History of Bill Belichick in Timeline

Bill Belichick is an 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 earned with the New England Patriots. He also secured two Super Bowl wins as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, for a total of eight Super Bowl victories as coach and coordinator. Known for his deep understanding of football history and player positions, he is often called a "student of the game". As the Patriots' head coach and de facto general manager from 2001 to 2019, Belichick was central to the team's dynasty.

Sections (5)

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

1934: Chicago Bears' Perfect Season

In 1934, the Chicago Bears recorded a perfect season. This was one of only four times in NFL history that the feat was accomplished, until the 2007 New England Patriots.

1942: Chicago Bears' Perfect Season

In 1942, the Chicago Bears recorded a perfect season. This was one of only four times in NFL history that the feat was accomplished, until the 2007 New England Patriots.

1948: Perfect Seasons in Professional Football

In 1948, the Cleveland Browns and the Calgary Stampeders recorded perfect seasons in the All-America Football Conference and the Canadian Football League, respectively. No team in the former American Football League ever had a perfect season. In 2007, Bill Belichick's New England Patriots would match that feat in the NFL.

April 16, 1952: Bill Belichick's Birth

On April 16, 1952, William Stephen Belichick was born. He is now widely 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 achieved an undefeated season, winning 14 regular season games and three playoff games, solidifying their place in NFL history. This record for consecutive wins was later broken in 2004 by Bill Belichick's New England Patriots.

1973: Miami Dolphins' Consecutive Wins

In 1973, the Miami Dolphins held the record for most consecutive wins in the NFL. The Dolphins 18 straight victories were later broken in 2004 by Bill Belichick's New England Patriots.

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 professional journey in football coaching.

1975: Earned bachelor's degree in economics

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

1975: Assistant to Baltimore Colts head coach

In 1975, Belichick took a job as an assistant to Baltimore Colts head coach Ted Marchibroda, earning $25 per week.

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 experience.

1977: Added tight ends and wide receivers to coaching duties

In 1977, Belichick added tight ends and wide receivers to his coaching duties with the Detroit Lions, broadening his responsibilities within the team.

1977: Marriage to Debby Clarke

In 1977, Bill Belichick married Debby Clarke Belichick.

January 9, 1978: Dismissed by the Detroit Lions

On January 9, 1978, Belichick was dismissed along with head coach Tommy Hudspeth and the rest of the coaching staff, marking the end of his tenure with the team.

1978: Introduction of the 16-Game Regular Season Schedule

In 1978, the NFL introduced the 16-game regular season schedule. In 2007, Bill Belichick's Patriots became the first team to achieve a perfect regular season since the introduction of the 16-game schedule.

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.

1980: Added linebackers coaching to his duties

In 1980, Belichick added linebackers coaching to his duties, expanding his responsibilities within the team.

1983: Bill Parcells Replaced Ray Perkins as Head Coach

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

1985: Became 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. In 2008, the Patriots would also miss the playoffs despite winning 11 games.

1986: Won Super Bowl XXI with the New York Giants

In 1986, the New York Giants won Super Bowl XXI, with Belichick serving as the defensive coordinator, marking a significant achievement in his career.

1990: Giants won Super Bowl XXV

In 1990, the Giants won Super Bowl XXV, with Belichick as defensive coordinator.

1991: Became 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' Dynasty Begins

In 1992, the Dallas Cowboys started a run where they won three Super Bowls in four years. Bill Belichick is the only coach to accomplish the feat as the Dallas Cowboys had two head coaches in the stretch they won three of four from 1992 to 1995.

1993: Cutting Bernie Kosar

Midway through the 1993 season, Belichick made a controversial move by cutting quarterback Bernie Kosar, which later led to Kosar winning Super Bowl XXVIII with the Dallas Cowboys as a backup.

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.

November 1995: Browns owner Art Modell announced relocation

In November 1995, Browns owner Art Modell announced he would move his franchise to Baltimore after the season, impacting Belichick's future with the team.

