History of Bill Belichick in Timeline

Bill Belichick is a highly accomplished 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) with the New England Patriots, who had a dynasty from 2001 to 2019, and also earned two Super Bowl rings as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants for a combined eight total Super Bowl victories. Known for his deep knowledge of the game, he's often called a "student of the game", while also serving as the Patriots' de facto general manager during his tenure. Belichick's strategic brilliance and leadership have solidified his place in football history.

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 season.

1942: Chicago Bears' Perfect Season

In 1942, the Chicago Bears had a perfect season.

1948: Perfect Seasons in Professional Football

In 1948, the Cleveland Browns and Calgary Stampeders had perfect seasons in the All-America Football Conference and Canadian Football League, respectively.

April 16, 1952: Bill Belichick's Birth

On April 16, 1952, William Stephen Belichick was born. He is now regarded as one of the greatest head coaches of all time.

1970: Graduated from Annapolis High School

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

1972: Miami Dolphins' Undefeated Season

In 1972, the Miami Dolphins completed an undefeated season of 14-0, winning three games in the playoffs, setting a record for consecutive wins that the 2004 Patriots broke.

1973: Miami Dolphins' Consecutive Wins

In the 1972 and 1973 seasons, the Miami Dolphins set a record of 18 straight victories.

1975: Started coaching career as assistant for the Baltimore Colts

In 1975, Bill Belichick began his coaching career as an assistant for the Baltimore Colts, starting his path in professional football.

1975: Earned a bachelor's degree in economics

In 1975, Bill Belichick earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Wesleyan University.

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: Joined the Detroit Lions

In 1976, Bill Belichick joined the Detroit Lions as their assistant special teams coach.

1977: Belichick marries Debby Clarke

Bill Belichick married Debby Clarke in 1977.

1977: Coaching Duties Expanded

In 1977, Bill Belichick added tight ends and wide receivers to his coaching duties with the Detroit Lions.

January 9, 1978: Dismissed by the 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

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

1979: Began Stint 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: Added Linebackers Coaching Duties

In 1980, Bill Belichick added linebackers coaching to his duties with the New York Giants.

1983: Ray Perkins replaced by Bill Parcells

In 1983, Ray Perkins was replaced by Bill Parcells as head coach for the New York Giants. Bill Belichick remained with the Giants, continuing his role as a defensive assistant.

1985: Became defensive coordinator for the New York Giants

In 1985, Bill Belichick became the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants under head coach Bill Parcells, marking a significant step in his coaching career.

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: Won Super Bowl XXI with the New York Giants

Following the 1986 season, the New York Giants, with Bill Belichick as defensive coordinator, won Super Bowl XXI.

1990: Won Super Bowl XXV with the New York Giants

Following the 1990 season, the New York Giants, with Bill Belichick as defensive coordinator, won Super Bowl XXV.

1991: Became head coach of the Cleveland Browns

In 1991, Bill Belichick became the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, marking his first head coaching position in the NFL.

1992: Dallas Cowboys' Dynasty Era

From 1992 to 1995, the Dallas Cowboys had two head coaches in the stretch they won three of four Super Bowls.

1993: Controversial Cutting of Bernie Kosar

Midway through the 1993 season, Bill Belichick made a controversial move by cutting quarterback Bernie Kosar from the Cleveland Browns.

1994: Led Browns to Playoffs

In 1994, Bill Belichick led the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs, achieving his only winning season with the team.

November 1995: Browns Move to Baltimore Announced

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

1995: Fired Following the 1995 Season

After five seasons as the head coach, Bill Belichick was fired by the Cleveland Browns following the 1995 season.

1995: Dallas Cowboys' Dynasty Era

From 1992 to 1995, the Dallas Cowboys had two head coaches in the stretch they won three of four Super Bowls.

February 14, 1996: Fired as Browns Head Coach

On February 14, 1996, Bill Belichick was fired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, a week after the announcement that the team would move to Baltimore.

