History of Bill Belichick in Timeline

Bill Belichick is a highly acclaimed 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 achieved with the New England Patriots. He also has two Super Bowl wins as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, bringing his combined total to a record of eight Super Bowl victories. Known for his deep understanding of football history and strategy, Belichick is often called a 'student of the game.' He served as the Patriots' head coach and de facto general manager, leading the team through a dominant dynasty period from 2001 to 2019.

Sections (5)

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

1934: Chicago Bears Perfect Season

In 1934, the Chicago Bears had a perfect regular season.

1942: Chicago Bears Perfect Season

In 1942, the Chicago Bears had a perfect regular season.

1948: Cleveland Browns and Calgary Stampeders Perfect Seasons

In 1948, both the Cleveland Browns and the Calgary Stampeders had a perfect season.

April 16, 1952: Bill Belichick's birth

On April 16, 1952, William Stephen Belichick was born. He is now a renowned American football coach.

1970: Graduated from Annapolis High School

In 1970, Belichick graduated from Annapolis High School, where he played football and lacrosse.

1972: Miami Dolphins' Record

In 1972, the Miami Dolphins achieved 18 straight victories.

1973: Miami Dolphins' Record

In 1973, the Miami Dolphins achieved 18 straight victories.

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 journey in professional football coaching.

1975: Earned bachelor's degree in economics from Wesleyan University

In 1975, Belichick earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Wesleyan University, marking the completion of his formal education.

1975: Became assistant to Baltimore Colts head coach

In 1975, Belichick took a job as an assistant to Baltimore Colts head coach Ted Marchibroda, starting his professional coaching career.

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 responsibilities.

1977: Added tight ends and wide receivers to coaching duties with the Detroit Lions

In 1977, Belichick's coaching duties with the Detroit Lions expanded to include tight ends and wide receivers, increasing his involvement with the team's offense.

1977: Belichick marries Debby Clarke

In 1977, Bill Belichick married Debby Clarke.

January 9, 1978: Dismissed from Detroit Lions

On January 9, 1978, Belichick was dismissed along with head coach Tommy Hudspeth and the rest of the coaching staff of the Detroit Lions.

1978: Introduction of 16-game Season

In 1978, the 16-game regular season schedule was introduced to the NFL.

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, beginning his long association with the team.

1980: Added linebackers coaching to duties with the New York Giants

In 1980, Belichick added linebackers coaching to his duties with the New York Giants, expanding his role within the defensive coaching staff.

1983: Bill Parcells replaces Ray Perkins as head coach

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

1985: Named 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.

1985: Denver Broncos Miss Playoffs

In 1985, the Denver Broncos were the only other 11-win team to miss the playoffs in a 16-game season.

1986: Giants won Super Bowl XXI

In 1986, the New York Giants won Super Bowl XXI.

1990: Giants won Super Bowl XXV

In 1990, the New York Giants won Super Bowl XXV.

1991: Became the 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.

1992: Dallas Cowboys' Success

From 1992 to 1995, the Dallas Cowboys won three superbowls with two different coaches

1993: Cut quarterback Bernie Kosar

In 1993, one of Belichick's controversial moves as head coach was cutting quarterback Bernie Kosar midway through the season.

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 during his tenure.

November 1995: Browns owner announced move to Baltimore

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

1995: Fired from the Cleveland Browns

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

1995: Dallas Cowboys' Success

From 1992 to 1995, the Dallas Cowboys won three superbowls with two different coaches

February 14, 1996: Fired by the Cleveland Browns

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

1996: Belichick planned to draft Ray Lewis

In 1996, Belichick planned to draft Ray Lewis if Belichick and the Cleveland Browns had stayed in Cleveland.

1996: Served as assistant head coach and defensive backs coach with the New England Patriots

In 1996, Belichick served as assistant head coach and defensive backs coach with the New England Patriots, following his departure from the Cleveland Browns.

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 Bill Parcells.