1995: Fired by the Cleveland Browns

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

1995: Dallas Cowboys' Dynasty Ends

In 1995, the Dallas Cowboys ended a run where they won three Super Bowls in four years. Bill Belichick is the only coach to accomplish the feat as the Dallas Cowboys had two head coaches in the stretch they won three of four from 1992 to 1995.

February 14, 1996: Fired by the Cleveland Browns

On February 14, 1996, Belichick was fired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, a week after the shift to Baltimore was officially announced.

1996: Served under Parcells again with the New England Patriots

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

1996: Planned to draft Ray Lewis

In the 1996 NFL draft, Belichick had planned on drafting Ray Lewis if he and the team had stayed in Cleveland. The newly christened Ravens did draft Lewis, who went on to a 17-year Hall of Fame career with the team.

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 Parcells.

1999: Parcells Stepped down

In 1999, Bill Parcells Stepped down as head coach of the Jets.

January 4, 2000: Resigned as HC of the NYJ

On January 4, 2000, Belichick resigned as head coach of the New York Jets, just one day after being introduced, delivering a half-hour speech explaining his resignation.

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 after resigning from the New York Jets, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

2000: Became head coach of the Patriots

In 2000, Belichick was introduced as the Patriots' head coach after the Patriots gave the Jets a first-round draft pick as compensation.

2000: Patriots missed the playoffs

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

2001: Won Super Bowl XXXVI

In 2001, the Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams, marking the first Super Bowl championship in Patriots history.

2002: Patriots missed the playoffs

In 2002, the Patriots went 9-7 and missed the playoffs due to tiebreakers, despite having the same record as the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.

2003: Named AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2003, Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year, recognizing his achievements and contributions to the sport.

2003: Patriots win divisional title

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

2003: Won Super Bowl XXXVIII

In the 2003 season, the Patriots finished 14-2 and defeated the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII, winning Belichick the NFL Coach of the Year Award.

2004: Patriots Win Super Bowl XXXIX

In 2004, the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record and defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round. They won 21 consecutive games, breaking the record previously held by the Miami Dolphins. After defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game, the Patriots won Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming the second team to win three Super Bowls in four years.

2005: Patriots' Season and Coaching Milestone

In the 2005 season, the Patriots finished with a 10–6 record, defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round but losing to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. During the season, Belichick surpassed Mike Holovak as the winningest coach in Patriots history with his 54th win.

2006: Patriots' Consecutive Wins Record

From 2006 to 2008, the Patriots set a record for consecutive regular-season wins with 21. The Patriots' winning streak ultimately ended in the 2008 season.

2006: Divorce from Debby Clarke Belichick

In 2006, Bill Belichick and Debby Clarke Belichick divorced.

2006: Patriots' Playoff Run Ends in AFC Championship

In 2006, the Patriots finished with a 12–4 record. They defeated the New York Jets and the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs but lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game after leading 21–3.

September 9, 2007: Spygate Incident

On September 9, 2007, the "Spygate" incident occurred when an NFL security caught a Patriots video assistant taping the New York Jets' defensive signals from the sidelines, which is against NFL rules. Jets coach Eric Mangini tipped off league officials, leading to the complaint.

2007: Belichick Named NFL Coach of the Year

Following the "Spygate" incident and its aftermath, Belichick led the Patriots to a perfect 16–0 regular season record in 2007. He was awarded the 2007 NFL Coach of the Year Award, as voted on by the Associated Press.

2007: Patriots' Perfect Regular Season and Super Bowl XLII Loss

In 2007, Belichick led the Patriots to a perfect 16–0 regular season, making them the fourth team in NFL history to achieve this since the introduction of the 16-game schedule in 1978. They won their first two playoff games but were upset by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII, with a final score of 17-14.

2007: Relationship with Nick Saban

In 2007, Belichick spoke about his friendship with Nick Saban.

2007: Named AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2007, Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year, recognizing his achievements and contributions to the sport.