1996: Planned on Drafting Ray Lewis

Bill Belichick had planned on drafting Ray Lewis in the 1996 NFL Draft, but he and the team stayed in Cleveland.

1996: Served as Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Backs Coach for Patriots

In 1996, Bill Belichick served as the assistant head coach and defensive backs coach for the New England Patriots under Bill Parcells.

February 1997: Named Jets Interim Head Coach

In February 1997, Bill Belichick was named the New York Jets' interim head coach while the Jets and Patriots negotiated compensation for Bill Parcells to coach the Jets.

1999: Arranged to Succeed Parcells as Jets Head Coach

After the 1999 season, Bill Parcells arranged for Bill Belichick to succeed him as the head coach of the New York Jets.

January 4, 2000: Resigned as HC of the NYJ

On January 4, 2000, after being introduced as the head coach, Bill Belichick resigned from the New York Jets in a surprise announcement.

January 27, 2000: Accepted the head coaching job for the Patriots

On January 27, 2000, Bill Belichick accepted the head coaching job for the New England Patriots after resigning from the New York Jets after only one day.

2000: Became Patriots Head Coach

In 2000, Bill Belichick was introduced as the New England Patriots' head coach after the Patriots compensated the Jets for the right to hire him.

2000: Patriots Missed Playoffs

In the 2000 regular season, the New England Patriots went 5–11 and missed the playoffs under Bill Belichick's leadership.

2001: Patriots Won Super Bowl XXXVI

In 2001, Bill Belichick led the New England Patriots to an 11–5 regular-season record and a Super Bowl XXXVI victory against the St. Louis Rams, marking the franchise's first Super Bowl championship.

2002: Patriots Missed Playoffs

In 2002, the New England Patriots went 9–7 and missed the playoffs, finishing with the same record as the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins; the Jets won the AFC East title due to tiebreakers.

2002: Playoff Streak Ends

The 2008 season marked the first time since 2002 that the Patriots missed the playoffs.

2003: Patriots Won Super Bowl XXXVIII and Belichick Named NFL Coach of the Year

In 2003, Bill Belichick led the Patriots to a 14-2 regular season record, won Super Bowl XXXVIII, and was awarded the NFL Coach of the Year Award.

2003: Patriots win divisional title

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

2003: Named AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2003, Bill Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year, recognizing his coaching achievements for the season.

2004: Patriots Win Super Bowl XXXIX

In 2004, the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record, defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round, and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. The Patriots beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX, becoming the second team to win three Super Bowls in four years. Belichick is the only coach to accomplish this feat as of 2004.

2005: Patriots Season and Belichick's Record

In the 2005 season, with Eric Mangini as the new defensive coordinator, the Patriots went 10–6, defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round before losing to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. With a win over the Oakland Raiders, Belichick achieved his 54th win with the Patriots, becoming the winningest coach in the team's history as of 2005.

2006: Belichick and Debby Clarke divorce

Bill Belichick and Debby Clarke divorced in 2006.

2006: Patriots' Consecutive Wins

From 2006-2008, the Patriots achieved 21 consecutive regular-season wins, setting a new record.

2006: Patriots' Playoff Run

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. They lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship by a score of 38–34. The Patriots led 21–3, but the Colts mounted a comeback.

September 9, 2007: "Spygate" Incident

On September 9, 2007, during a game, a Patriots video assistant was caught taping the New York Jets' defensive signals from an unapproved location, violating NFL rules. Jets coach Eric Mangini reported the incident, leading to an NFL investigation.

2007: Belichick begins relationship with Linda Holliday

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

2007: Belichick Awarded NFL Coach of the Year

Following the "Spygate" incident in 2007, 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' Near-Perfect Season

In 2007, Belichick led the Patriots to a perfect regular season, only the fourth team to do so in NFL history, since the introduction of the 16-game season in 1978. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs but were upset in Super Bowl XLII by the New York Giants.

