History of Bill Belichick in Timeline
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.
1934: Chicago Bears' Perfect Season
The 1934 Chicago Bears were one of the teams that had a perfect season before the Patriots in 2007.
1942: Chicago Bears' Perfect Season
The 1942 Chicago Bears were one of the teams that had a perfect season before the Patriots in 2007.
1948: Perfect Season Records
In 1948, the Cleveland Browns and the Calgary Stampeders recorded perfect seasons in professional football history. They are two of only a few teams to record a perfect season before the Patriots in 2007.
April 16, 1952: Bill Belichick's Birth
On April 16, 1952, William Stephen Belichick was born. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest head coaches of all time.
1970: Graduation from Annapolis High School
In 1970, Bill Belichick graduated from Annapolis High School.
1972: Miami Dolphins' Perfect Season
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins achieved a perfect season (14-0) and won three playoff games. Their record remained unbroken as the Patriots failed to achieve a perfect season in 2007.
1973: Miami Dolphins' 1973 Season
In 1973, the Miami Dolphins had 18 straight victories in the 1972 and 1973 seasons. This record was eventually broken by the New England Patriots.
1975: Graduation from Wesleyan University
In 1975, Bill Belichick earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Wesleyan University.
1975: Assistant Coach for Baltimore Colts
In 1975, Bill Belichick started his coaching career as an assistant for the Baltimore Colts.
1975: Assistant to Baltimore Colts Head Coach
In 1975, Bill Belichick took a job as an assistant to Baltimore Colts head coach Ted Marchibroda.
1976: Assistant Special Teams Coach for Detroit Lions
In 1976, Bill Belichick joined the Detroit Lions as their assistant special teams coach.
1977: Additional Coaching Duties with Detroit Lions
In 1977, Bill Belichick added tight ends and wide receivers to his coaching duties with the Detroit Lions.
1977: Belichick Marries Debby Clarke
In 1977, Bill Belichick married Debby Clarke.
January 9, 1978: Dismissal from Detroit Lions
On January 9, 1978, Bill Belichick was dismissed along with head coach Tommy Hudspeth and the rest of the coaching staff of the Detroit Lions.
1978: Introduction of the 16-Game Regular Season Schedule
In 1978, the NFL introduced the 16-game regular season schedule, making the Patriots the fourth team to achieve a perfect regular season in 2007.
1979: Defensive Assistant and Special Teams Coach with New York Giants
In 1979, Bill Belichick began a 12-year stint with the New York Giants as a defensive assistant and special teams coach under head coach Ray Perkins.
1980: Linebackers Coaching Duties Added
In 1980, Bill Belichick added linebackers coaching to his duties with the New York Giants.
1983: Ray Perkins Replaced by Bill Parcells as head coach
In 1983, Bill Parcells replaced Ray Perkins as the head coach of the New York Giants, with Bill Belichick remaining on staff.
1985: Defensive Coordinator for the New York Giants
By 1985, Bill Belichick became the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants under head coach Bill Parcells.
1985: Named Defensive Coordinator
In 1985, Bill Belichick was named defensive coordinator for the New York Giants under head coach Bill Parcells.
1985: Broncos Miss Playoffs in 1985
In 1985, the Denver Broncos were the only other 11-win team to miss the playoffs in a 16-game season, mirroring the Patriots' situation in 2008.
1986: Giants win Super Bowl XXI
Following the 1986 season, the New York Giants won Super Bowl XXI, with Bill Belichick as the defensive coordinator.
1990: Giants win Super Bowl XXV
Following the 1990 season, the New York Giants won Super Bowl XXV, with Bill Belichick as the defensive coordinator.
1991: Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns
From 1991, Bill Belichick was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
1992: Dallas Cowboys' Success from 1992 to 1995
From 1992 to 1995, the Dallas Cowboys won three of four Super Bowls with two head coaches. This feat was later matched by Bill Belichick as the only coach to accomplish the feat with one head coach.