1999: Parcells stepped down as head coach

After the 1999 season, Bill Parcells stepped down as head coach.

January 4, 2000: Belichick resigned as head coach of the NY Jets

On January 4, 2000, Belichick famously resigned as head coach of the New York Jets during his introductory press conference, only one day after being named to the position.

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, marking the beginning of his historic tenure with the team.

2000: Hired as head coach of the New England Patriots

In 2000, following his resignation from the New York Jets, Belichick was hired as the head coach of the New England Patriots.

2000: Patriots went 5-11 and missed the playoffs

In 2000, the Patriots had a 5–11 record and missed the playoffs.

2001: Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVI

In 2001, the Patriots had an 11–5 regular season record, and won Super Bowl XXXVI. This was the Patriots' first Super Bowl championship in team history.

2002: Patriots missed the playoffs

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

2002: Playoff Miss

In 2008, the Patriots missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

2003: Named AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2003, Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance as a head coach.

2003: Patriots win divisional title

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

2003: Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVIII; Belichick awarded NFL Coach of the Year

The Patriots' 2003 season concluded with a Super Bowl XXXVIII victory and Belichick being awarded the NFL Coach of the Year Award.

2004: Patriots' Success in 2004

In 2004, the Patriots concluded the season with a 14–2 record, defeating the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. They won Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming the second team to win three Super Bowls in four years. Belichick is the only coach to accomplish this feat since the Dallas Cowboys had two coaches during their run from 1992 to 1995.

2005: Patriots' 2005 Season

In the 2005 season, with Eric Mangini as the new defensive coordinator and no named offensive coordinator, the Patriots had a 10–6 record. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round but lost to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. Also, Belichick earned his 54th win with the Patriots after a season-opening win over the Oakland Raiders, surpassing Mike Holovak as the coach with most wins in Patriots history.

2006: Consecutive Wins Record

From 2006 to 2008, the Patriots broke their own record for regular-season wins in a row with 21.

2006: Belichick and Debby Clarke divorce

In 2006, Bill Belichick and Debby Clarke divorced.

2006: Patriots' 2006 Season

In the 2006 season, the Patriots finished with a 12–4 record, defeating the New York Jets in the Wild Card Round and the San Diego Chargers in the Divisional Round. However, they lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship. The Colts mounted a comeback after the Patriots led 21–3.

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 the sidelines, violating NFL rules. Eric Mangini, the Jets coach and former Patriots assistant, alerted league officials.

2007: Perfect Regular Season

In 2007, Belichick led the Patriots to a perfect regular season, the first since the 16-game schedule was introduced in 1978. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs but lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

2007: Named AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2007, Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year for the second time, further cementing his reputation as an elite coach.

2007: Belichick begins relationship with Linda Holliday

In 2007, Bill Belichick began a relationship with Linda Holliday, the executive director of the Bill Belichick Foundation.

2007: Patriots win divisional title

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

2007: Belichick discusses his friendship with Nick Saban

In 2007, Bill Belichick spoke about his friendship with Nick Saban, highlighting their shared Croatian heritage and success in the NFL.

2007: NFL Coach of the Year Award

In 2007, following the 'Spygate' scandal and the Patriots' perfect 16-0 regular season record, Belichick was awarded the 2007 NFL Coach of the Year Award by the Associated Press.

2008: Scott Pioli left for the Kansas City Chiefs

After the 2008 season, Scott Pioli left for the Kansas City Chiefs.

2008: NFL Fines Belichick and the Patriots

In 2008, The NFL fined Belichick $500,000, the largest fine ever imposed on a coach in the league's history, and fined the Patriots $250,000. The Patriots also forfeited their first-round draft pick in the 2008 NFL draft due to the "Spygate" incident.

2008: Inducted into Wesleyan University's Athletics Hall of Fame

In spring 2008, Belichick was part of the inaugural induction class into Wesleyan University's Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring his athletic achievements during his time at the university.