2007: Belichick comments on his relationship with Nick Saban

In 2007, Bill Belichick commented on his friendship with Nick Saban, noting their shared Croatian heritage within the NFL.

2007: Patriots win divisional title

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

2007: Named AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2007, Bill Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year, marking another recognition of his coaching excellence.

2008: Scott Pioli Left Patriots

After the 2008 season, Scott Pioli left the New England Patriots, ending his collaboration with Bill Belichick in managing player personnel.

2008: Brady's Injury and Playoff Miss

During the Patriots' 2008 season-opener, Tom Brady sustained a season-ending injury. Matt Cassel became the starter. The Patriots broke their own record for consecutive regular-season wins with 21 (2006–08). Despite injuries, they went 11–5 but missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002, losing on tiebreakers to the Miami Dolphins and the Baltimore Ravens.

2008: NFL Sanctions Against Belichick and the Patriots

In 2008, following the "Spygate" incident, the NFL fined Belichick $500,000 and the Patriots $250,000. The Patriots also forfeited their first-round draft pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that the fine was issued because Belichick's actions are attributable to the club.

2008: Inducted into the Wesleyan University Athletics Hall of Fame

In spring 2008, Bill Belichick was part of the inaugural induction class into the Wesleyan University Athletics Hall of Fame.

2009: Belichick Assumed Full Control of Football Operations

By 2009, Bill Belichick had assumed near-complete control over the New England Patriots' football operations, becoming the de facto general manager.

2009: Patriots win divisional title

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

2009: Patriots' AFC East Title 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: Winning Streak Interrupted

In 2018, the Patriots had a 11-5 record, for the first time since 2009 they failed to win 12 or more games.

2010: Named AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2010, Bill Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year for the third time, further solidifying his reputation as an elite coach.

2010: Patriots' Playoff Loss to the Jets

In the 2010 season, Belichick and the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record. Their postseason 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, Phillips Academy inducted Bill Belichick into its Athletics Hall of Honor, recognizing his achievements as an alumnus.

2011: Patriots Reach Super Bowl XLVI

In the 2011 season, the Patriots topped the AFC with a 13–3 record, defeated the Denver Broncos, won the AFC Championship against the Baltimore Ravens 23-20, but lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI by a score of 21–17.

September 26, 2012: Belichick Fined for Incident with Replacement Official

On September 26, 2012, Belichick was fined $50,000 for grabbing a replacement official's arm following a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He was seeking clarity on a ruling related to a field goal attempt.

2012: Sean Payton's Suspension

In 2012, New Orleans Saints' Sean Payton was suspended for the entire season for covering up a scheme involving bounties for deliberately injuring opponents.

2013: Patriots' Offensive Changes and Playoff Loss

In 2013, the Patriots began the season with many offensive changes due to injuries, arrests, and departures. They finished with a 12–4 record, won the AFC East, defeated the Indianapolis Colts, but lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.

2013: A Football Life Episode on Browns Relocation

In the 2013 episode of A Football Life on the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy, it was noted that Bill Belichick laid the groundwork for the Ravens' success and learned from mistakes made with the Browns when resurrecting the Patriots.

2014: "We're on to Cincinnati" and Super Bowl XLIX Victory

In 2014, after starting 2–2, Belichick famously said, "We're on to Cincinnati." The Patriots recorded a 12–4 record, defeated the Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs, and won Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks. Belichick tied Chuck Noll for most Super Bowl wins by a head coach as of 2014.

July 2015: Amanda Belichick becomes head 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: Patriots' Playoff Loss to Denver

In the 2015 season, the Patriots recorded a 12–4 record. They defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round but narrowly lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game by a score of 20–18.

2016: Patriots Win Super Bowl LI

In the 2016 season, the Patriots recorded a 14–2 record and earned the #1 seed. They defeated the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers in the 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 as of 2016.