2007: Patriots win divisional title

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

2008: Brady's Injury, Patriots' Record, and Playoff Miss

During the 2008 season, Tom Brady suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1. The Patriots set a record for consecutive regular-season wins with 21 (2006–08). Despite multiple injuries, they finished 11–5 but missed the playoffs for the first time since 2002 due to tiebreakers.

2008: Pioli left for the Kansas City Chiefs

In 2008, Scott Pioli left for the Kansas City Chiefs.

2008: NFL Fines Belichick and Patriots

In 2008, following the "Spygate" incident, the NFL fined Belichick $500,000 and the Patriots $250,000, also forfeiting their first-round draft pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Commissioner Roger Goodell cited Belichick's control over the Patriots' operations as the reason for attributing the actions to the club.

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, recognizing his contributions to the university's sports programs.

2009: Gained complete control over team's football operations

In 2009, Belichick gained near-complete control over the team's football operations as the de facto general manager after Pioli left.

2009: Patriots win divisional title

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

2009: Patriots Win AFC East, Lose in Wild Card Round

In 2009, with Tom Brady back, the Patriots won the AFC East with a 10–6 record. However, they lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.

2009: Patriots End 2018 without 12 Wins

In the 2018 season, the Patriots went 11-5, failing to win 12 or more games for the first time since 2009. Despite the decline in wins, the Patriots still captured their 10th consecutive AFC East title.

2010: Named AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2010, Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year, recognizing his achievements and contributions to the sport.

2010: Patriots' Playoff Loss to Jets

In the 2010 season, Belichick and the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record and the top seed in the AFC. However, their postseason ended with a 28–21 loss to the New York Jets in the divisional round.

2011: Inducted into Phillips Academy's Athletics Hall of Honor

In 2011, Phillips Academy inducted Bill Belichick into its Athletics Hall of Honor, recognizing his achievements and contributions to the school's athletic program.

2011: Patriots Win AFC Championship, Lose Super Bowl XLVI

In the 2011 season, the Patriots finished with a 13–3 record, topping the AFC. They won the AFC Championship against the Baltimore Ravens and advanced to Super Bowl XLVI, where they lost to the New York Giants 21–17.

September 26, 2012: Belichick Fined for Grabbing Official's Arm

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

2012: Sean Payton Suspension

In 2012, the New Orleans Saints' Sean Payton was suspended for the entire season for covering up a scheme in which bounties were paid for deliberately knocking opponents out of games. The sanctions against Belichick were the harshest imposed on a head coach in league history until the Sean Payton suspension.

2013: Episode of A Football Life on Cleveland Browns relocation controversy

In 2013, an episode of A Football Life covered the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy, highlighting how Belichick had laid the groundwork for the Ravens' success.

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2013: Patriots' Season with Offensive Changes and AFC Championship Loss

In the 2013 season, the Patriots faced offensive upheaval. They finished 12–4, winning the AFC East. They defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Round but lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.

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

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

July 2015: Daughter Amanda becomes head coach at College of the Holy Cross

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

2015: Patriots' Season Ends in AFC Championship Loss

In the 2015 season, the Patriots finished with 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 Comeback Victory

In the 2016 season, the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record. They defeated the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs before winning Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime, after being down 28–3. Belichick won his record fifth Super Bowl title as a head coach.

2017: Patriots' Season and Super Bowl LII Loss

In the 2017 season, the Patriots went 13–3, capturing their ninth consecutive AFC East title and 15th of the last 17 seasons. They won their first two playoff games before losing Super Bowl LII to the Philadelphia Eagles, 41–33.

May 2018: 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 Win Super Bowl LIII

In the 2018 season, the Patriots went 11–5 and won their 10th consecutive AFC East title. They defeated the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs before winning Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams 13–3. Belichick secured his sixth Super Bowl championship as a head coach, holding the most Super Bowl rings in NFL history with eight.

May 13, 2019: Belichick Becomes Defensive Coordinator

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

October 27, 2019: Belichick Obtains 300th Win

On October 27, 2019, Bill Belichick obtained his 300th win, combining regular and postseason games, as a head coach with the Patriots' victory over the Cleveland Browns.

