Patriots, Bill Belichick Seem Destined For Divorce At End Of Season

The New England Patriots are hitting new lows every week of the 2023 season. In Week 5, they were dismantled once again, this time by the New Orleans Saints at Gilette Stadium by a score of 34-0. 

Boos rained down from the stands as the fans are not happy about the product on the field and it is hard to blame them. When looking at the Patriots currently, there is nothing to get excited about.

There were a lot of things accomplished in Week 5, none of which the team will be happy about. Sunday’s loss puts New England at a -69 point differential the last two games, the worst mark in franchise history over a two-game span. For the first time since 1970, the Patriots have lost two straight games by 30+ points as it was the Dallas Cowboys doing the honors in Week 4.

While the defense has struggled, the offense has been truly abysmal. For the first time since 1992, the Patriots have scored three or fewer points in back-to-back games. To top things off, quarterback Mac Jones was benched for the second straight game, as it is fair to wonder how much longer he will be the team’s starter.

A changing of the guard could be on the horizon in more ways than one. Not only is Jones playing his way out of the equation as the franchise quarterback, but Bill Belichick’s days as head coach could be coming to an end.

There were reports all offseason that the relationship between the head coach and owner Robert Kraft was deteriorating. People in Belichick’s camp believed that it was playoffs or bust for the future Hall of Famer and that anything short of a postseason berth would lead to his ouster.

Belichick is one of the most successful head coaches of all time, but the last 3+ years without Tom Brady have been rough. Any coach that is on track to miss the postseason for a third time in four years and looks to have whiffed on developing a quarterback selected in the first round is going to face the music sooner than later; even ones with six Super Bowl victories such as Belichick.

The Patriots also look to already have a successor in place. For a long time, it looked like Josh McDaniels would take over the head coaching role in New England for Belichick, but that title has been bestowed upon defensive coordinator, Jerod Mayo.

Kraft believes Mayo has the make up to be a successful head coach and many believe he is in line to be the successor. Those plans could be put into place this offseason as it is hard to imagine the Patriots firing Belichick midseason. A mutual parting of the ways or retirement from Belichick is more likely.

On pace for a 3-14 finish, the worst of Belichick’s career, it would be an appropriate time for a coaching change. Sometimes a change in leadership and voice after this long is best for everyone involved.