2017: Patriots' Season and Super Bowl LII Loss

In the 2017 season, the Patriots went 13–3, setting an NFL record eighth consecutive 12-or-more-win seasons. They defeated the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars in the playoffs, claiming their second consecutive AFC title. The Patriots fell 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 serve on his Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.

2018: Patriots Win Super Bowl LIII

In the 2018 season, the Patriots went 11–5, captured their 10th consecutive AFC East title. They defeated the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. In Super Bowl LIII, the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3 to give Belichick his sixth Super Bowl championship as a head coach as of 2018.

May 13, 2019: Belichick assumes Patriots' defensive coordinator role

On May 13, 2019, Bill Belichick announced he would take on the role of the Patriots' defensive coordinator starting with the 2019 season.

October 27, 2019: Belichick achieves 300th win

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

2019: Patriots win divisional title

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

2019: Belichick appears on 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, where he was a voter and provided analysis.

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

As of November 28, 2020, former assistant coaches under Belichick had a combined 208-296-1 record as head coaches of their own teams.

2020: Nike's appearance during the NFL draft

In 2020, Bill Belichick's Alaskan Klee Kai dog, Nike, made an appearance on camera during the NFL draft, which led to an increase in interest in the breed.

2020: Patriots face quarterback uncertainty and a losing season

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

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 intended to award Bill Belichick the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

2021: Belichick and Hudson meet

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

2021: Belichick wins 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 drafted, Brady returns to Gillette Stadium

In 2021, the Patriots drafted Mac Jones and named him the starting quarterback after releasing Cam Newton. On a visit during week 4, Tom Brady's Buccaneers narrowly defeated the Patriots 19-17 at Gillette Stadium after a missed field goal. The Patriots finished the 2021 season with a 10-7 record before losing in the Wild Card Round.

2022: Patriots remain in playoff contention

In 2022, the Patriots remained in playoff contention despite starting quarterback Mac Jones being injured and missing several weeks, ultimately finishing with an 8-9 record.

2023: Belichick and Hudson start dating

Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson reportedly began dating in 2023.

2023: Belichick and Linda Holliday end relationship

Bill Belichick and Linda Holliday ended their relationship in 2023.

2023: Worst Loss and 300th Regular Season Win

During the 2023 season, the Patriots experienced their worst loss under Belichick to the Cowboys (38-3) and his worst home loss to the Saints (34-0). However, later in 2023, the Patriots upset the Buffalo Bills, marking Belichick's 300th career regular season win as an NFL head coach. At the end of 2023, Bailey Zappe was named starting quarterback. The team finished the 2023 season with a 4-13 record, the team's worst in Belichick's 24 seasons as head coach.

January 11, 2024: Belichick and Patriots part ways

On January 11, 2024, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots mutually agreed to part ways, ending his tenure as head coach.

May 2024: Peyton Manning praises Belichick's analytical skills

In May 2024, Peyton Manning praised Belichick's analytical skills as an analyst on "The Pat McAfee Show", citing his wit, humor, and brilliance in defense and offense.

June 3, 2024: Belichick receives Croatian citizenship

On June 3, 2024, Bill Belichick received Croatian citizenship in Zagreb and attended a football match between Croatia and North Macedonia.

June 2024: Belichick reportedly in relationship with Jordon Hudson

In June 2024, reports surfaced that Bill Belichick was in a relationship with Jordon Hudson, a former cheerleader and pageant runner-up.

December 11, 2024: Belichick named head 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 collegiate coaching role. His contract is reportedly worth $10 million annually, with guaranteed money for the first three years.

2024: Belichick joins Manningcast

In 2024, Peyton Manning announced that Bill Belichick would be joining the Manningcast, an alternate broadcast of Monday Night Football, for every broadcast of the season.

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2024: Belichick joins ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show

In 2024, after leaving the Patriots, Bill Belichick agreed to appear weekly on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show" during the NFL season. He first appeared as an analyst during the show's "5th Annual Draft Spectacular" after a guest appearance weeks prior.