1993: Cutting Bernie Kosar
Bill Belichick controversially cut quarterback Bernie Kosar midway through the 1993 season.
1994: Playoff Appearance with Browns
In 1994, Bill Belichick led the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs.
November 1995: Browns Move Announcement
In November 1995, Browns owner Art Modell announced that he would move the franchise to Baltimore after the season.
1995: Fired by the Cleveland Browns
Following the 1995 season, Bill Belichick was fired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
1995: Dallas Cowboys' Success from 1992 to 1995
From 1992 to 1995, the Dallas Cowboys won three of four Super Bowls with two head coaches. This feat was later matched by Bill Belichick as the only coach to accomplish the feat with one head coach.
February 14, 1996: Fired by Cleveland Browns
On February 14, 1996, Bill Belichick was fired by the Cleveland Browns a week after the shift to Baltimore was officially announced.
1996: Assistant Head Coach with the New England Patriots
In 1996, Bill Belichick served as assistant head coach and defensive backs coach with the New England Patriots under Bill Parcells.
February 1997: Named Jets Interim Head Coach
In February 1997, Bill Belichick was named the Jets interim head coach while the Jets and Patriots negotiated compensation for Bill Parcells.
1999: Parcells Stepped Down as Head Coach
Bill Parcells arranged with team management to have Bill Belichick succeed him when he stepped down as head coach after the 1999 season.
January 4, 2000: Resignation as Jets Head Coach
On January 4, 2000, Bill Belichick turned his introduction as head coach of the New York Jets into a surprise resignation announcement.
January 27, 2000: Hired as Patriots Head Coach
On January 27, 2000, after resigning from the New York Jets, Bill Belichick accepted the head coaching job for the New England Patriots.
2000: Named Patriots Head Coach
In 2000, Bill Belichick was introduced as the Patriots' 12th full-time head coach. The Patriots gave the Jets a first-round draft pick in exchange for the right to hire Belichick.
2000: Patriots Miss Playoffs
In 2000, the Patriots went 5–11 in the regular season and missed the playoffs.
2001: Patriots Win Super Bowl XXXVI
In 2001, the Patriots finished the regular season 11-5. After defeating the Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs, they went on to win Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams.
2002: Patriots Miss Playoffs
In 2002, the Patriots went 9–7 and missed the playoffs.
2003: AP NFL Coach of the Year
In 2003, Bill Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year.
2003: Patriots Win Divisional Title
In 2003, the Patriots secured one of their 17 divisional titles under Belichick.
2003: Patriots Win Super Bowl XXXVIII and Belichick wins NFL Coach of the Year
The Patriots dominated the 2003 season, finishing 14-2 and defeating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Bill Belichick was awarded the NFL Coach of the Year Award for the 2003 season.
2004: Patriots' Success in 2004
In 2004, the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record and defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round. They broke the record for consecutive victories with 21, won the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and won Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming the second team to win three Super Bowls in four years.
2005: Patriots' 2005 Season
In 2005, the Patriots, with Eric Mangini as the new defensive coordinator and no named offensive coordinator, went 10–6. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round but lost to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. Belichick also earned his 54th win with the Patriots, becoming the winningest coach in Patriots history.
2006: Belichick Divorces Debby Clarke
In 2006, Bill Belichick and Debby Clarke divorced.
2006: Patriots' 2006 Season
In 2006, the Patriots finished with a 12–4 record, defeated the New York Jets in the Wild Card Round, and beat the San Diego Chargers in the Divisional Round. However, they lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship game after leading 21-3 in the first half.
2006: Regular Season Wins Record
In the 2006-2008 period, The Patriots broke their own record for regular season wins in a row with 21.
September 9, 2007: "Spygate" Incident
On September 9, 2007, during the "Spygate" incident, a Patriots video assistant was caught taping the New York Jets' defensive signals from an unapproved location. This violated NFL rules regarding video recording devices during games.
2007: NFL Coach of the Year Award
Following the "Spygate" incident, Belichick led the Patriots to a perfect 16–0 regular season record and was awarded the 2007 NFL Coach of the Year Award by the Associated Press.
