on the role of assistant head coach and defensive backs coach for the New England Patriots.
February 1997: Belichick Named Jets Interim Head Coach
Bill Belichick was appointed as the interim head coach of the New York Jets in February 1997.
1999: Bill Parcells Plans for Belichick's Succession
In 1999, Bill Parcells, then head coach of the New York Jets, made arrangements with the team's management for Bill Belichick to succeed him upon Parcells' departure.
January 4, 2000: Bill Belichick Resigns as Head Coach of the New York Jets
On January 4, 2000, in a surprising turn of events, Bill Belichick resigned as the head coach of the New York Jets, just one day after being appointed. He announced his resignation in a now-infamous press conference where he read a brief statement from a napkin.
January 27, 2000: Belichick Becomes Head Coach of the Patriots
On January 27, 2000, Bill Belichick accepted the head coaching position for the New England Patriots, marking the beginning of a historic tenure.
2000: Patriots' First Season Under Belichick
In 2000, the New England Patriots, under their new head coach Bill Belichick, finished the regular season with a 5-11 record and did not qualify for the playoffs.
2000: Belichick Joins the New England Patriots
Following his abrupt resignation from the Jets, Bill Belichick was hired as the head coach of the New England Patriots in 2000. The Patriots had to compensate the Jets with a first-round draft pick due to Belichick still being under contract with them.
2001: Start of the Patriots Dynasty
2001 marked the beginning of the New England Patriots' dynasty, a period of immense success under the leadership of head coach Bill Belichick.
2001: Patriots Win Super Bowl XXXVI
In 2001, the Patriots achieved a significant milestone by winning Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams, marking their first-ever Super Bowl victory. The game was decided by a last-second field goal from Adam Vinatieri.
2002: Patriots' Playoff Streak Begins
The New England Patriots began a consistent run of playoff appearances in 2002, showcasing their strength and competitiveness within the league.
2002: Patriots Miss Playoffs
The New England Patriots finished the 2002 season with a 9-7 record, which was not enough to secure a playoff spot. They lost the AFC East title to the New York Jets based on tiebreakers.
2003: Belichick's First AP NFL Coach of the Year Award
Bill Belichick received his first AP NFL Coach of the Year Award in 2003, recognizing his outstanding coaching performance.
2003: Start of First Consecutive Division Titles Streak
The 2003 season marked the beginning of the Patriots' dominance in the AFC East under Belichick, as they went on to win five consecutive division titles.
2003: Patriots' Super Bowl XXXVIII Victory and Belichick's Coach of the Year Award
The New England Patriots secured their second Super Bowl victory in 2003 by defeating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII. This win came after a remarkable season where they finished 14-2, setting a new franchise record for wins. Bill Belichick's exceptional coaching earned him the NFL Coach of the Year Award.
2004: Patriots' Historic Super Bowl XXXIX Win
In 2004, the Patriots made history by winning their third Super Bowl title in just four years, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX. This victory solidified their dominance in the NFL and established Bill Belichick as the only coach to achieve this feat.
2005: Belichick Becomes Patriots' Winningest Coach
Bill Belichick achieved a significant milestone in 2005 by surpassing Mike Holovak to become the winningest coach in New England Patriots history. This achievement came after a season where the Patriots finished 10-6 and reached the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
2006: Patriots' Playoff Run Ends in AFC Championship
The New England Patriots had a strong showing in the 2006 playoffs but fell short in the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts. Despite leading by a significant margin at one point, they were unable to hold onto their lead, and the Colts staged a remarkable comeback to secure their victory.
2006: Divorce from Debby Clarke
Bill Belichick and Debby Clarke divorced in 2006.
2006: Patriots Commence Record-Breaking Win Streak
The New England Patriots embarked on an impressive winning streak in 2006, which would ultimately see them set a new NFL record for consecutive regular-season victories.
September 9, 2007: Spygate Scandal
On September 9, 2007, the New England Patriots, led by Bill Belichick, were caught videotaping the New York Jets' defensive signals from an unauthorized location, a violation of NFL rules. This incident, which came to be known as "Spygate," resulted in significant penalties for Belichick and the Patriots.
2007: Relationship with Linda Holliday
Bill Belichick began a relationship with Linda Holliday, the executive director of the Bill Belichick Foundation, in 2007.
2007: NFL Coach of the Year Award
Despite the Spygate scandal, Belichick led the Patriots to a perfect 16-0 regular season record in 2007 and received his second NFL Coach of the Year Award from the Associated Press.
2007: Belichick's Second AP NFL Coach of the Year Award
In 2007, Bill Belichick earned his second AP NFL Coach of the Year Award.
2007: End of First Consecutive Division Titles Streak
The 2007 season was the end of the Patriots' first streak of five consecutive AFC East division titles, a testament to their consistent success during this period.