2008: Brady's Injury and Patriots' Season

In the 2008 season, Tom Brady sustained a season-ending injury in the first quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and Matt Cassel became the starting quarterback. The Patriots broke their own record for consecutive regular-season wins with 21. Despite numerous injuries, the Patriots managed an 11–5 record but missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

2009: Given near-complete control over football operations

In 2009, Belichick was given near-complete control over the New England Patriots' football operations by owner Robert Kraft, effectively making him the de facto general manager.

2009: Patriots win divisional title

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

2009: 2009 Season and Playoff Loss

In 2009, with Tom Brady's return, Belichick guided the Patriots to an AFC East title with a 10–6 record. However, the Patriots lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.

2009: Failing to win 12 or more games

In 2018, the Patriots went 11-5 and failing to win 12 or more games for the first time since 2009.

2010: Named AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2010, Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year for the third time, highlighting his consistent success and leadership.

2010: 2010 Season and Playoff Loss

In the 2010 season, Belichick and the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record, securing the top seed in the AFC. However, their postseason ended quickly 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, Phillips Academy inducted Belichick into its Athletics Hall of Honor, recognizing his achievements as an alumnus.

2011: AFC Championship and Super Bowl XLVI Loss

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

September 26, 2012: Fine for Grabbing Official's Arm

On September 26, 2012, Belichick was fined $50,000 for grabbing a replacement official's arm after a controversial call during a game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens narrowly converted a last-second field goal attempt to secure the win.

2012: Suspension of Sean Payton

In 2012, Sean Payton was suspended for the entire season as a result of the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal, marking the harshest penalty imposed on a head coach in league history, surpassing the sanctions against Belichick from the Spygate Scandal.

2013: A Football Life episode on Browns relocation

In 2013, the episode of A Football Life about the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy was released.

Loading Video...

2013: 2013 Season and AFC Championship Loss

In the 2013 season, the Patriots faced upheaval due to injuries and departures. Despite these challenges, they finished with a 12–4 record, winning the AFC East. They lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.

2014: "We're on to Cincinnati" Press Conference and Super Bowl XLIX Win

In the 2014 season, after a 2-2 start and a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Belichick famously said, "We're on to Cincinnati." The Patriots recorded a 12–4 record and won Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks. Belichick tied Chuck Noll for the most Super Bowl wins by a head coach with his fourth championship.

July 2015: Amanda Belichick becomes head women's lacrosse coach at Holy Cross

In July 2015, Amanda Belichick, Bill Belichick's daughter, became the head women's lacrosse coach at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts.

2015: 2015 Season and AFC Championship Loss

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

2016: Super Bowl LI Victory

In 2016, the Patriots achieved a 14–2 record and secured the #1 seed for the AFC playoffs. They defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI in a comeback victory, with Belichick winning his record fifth Super Bowl title as a head coach.

2017: Super Bowl LII Loss

In the 2017 season, the Patriots went 13–3 and captured their ninth consecutive AFC East title. They lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, 41–33.

May 2018: Belichick appointed to President Trump's 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: Super Bowl LIII Victory

In 2018, the Patriots went 11–5 and captured their 10th consecutive AFC East title. In Super Bowl LIII, the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3, giving Belichick his sixth Super Bowl championship as a head coach.

May 13, 2019: Belichick becomes Patriots' defensive coordinator

On May 13, 2019, Bill Belichick took on the additional role of the Patriots' defensive coordinator, starting with the 2019 season.

October 27, 2019: Belichick achieves 300th win as head coach

On October 27, 2019, Bill Belichick secured his 300th career win as a head coach, combining both regular season and postseason victories, with the Patriots' win over the Cleveland Browns.

2019: Patriots win divisional title

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

2019: Analyst for NFL 100 All-Time Team series

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 breaking down tape. He served as a voter and was assigned to look over film of the earliest players selected to the team.

Loading Video...