2019: Analyst for NFL 100 All-Time Team

In 2019, Bill Belichick appeared as one of the main analysts for the NFL 100 All-Time Team series on NFL Network, providing analysis and breaking down highlight plays.

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2019: Patriots win divisional title

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

November 28, 2020: Poor Track Record of Coaching Tree

Through November 28, 2020, former assistant coaches under Belichick had a combined 208–296–1 record as head coaches, with many being fired midseason, indicating a poor track record for Belichick's coaching tree.

2020: Nike's Appearance on Camera

In 2020, Belichick's dog, Nike, an Alaskan Klee Kai, appeared on camera during the NFL draft, leading to increased interest in the breed.

2020: Patriots Face Uncertain Quarterback Situation and COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, after Tom Brady's departure, the Patriots faced an uncertain quarterback situation, signing Cam Newton. The 2020 off-season and regular season were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a 7–9 record, Belichick's first losing season since his first year in New England.

January 10, 2021: Trump planned 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: Initial Meeting with Jordon Hudson

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

2021: Awarded a Sports Emmy

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

2021: Mac Jones Drafted and Named Starting Quarterback; Brady Returns to Gillette Stadium

In 2021, the Patriots drafted Mac Jones and named him the starting quarterback after releasing Cam Newton. During Week 4, on 2021, Tom Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers visited Gillette Stadium, narrowly defeating the Patriots 19–17. Brady and Belichick shared an embrace after the game, and Belichick helped lead the Patriots to a 10-7 record.

2022: Patriots' Playoff Hunt

In the 2022 season, despite injuries to starting quarterback Mac Jones, the Patriots remained in playoff contention until the final week, finishing with an 8–9 record.

2023: Worst Loss and 300th Career Win

During the 2023 season, Belichick suffered his worst coaching loss to the Dallas Cowboys (38–3) and his worst home loss to the Saints (34–0). However, New England upset the Buffalo Bills, earning Belichick his 300th career regular season win as an NFL head coach. The Patriots finished the season 4-13, their worst record in Belichick's tenure.

2023: Start of Relationship with Jordon Hudson

Reportedly, Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson have been dating since 2023.

2023: Relationship with Linda Holliday Ends

The relationship between Bill Belichick and Linda Holliday ended in 2023.

January 11, 2024: Belichick and Patriots Part Ways

On January 11, 2024, Bill Belichick and the Patriots mutually agreed to part ways after a long and successful tenure.

May 2024: Peyton Manning on Belichick as an analyst

In May 2024, Peyton Manning praised Belichick's analytical skills and wit, predicting his success as an analyst based on his deep knowledge of football.

June 3, 2024: Receives Croatian Citizenship

On June 3, 2024, Bill Belichick received Croatian citizenship in Zagreb from the Croatian prime minister Andrej Plenković, and was a special guest at a football match between Croatia and North Macedonia.

June 2024: Relationship with Jordon Hudson Reported

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 North Carolina Tar Heels Head Coach

On December 11, 2024, Bill Belichick was named the 35th head football coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, marking his first coaching role at the collegiate level. His debut resulted in a 14-48 loss to TCU.

2024: Analyst on The Pat McAfee Show

In 2024, after parting ways with the Patriots, Bill Belichick agreed to appear every Monday afternoon on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show as an analyst, beginning with the "5th Annual Draft Spectacular".

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2024: Joins Manningcast

In 2024, it was announced that Bill Belichick would join the Manning brothers (Peyton and Eli) on the Manningcast, an alternate broadcast of Monday Night Football, appearing on every broadcast during the season.

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2024: Mention of Scott Pioli's salary

In 2024, the text mentions that Scott Pioli's salary as a scout was equivalent to $32,447 in 2024.

August 2025: Trademark Applications Submitted

In August 2025, Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson submitted 17 trademark applications through their company, TCE Rights Management, for phrases linked to Belichick.