2007: Patriots' Perfect Regular Season Ends in Super Bowl Defeat
The New England Patriots achieved an unprecedented feat in 2007 by completing a perfect 16-0 regular season. However, their hopes of an undefeated season were dashed in Super Bowl XLII when they were narrowly defeated by the New York Giants, Belichick's former team.
2007: Friendship with Nick Saban
Bill Belichick and Nick Saban are known to be good friends. In 2007, Belichick commented on their shared Croatian heritage and presence in the same NFL division.
2008: Belichick Inducted into Wesleyan University Athletics Hall of Fame
In the spring of 2008, Bill Belichick was part of the inaugural induction class into Wesleyan University's Athletics Hall of Fame.
2008: Pioli's Tenure with the Patriots
Until 2008, Scott Pioli worked as the player personnel director for the Patriots, sharing some general manager duties with Belichick. However, Belichick always retained the final say in football-related decisions.
2008: Penalties for Spygate
In 2008, the NFL handed down severe penalties to the Patriots and Bill Belichick for their involvement in the "Spygate" scandal. Belichick received a $500,000 fine, the largest ever imposed on a coach at that time, and the Patriots were fined $250,000 and forfeited their 2008 first-round draft pick.
2008: Patriots Endure Injuries but Maintain Winning Record
Despite facing numerous challenges, including a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Tom Brady, the New England Patriots persevered in 2008 to extend their streak of winning seasons to eight. However, their 11-5 record was not enough to secure a playoff berth, marking their first absence from the postseason since 2002.
2009: Scott Pioli Departs from Patriots
Scott Pioli, who shared some general manager responsibilities with Belichick, left the New England Patriots in 2009 to join the Kansas City Chiefs.
2009: Last Season Without 12 Wins (Before 2018)
The 2009 season was the last time, prior to 2018, that a Belichick-coached Patriots team failed to win at least 12 games, marking a period of sustained success for the franchise.
2009: Start of Second Consecutive Division Titles Streak
The Patriots, led by Belichick, began their second streak of consecutive AFC East division titles in 2009, which would ultimately last for eleven seasons, setting a new NFL record.
2009: Patriots Return to Playoffs but Suffer Early Exit
With Tom Brady back in action after his injury, the New England Patriots secured another AFC East division title in 2009, finishing with a 10-6 record. However, their playoff run was short-lived as they were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.
2010: Belichick's Third AP NFL Coach of the Year Award
Bill Belichick was honored with his third AP NFL Coach of the Year Award in 2010.
2010: Playoff Loss to the New York Jets
In 2010, the Patriots, under Belichick's leadership, achieved a 14-2 regular-season record, securing the top seed in the AFC. However, their playoff run was cut short in the divisional round with a 28-21 loss to the New York Jets.
2011: Belichick Inducted into Phillips Academy Athletics Hall of Honor
In 2011, Phillips Academy honored Bill Belichick by inducting him into its Athletics Hall of Honor.
2011: Super Bowl XLVI Appearance
The 2011 season saw the Patriots, led by Belichick, secure the top seed in the AFC with a 13-3 record. They reached Super Bowl XLVI after defeating the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game but lost to the New York Giants, marking their second Super Bowl loss to the Giants.
September 26, 2012: Fine for Confrontation with Replacement Official
On September 26, 2012, Belichick was fined $50,000 for confronting a replacement official during a game against the Baltimore Ravens. Belichick's actions came after a disputed call that allowed the Ravens to kick a game-winning field goal.
2013: Roster Changes and AFC Championship Loss
The Patriots faced significant roster changes on offense in 2013, including the loss of key players like Rob Gronkowski to injury and Aaron Hernandez to legal troubles. They still managed a 12-4 record but fell to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game.
2014: Super Bowl XLIX Victory and "We're on to Cincinnati"
In 2014, Belichick led the Patriots to a 12-4 record and a Super Bowl XLIX victory against the Seattle Seahawks. This win marked Belichick's fourth Super Bowl title as a head coach, tying him with Chuck Noll for the most Super Bowl wins by a head coach. This season is also notable for Belichick's famous "We're on to Cincinnati" press conference, where he deflected questions about his team's performance.
July 2015: Children's Pursuits
Bill Belichick's daughter, Amanda, became the head women's lacrosse coach at Holy Cross College in Massachusetts in July 2015. His sons, Stephen and Brian, have also pursued careers in football coaching.
2015: AFC Championship Loss to Denver Broncos
In 2015, the Patriots continued their winning ways with a 12-4 record but their season ended in the AFC Championship game with a narrow loss to the eventual Super Bowl 50 champions, the Denver Broncos.
2016: Super Bowl LI Victory and Record-Breaking Fifth Title
The 2016 season saw Belichick guide the Patriots to a 14-2 record and a Super Bowl LI victory against the Atlanta Falcons in a historic comeback game. This win secured Belichick's fifth Super Bowl title as a head coach, setting a new record for most Super Bowl wins by a head coach.