November 28, 2020: Record of Belichick's coaching tree characterized as poor

As of November 28, 2020, the track record of Belichick's coaching tree had been characterized as poor, with his former assistant coaches having a combined record of 208–296–1 as head coaches of their own teams.

2020: Patriots face quarterback uncertainty and a losing season

In 2020, after Tom Brady's departure, the Patriots signed Cam Newton. The 2020 season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulted in a 7–9 record, Belichick's first losing season in New England.

2020: Interest in Alaskan Klee Kai dog breed surges after Nike's appearance

In 2020, interest in the Alaskan Klee Kai dog breed surged after Belichick's dog, Nike, made an appearance on camera during the NFL draft.

January 10, 2021: Trump plans to award Belichick the Presidential 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 meets Jordon Hudson on a flight

In 2021, Bill Belichick reportedly met Jordon Hudson on a flight.

2021: Belichick awarded a Sports Emmy

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

2021: Mac Jones becomes starting quarterback and Brady returns to Gillette Stadium

In 2021, Mac Jones was drafted and named the Patriots' starting quarterback after Cam Newton's release. During Week 4, on 2021, Tom Brady returned to Gillette Stadium with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, narrowly defeating the Patriots 19–17. The Patriots finished the 2021 season with a 10-7 record, but lost in the Wild Card Round.

2022: Patriots remain in playoff contention despite quarterback injury

In 2022, the Patriots, despite starting quarterback Mac Jones being injured in Week 3 and missing three more weeks, remained in the hunt for a playoff spot until the last week, finishing with a record of 8–9.

2023: Worst coaching loss and 300th regular season win

In 2023, Belichick suffered the worst loss of his coaching career against the Dallas Cowboys, followed by his worst home loss against the Saints. However, later in 2023, he earned his 300th career regular season win against the Buffalo Bills. At the end of 2023, Bailey Zappe was named starting quarterback. The Patriots finished the season with a 4–13 record, their worst under Belichick.

2023: Belichick and Linda Holliday end relationship

In 2023, Bill Belichick and Linda Holliday ended their relationship.

2023: Belichick starts dating Jordon Hudson

Since 2023, Bill Belichick is reportedly 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 after his long tenure as head coach.

May 2024: Peyton Manning comments on Belichick as an analyst

In May 2024, Peyton Manning commented on Belichick as an analyst, mentioning that he is smart and has a great understanding of defense and offense.

June 3, 2024: Belichick receives Croatian citizenship

On June 3, 2024, Bill Belichick received Croatian citizenship in Zagreb from the Croatian prime minister Andrej Plenković. He was also 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 pageant runner-up.

December 11, 2024: Belichick named head football coach of North Carolina Tar Heels

On December 11, 2024, Bill Belichick was named the 35th head football coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, marking his first time coaching at the collegiate level. He will reportedly earn $10 million annually, with incentives.

2024: Updated equivalent salary of Scott Pioli

In 2024, $14,000 in 1995 is equivalent to $32,447.

2024: Belichick to join Manningcast

In 2024, Peyton Manning revealed that Belichick would join the Manningcast, an alternate live broadcast of Monday Night Football on ESPN, during The Roast of Tom Brady on Netflix. Manning later stated that Belichick would appear on every Manningcast broadcast during the 2024 season.

Loading Video...

2024: Belichick joins ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show as an analyst

In 2024, after parting ways with the Patriots, Bill Belichick agreed to appear every Monday afternoon during the NFL season on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show as an analyst, covering the 2024 NFL draft.

Loading Video...

August 2025: Belichick submits trademark applications for phrases

In August 2025, Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson submitted 17 trademark applications through their company, TCE Rights Management, for phrases like "Chapel Bill," "Belestrator," and "The Belichick Way."

2025: Amanda Belichick is still head women's lacrosse coach at Holy Cross

As of 2025, Amanda Belichick, Bill Belichick's daughter, has been the head women's lacrosse coach at the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts since July 2015.