11 January 2024 , 20:15
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Tom Brady has shared a heartfelt message to Bill Belichick on Instagram, following the news that the legendary coach is leaving the New England Patriots. The pair joined the Patriots together in 2000 and went on to create a winning dynasty, playing in nine Super Bowls and winning six of them.
Their successful partnership ended after the 2019 season, with Brady moving to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and winning another Super Bowl there. Meanwhile, the Patriots have struggled without their star player. Despite a disappointing season in 2023, they've secured a third-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Belichick's departure was announced on Thursday, even though he had a year left on his contract. Reacting to the news, Brady said: "I'm incredibly grateful to have played for the best coach in the history of the NFL.
"He was a great leader for the organisation, and for all of the players who played for him. We accomplished some amazing things over a long period of time, many of which will be hard to replicate. He worked every day to help us achieve the ultimate goal, in the ultimate team sport.
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"And, although we were successful, some of the greatest lessons I learned were in the moments where we faced the most challenging adversities. He set the tone for the organisation to never falter in the face of adversity, and to do what we could do, and what was in our control, which was to go out and DO OUR JOB.
"I could never have been the player I was without you. Coach Belichick. I am forever grateful. And I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose next." The future for Belichick is uncertain, but The Athletic suggests that the 71-year-old wants to continue coaching. Several NFL teams are on the hunt for new head coaches.
Brady left New England following the 2019 season (Getty)The famous Alabama Crimson Tide is also searching for a new head coach after legend Nick Saban's retirement. After losing the Rose Bowl to the eventual national champions, Michigan, the 72-year-old decided it was time to step down. Belichick has been mentioned in betting odds, but it's unclear if he would consider the role.
New England is looking for a new head coach for the first time in almost 25 years. Jerod Mayo, the Patriots linebackers coach, might get the job. People are also talking about Jim Harbaugh from Michigan, but no one knows if he'll leave his current team.
"Like I said the other day, I hope to have a future," Harbaugh commented, not giving much away about his plans. "I hope there's a tomorrow, a day after tomorrow, a next week, a next month, a next year."
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