2017: Super Bowl LII Loss to Philadelphia Eagles
In 2017, the Patriots achieved a 13-3 record, marking their eighth consecutive 12-or-more-win season and setting a new NFL record. Despite reaching Super Bowl LII, they were defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles in a high-scoring game, ending their quest for a second consecutive Super Bowl victory.
May 2018: Appointment to President's Council
In May 2018, President Donald Trump appointed Bill Belichick to be a member of his Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
2018: Sixth Super Bowl Victory
In 2018, Belichick led the Patriots to their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance, ultimately defeating the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII for his sixth Super Bowl win as a head coach. This victory also marked his eighth Super Bowl ring overall, making him the most decorated coach in NFL history.
May 13, 2019: Belichick Takes on Defensive Coordinator Role
In May 2019, Belichick announced he would assume the role of defensive coordinator for the Patriots alongside his head coaching duties, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of the game.
October 27, 2019: 300th Win as Head Coach
Belichick achieved his 300th career win as a head coach on October 27, 2019, after the Patriots defeated the Cleveland Browns. This milestone solidified his place among the most winningest coaches in NFL history.
2019: Belichick Joins NFL 100 All-Time Team Series
In 2019, Belichick lent his expertise to the NFL 100 All-Time Team series, serving as an analyst alongside Rich Eisen and Cris Collinsworth. His deep knowledge of the game and insightful analysis earned him a Sports Emmy Award in 2021.
2019: End of Second Consecutive Division Titles Streak
In 2019, the Patriots extended their record for consecutive AFC East division titles to eleven, solidifying their place as one of the most dominant teams in NFL history.
2019: End of the Patriots Dynasty
The New England Patriots dynasty, a period of unparalleled success in NFL history, effectively ended in 2019.
November 28, 2020: Coaching Tree Record
As of November 28, 2020, former assistant coaches who had worked under Bill Belichick had a combined losing record as head coaches of their own teams, with only a few achieving notable success.
2020: First Losing Season in New England
The 2020 season marked Belichick's first losing season as head coach of the Patriots, ending a streak of consecutive winning seasons. The year was also notable for the departure of Tom Brady and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Nike the Dog
Bill Belichick owns an Alaskan Klee Kai named Nike, who gained attention after appearing on camera during the 2020 NFL draft.
January 10, 2021: Declining the Presidential Medal of Freedom
It was reported on January 10, 2021, that then-President Donald Trump intended to award Bill Belichick the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Although flattered, Belichick declined the award the following day, citing his reverence for American values in light of the January 6th Capitol attack.
2021: Belichick Wins Sports Emmy
Belichick's contributions to the NFL 100 All-Time Team series were recognized with a Sports Emmy Award in 2021, highlighting his impact on football beyond coaching.
2021: Brady's Return to Gillette Stadium
In 2021, Tom Brady, now playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, returned to Gillette Stadium for the first time since leaving the Patriots, resulting in a narrow victory for Brady's new team. The game was marked by a brief but highly scrutinized post-game interaction between Brady and Belichick.
2022: Patriots Remain Competitive Despite Challenges
Despite facing injuries to key players like quarterback Mac Jones, the Patriots, under Belichick's leadership, remained competitive throughout the 2022 season and were in contention for a playoff spot until the final week.
2023: End of Relationship with Linda Holliday
Bill Belichick's relationship with Linda Holliday ended in 2023.
2023: Worst Losses and 300th Regular Season Win
The 2023 season saw Belichick experience both highs and lows. The Patriots suffered their worst loss under Belichick against the Dallas Cowboys and their worst home loss against the Saints. However, he also achieved his 300th regular-season win as a head coach against the Buffalo Bills.
January 11, 2024: Belichick and Patriots Part Ways
After 24 seasons, Belichick and the Patriots mutually agreed to part ways, marking the end of one of the most successful coaching tenures in NFL history.
May 2024: Peyton Manning Praises Belichick's Analytical Skills
In May 2024, Peyton Manning praised Belichick's football IQ and coaching abilities during an interview, further fueling anticipation for his role as an analyst.
June 3, 2024: Croatian Citizenship
On June 3, 2024, Bill Belichick was granted Croatian citizenship in Zagreb by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. He was also a guest at a friendly soccer match between Croatia and North Macedonia.
2024: Belichick Joins ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show
After departing from the Patriots, Belichick joined ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show as an analyst in 2024, initially covering the NFL draft before becoming a regular contributor.
2024: Belichick Joins Manningcast
In addition to his role on The Pat McAfee Show, Belichick joined the Manningcast, an alternative broadcast of Monday Night Football hosted by Peyton and Eli Manning, further expanding his presence in sports media.