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.
2007: Belichick Comments on Relationship with Nick Saban
In 2007, Bill Belichick spoke about his friendship with Nick Saban, highlighting their shared Croatian heritage.
2007: Patriots Win Divisional Title
In 2007, the Patriots secured one of their 17 divisional titles under Belichick.
2007: Belichick Begins Relationship with Linda Holliday
Starting in 2007, Bill Belichick was in a relationship with Linda Holliday, the executive director of the Bill Belichick Foundation.
2008: Pioli Leaves for Chiefs
After the 2008 season, Scott Pioli left the Patriots for the Kansas City Chiefs.
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.
2008: NFL Fines and Penalties
In 2008, the NFL fined Belichick $500,000, the largest fine ever imposed on a coach, and fined the Patriots $250,000. The Patriots also forfeited their first-round draft pick in the 2008 NFL draft due to the Spygate scandal.
2008: Induction into Wesleyan University's Athletics Hall of Fame
In Spring 2008, Bill Belichick was part of the inaugural induction class into Wesleyan University's Athletics Hall of Fame.
2009: Patriots Win Divisional Title
In 2009, the Patriots secured one of their 17 divisional titles under Belichick.
2009: Patriots' 2009 Season
In 2009, with Tom Brady back as the starting quarterback, Belichick led the Patriots to another AFC East title with a 10–6 record. However, the team lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.
2009: Failing to win 12 or more games for the first time since 2009
In the 2018 season, the Patriots failed to win 12 or more games for the first time since 2009.
2009: Belichick Takes Full Control
Starting in 2009, Bill Belichick took near-complete control over the team's football operations, making him the de facto general manager.
2010: AP NFL Coach of the Year
In 2010, Bill Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year.
2010: Patriots' 2010 Season
In the 2010 season, Belichick and the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record, securing the top seed in the AFC. However, their postseason run ended with a 28–21 loss to the New York Jets in the divisional round.
2011: Inducted into Phillips Academy Athletics Hall of Honor
In 2011, Bill Belichick was inducted into the Phillips Academy Athletics Hall of Honor.
2011: Patriots' 2011 Season
In 2011, the Patriots finished with a 13-3 record, topping the AFC. They won the AFC Championship against the Baltimore Ravens after a missed field goal by the Ravens. They then lost Super Bowl XLVI to the New York Giants in a Super Bowl XLII rematch.
September 26, 2012: Belichick Fined for Incident with Replacement Official
On September 26, 2012, following a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Belichick was fined $50,000 for grabbing a replacement official's arm after a controversial field goal. The incident occurred after Belichick sought clarity on a ruling.
2012: Sean Payton's Suspension
In 2012, the New Orleans Saints' coach, Sean Payton, was suspended for the entire season for covering up a scheme that involved bounties paid for injuring opponents. This penalty surpassed those imposed on Belichick until that time.
2013: A Football Life Episode on Browns Relocation Controversy
In 2013, an episode of A Football Life on the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy highlighted how Belichick laid the groundwork for the Ravens' success.
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.
2014: Patriots' Super Bowl XLIX Victory
In 2014, after a 2-2 start, the Patriots finished with a 12-4 record. They defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round and the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game. They won Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks, marking Belichick's fourth championship as head coach.
July 2015: Amanda Belichick Becomes Head Lacrosse Coach
In July 2015, Amanda Belichick, Bill Belichick's daughter, became the head women's lacrosse coach at the College of the Holy Cross.
2015: Patriots' 2015 Season
In 2015, the Patriots recorded a 12–4 record. They defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round but lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.
2016: Patriots' Super Bowl LI Victory
In 2016, the Patriots recorded a 14–2 record, earning the #1 seed for the AFC playoffs. They defeated the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. They won Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime, marking Belichick's record fifth Super Bowl title as a head coach.
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.
May 2018: Belichick Appointed to Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition
In May 2018, Bill Belichick was appointed by President Donald Trump to be a member of his Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.
2018: Patriots' Super Bowl LIII Victory
In 2018, the Patriots went 11–5. They defeated the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs to advance to Super Bowl LIII, where they defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3. This marked Belichick's sixth Super Bowl championship as a head coach and his eighth overall, giving him the most Super Bowl rings in NFL history.
May 13, 2019: Belichick Becomes Patriots Defensive Coordinator
On May 13, 2019, Bill Belichick announced he would take on the role of the Patriots' defensive coordinator for the 2019 season.
October 27, 2019: Belichick Achieves 300th Win
On October 27, 2019, Bill Belichick secured his 300th career win as a head coach, including both regular season and postseason games, with the Patriots' victory over the Cleveland Browns.
2019: Patriots Win Divisional Title
In 2019, the Patriots secured their 11th consecutive AFC East title, marking the end of a dominant streak under Belichick.
2019: Belichick Analyst for NFL 100 All-Time Team
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 film breakdowns. He served as a voter and provided insight on the significance of each member.
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: Belichick's Dog Nike Appears on Camera During NFL Draft
In 2020, Belichick's Alaskan Klee Kai dog, Nike, appeared on camera during the NFL draft, leading to a surge in interest in the breed.
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.
January 10, 2021: Report of Trump Planning to Award Belichick Medal of Freedom
On January 10, 2021, it was reported that then-President Donald Trump planned to award Bill Belichick the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
2021: Belichick Wins Sports Emmy
In 2021, Belichick was awarded a Sports Emmy for his contributions to the NFL 100 All-Time Team series.
2021: Belichick Met Jordon Hudson
In 2021, Bill Belichick reportedly met Jordon Hudson on a flight.
2021: Mac Jones Drafted and Named Starting Quarterback
In 2021, the Patriots drafted Mac Jones, and after a preseason competition, Belichick named Jones the starting quarterback, releasing Cam Newton. Brady's Buccaneers defeated the Patriots 19-17 in Week 4. The Patriots finished with a 10-7 record and lost in the Wild Card Round.
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: Belichick's Relationship with Linda Holliday Ends
In 2023, Bill Belichick's relationship with Linda Holliday ended.
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.
2023: Belichick Started Dating Jordon Hudson
Since 2023, Bill Belichick has reportedly been dating Jordon Hudson.
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, ending his long tenure as head coach.
May 2024: Peyton Manning on Belichick as an Analyst
In May 2024, Peyton Manning commented on Belichick joining The Pat McAfee Show as an analyst, highlighting Belichick's intelligence, wit, and coaching ability.
June 3, 2024: Belichick Receives Croatian Citizenship
On June 3, 2024, Bill Belichick received Croatian citizenship in Zagreb from Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and was a special guest at a football match between Croatia and North Macedonia.
June 2024: Belichick in Relationship with Jordon Hudson
In June 2024, it was reported that Bill Belichick was in a relationship with Jordon Hudson, a 24-year-old former cheerleader and 2024 Miss Maine USA pageant first runner-up.
December 11, 2024: Belichick Named Head Football Coach of North Carolina Tar Heels
On December 11, 2024, Bill Belichick was appointed as the 35th head football coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, marking his entry into collegiate-level coaching. He will reportedly earn $10 million annually, with the first three years guaranteed, and $3.5 million in annual incentives.
2024: Updated Equivalent of Scott Pioli's Salary in 1996
A comparison was made in 2024 to the salary Scott Pioli received as a scout in 1996.
2024: Belichick to Join Manningcast on Monday Night Football
In 2024, Peyton Manning announced that Belichick would join the Manning brothers on the Manningcast, an alternate broadcast of Monday Night Football. Manning also stated Belichick would appear on every Manningcast broadcast during the 2024 season.
2024: Belichick Joins ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show
In 2024, after leaving the Patriots, Belichick agreed to appear weekly on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show as an analyst, starting with the "5th Annual Draft Spectacular" covering the 2024 NFL draft.
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